Master of Veterinary Medical Technology

Master of Veterinary Medical Technology (MS VMT)

The Richard A. Gillespie College of Veterinary Medicine is introducing the Master of Veterinary Medical Technology (MS VMT) program beginning in fall 2026. The program is designed to meet the needs of career advancement and enhanced training for licensed veterinary technicians.

Mission Statement

The mission of the Master of Science in Veterinary Medical Technology (MS VMT) program at Lincoln Memorial University-College of Veterinary Medicine is to provide advanced academic learning in veterinary technology through graduate coursework to prepare graduates for advanced veterinary nursing careers. The mission is achieved by:

• Graduating students with a Master of Science in Veterinary Medical Technology degree
• Enhancing the learning of licensed technicians through evidence-based medicine, advanced patient care management, and specialized veterinary technology and nursing skills
• Providing preparation for advancing patient care and extended care of the veterinary health care team

MS VMT Program Overview

The MS VMT offers veterinary technicians exciting career growth opportunities, enabling them to transition into advanced, skills-focused, or leadership roles within the veterinary industry. Designed with 100% online flexibility, the program is ideal for working professionals who wish to further their education while maintaining their careers. Students gain specialized knowledge in evidence-based medicine, patient care management, and the latest veterinary technology trends, equipping them with the advanced expertise needed to excel in the dynamic field of veterinary healthcare.

This program currently does not lead to additional licensure qualifications.

MS VMT Admissions Standards and Application Process

Admissions Standards

All applicants to the MS VMT must:

• Hold a bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) from an accredited college or university
• Be a credentialed veterinary technician with proof of licensure*
• Minimum 2.80+ GPA** 
   

The LMU-CVM MS VMT Program Director and Graduate Admissions Committee may recommend applicants with exceptions to these admissions requirements subject to the LMU-CVM Dean who has final approval.

*Applicants who meet all other admissions criteria but work in a state that does not provide veterinary technician credentialing may contact CVMGradPrograms@LMUnet.edu for eligibility.

**Applicants with a cumulative GPA below 2.8 may be considered for the program but will be admitted under automatic academic probation for their first semester. 

Required Prerequisite Coursework

All applicants to the MS VMT program must demonstrate successful completion of the following required prerequisite coursework before their intended starting semester with a course grade of C+:

Required Application Materials

To apply to the MS VMT program, the following must be completed and/or submitted:

1. PostbacCAS Application
2. Official transcripts from all institutions attended

• Foreign transcripts, including from previous DVM programs, must be evaluated by World Education Services (WES) or Josef Silney & Associates, Inc. before submission.
• Transcripts from Ross University’s DVM program can be ordered directly from the institution without a transcript evaluation service
• All final grades on foreign transcripts will be included in the final GPA

3. Two (2) letters of recommendation from individuals with knowledge of the applicant’s work and ability and can, therefore, evaluate their potential for success in this graduate program
4. One (1) personal essay (500 words) that professionally articulates a response to the following prompts: Why do you feel the MS VMT program is the next step in your career, and what do you hope to contribute to your field after graduation? Please include specific examples from your career and/or education to support your response.
5. One (1) problem-solution essay (500 words) that professionally articulates a response to the following prompt: What do you see as primary barriers to technician utilization and technician retention in the veterinary profession? How do you feel technicians could be better utilized within the current scope of practice?
6. Application Fees (PostbacCAS)
7. Curriculum Vitae (CV) 
8. Proof of Veterinary Technician Licensure or Credentials 

Previous DVM Enrollment

In addition to the admissions standards listed above, any applicant who has previously been enrolled in a DVM program must provide transcripts and a letter of explanation describing their discontinuation in the DVM program to be eligible for the MS VMT.

Application Process & Notifications

MS VMT Academic Progress, Standards, and Policies

Requirements for Graduation

Successful completion of an MS VMT requires

• Completing a minimum of 30 credit hours
• Completing all degree requirements with a > 2.85 overall GPA

Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy

Any MS VMT student found to have performed below a 2.85 GPA in a semester will be placed on academic probation for the following semester and may remain on academic probation until their cumulative program GPA meets the standard.

MS VMT Curriculum

The Master of Veterinary Medical Technology (MS VMT) is a fully online, asynchronous program available on a full-time or part-time basis, requiring 30 graduate credit hours to earn a Master of Science (M.S.) degree. These credits include core (24) and elective (6) credits. The program may be completed in 3 consecutive semesters.

Enrollment Status as Determined by Credit Hours

Full-time status is a minimum of nine (9) graduate credits in a Fall or Spring semester. Part-time status is anything less than nine (9) graduate credits in the Fall or Spring semester.

Students must be registered for a minimum of six (6) credit hours to qualify for financial aid. Contact the Office of Student Financial Services for more information if necessary.

Master of Veterinary Clinical Care-Small Animal (MVCC-SAM) Pathway Admissions

Applicants who qualify for the MVCC-SAM Pathway are automatically enrolled in the Master of Science in Veterinary Medical Technology (MS VMT) program. The MS VMT serves as a prerequisite for matriculation into the MVCC-SAM program and satisfies the first 30 credits of the MVCC-SAM degree. To gain admission to the MVCC-SAM, students must satisfy the following requirements in their final year of study in the MS VMT program:

• Maintain a minimum 3.00 GPA
• Complete a phone interview with the MVCC-SAM Program Director
• Submit an updated CV and proof of licensure to the CVM Office of Graduate Programs
• Submit one (1) letter of recommendation to the CVM Office of Graduate Programs

Applicants who meet these standards will receive a provisional acceptance into the MVCC-SAM program contingent on their successful completion of the MS VMT degree.

Maximum Timeframe for Program Completion

MS VMT students must complete their studies within five (5) years after initial registration.

Extensions for any program completion timeframes require approval of the MS VMT Program Director and the LMU-CVM Dean. The student bears the ultimate responsibility for ensuring completion of all degree requirements.