Degree Program Master of Science in Veterinary Clinical Care
Build on your undergraduate training in life sciences and gain the advanced knowledge and technical skills necessary to be competent in administering routine veterinary care to cats and dogs. Designed to be completed in five semesters, your education and training include performing basic medical and surgical skills. Training also emphasizes client communication, which strengthens spectrum of care delivery.
What can I do with a Master of Science in veterinary clinical care?
The Master of Science in veterinary clinical care will equip you to pursue licensing as a veterinary professional associate (VPA) in the state of Colorado, a new role regulated by the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA).
VPAs will:
- Deliver routine care under the supervision of a licensed veterinarian
- Focus on front-line assessments, freeing up veterinarians to focus on complex cases
- Identify abnormal findings on physical examinations and diagnostic tests
- Complement and enhance the efficiency and proficiency of the veterinary healthcare team as a whole
For applicants that do not plan to practice in the state of Colorado, the scope of practice of the VPA will be defined by each state’s veterinary practice act. Many states’ veterinary practice acts have exemptions for shelters, allowing a VPA to practice in a shelter hospital.
Want to learn more about the MS-VCC program and VPA position? Complete our contact form to:
- Sign up for an upcoming group info session (3/12, 3/23, 4/8)
- Ask general questions about the program
Clinical Sciences
The Department of Clinical Sciences offers high-quality education programs for professional veterinary medical students, graduate veterinarians, and the public through the James L. Voss Veterinary Teaching Hospital, a faculty and veterinary medical center of excellence. Faculty and staff are dedicated to advanced medicine, excellent teaching, compassionate care, and discoveries benefiting the health of pets and people.
Program Highlights
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Clinically integrated curriculum
Courses emphasize applied clinical reasoning, diagnostic support, patient care coordination, surgical care, and professional communication using real-world, case-based learning grounded in small animal private practice and shelter medicine.
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Online, flexible delivery
Designed for working professionals, the first three semesters are delivered fully online using evidence-based teaching practices, allowing students to balance coursework with employment while engaging in meaningful, interactive learning experiences.
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Emphasis on communication, ethics, and professional identity
The curriculum integrates client communication, ethical decision-making, interprofessional collaboration, and wellness to prepare graduates for compassionate, sustainable careers in veterinary medicine.
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Faculty-led by veterinary clinicians and educators
Students learn from award-winning faculty with expertise in veterinary medicine, clinical sciences, anatomy, diagnostic imaging, surgery, behavior, and online education, many of whom have taught in D.V.M. programs.
“As a cattle producer, having a VPA is an exciting idea. We’re trying to catch up with a shortage in rural Colorado.”
-Dr. Jensen Stulp
Owner, Lamar Animal Medical Center, Lamar, CO
“VPAs would be wonderful for handling the second, third, and fourth puppy or kitten visits – going over behavior, nutrition, and routine exams. That frees the veterinarian to focus on what’s more critical. ”
-Dr. Paige Garnett, DABVP (Canine and Feline Medicine and Surgery)
Founder, Care Animal Hospital, Arvada, CO
“[This] program is a great opportunity for technicians who want another pathway – more career fulfillment, higher income, and the ability to stay in patient care.”
-Dr. Kerry Madole
Owner, Animal Clinic North, Northglenn, CO
Application Information and Deadlines
To apply, complete the Online Graduate Application via the Graduate School.
Admission requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree completed at an institution accredited by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation; a bachelor’s degree in science is not necessary if the prerequisite courses are fulfilled.
- Minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale; exceptions may be made for applicants in the 2.5-2.99 range (there are a few strategies to bolster an application when the undergraduate GPA is between 2.5-2.99; contact the student success coordinator for details)
- Official transcripts
- Minimum of 150 hours of verifiable post-high school veterinary work or volunteer experience at the time of application submission
- Prerequisite courses
- Summary of experience (detailed resume-style document) that describes the types of experiences you have had that relate to your goal of becoming a veterinary professional associate
- Minimum two references; one reference must be from a person who has recently supervised your veterinary experience
- Three essays, maximum of 3,000 characters each; one veterinary experience essay, one personal experience essay, and one online learning experience essay
- Application fee (the application fee covers processing for all applications regardless of admissions outcome; the fee cannot be waived and is non-refundable); the Graduate School offers application fee waivers to participants in specific, eligible programs. Learn how to apply for free.
Applications that are incorrect, incomplete, and/or have items missing at the deadline may not be included for admissions consideration.
International applicants:
Applications from international students are accepted provided they meet all admission requirements plus those regulations established by the university for foreign students. Students must also include proof of financial backing for the duration of the program.
English proficiency requirements:
- TOEFL: Minimum score of 550 (paper test), 213 (computer-based test), or 80 (internet)
- IELTS: Minimum score of 6.5
| Date | Action |
|---|---|
| April 1 | Application deadline (for Fall 2026 start date) |
Tuition and Financial Aid
Visit the Office of Financial Aid to apply for financial aid opportunities like scholarships, grants, loans, and student employment, understand tuition, fees, and the billing process, establish residency, and find other financial aid resources.
Fort Collins, Colorado
Fort Collins blends education and industry, hard work and outdoor recreation, tradition and progress. If you’re looking for a college experience with the perfect fusion of culture, opportunity and adventure, Fort Collins is where you’ll find it.
Located at the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, Fort Collins provides extensive access to hundreds of miles of trails for biking and hiking, world-class fishing and rock climbing, and camping, all in an area with over 300 days of sun per year.