Combined Clinical Pathology Residency and Ph.D.
The clinical pathology residency program is combined with a Ph.D. in pathology, training veterinarians to become successful clinician scientists and leaders in veterinary pathology with a focus on maintaining laboratory quality standards. Guided by the expertise of board-certified clinical pathologists, trainees develop robust skills in research, teaching, and diagnostic pathology through examination of bodily fluid samples. Following completion of the program, residents are eligible for the board certification examination through the American College of Veterinary Pathologists.
Program Highlights
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Specialized research training is designed to culminate in a Ph.D. in pathology
Ph.D. students present and discuss scientific findings with other graduate students and faculty at weekly research seminars, and are encouraged to attend local, national, and international research conferences.
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Microscopy seminars and rounds enhance board certification preparation and diagnostic training
Trainees present cases to peers and faculty during weekly microscopy seminars with laboratory and applied pathologists to discuss anatomic and clinical pathology cases. Interesting or controversial case materials are reviewed with the entire group of clinical pathologists during weekly rounds.
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Exceptional clinical cases boost confidence in diagnostic skills
Residents evaluate cytology and hematology samples from a wide variety of species, originating from all around the world including the United States, Canada, and Japan.
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Teaching opportunities allow for knowledge sharing
Trainees teach second-, third-, and fourth-year veterinary students through practicums and the foundation bioanalytical pathology course, and lead veterinary interns and clinical residents rotating through the Clinical Pathology Laboratory.
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Multiple course electives provide training in special interest areas
Additional courses in advanced general pathology and advanced clinical pathology provide knowledge applicable to any graduate degree in biomedical sciences and guidance for board examination study strategies.
Facilities View All
Work, teach, and learn in state-of-the-art facilities, with access to modern diagnostic and treatment technology and equipment.
Training and Experience
Trainees gain hands-on experience under the guidance of seven board-certified clinical pathologists with varied areas of expertise and research interests. Residents have the opportunity to pursue additional anatomic pathology training through elective rotations in histopathology and necropsy services, weekly necropsy rounds, and other seminars, courses, and rounds.
Clinical pathology lab responsibilities:
- Help with diagnosis of approximately 14,000 cytology cases and 18,000 hematology cases and chemistry panels per year
- Learn analytical and quality control procedures critical to running a clinical pathology laboratory
- Become familiar with the utility and functions of automated laboratory equipment
Research Opportunities
There are many graduate research course opportunities in the areas of:
- Arthropod-borne infectious disease
- Bacteriology and virology
- Cancer biology
- Epidemiology of natural diseases
- Immunology
- Inherited metabolic disease
- Molecular diagnostics
- Mycobacterial diseases
- Obesity and co-morbidity
- Prion biology
- Retrovirus pathogenesis/therapy
- Toxicology
Training grants
Students may be eligible to earn grant funding and additional hands-on research experience by participating in a research training opportunity funded by the National Institutes of Health:
Career Opportunities
The clinical pathology residency program equips trainees with essential experience valued by a variety of employers, including:
- Academic institutions
- Biotechnology companies
- Chemical companies
- Diagnostic laboratories
- Government regulatory agencies
- Government research institutions
- Military
- Pharmaceutical industry
- Veterinary practices
Application Information and Deadlines
To apply, complete the Online Graduate Application via the Graduate School. Select “Pathology (Ph.D.)” as the application program and list Clinical Pathology as the Area of Study. Early submission is encouraged.
The application fee does not need to be paid at time of submission, but will be required if you are selected for a position. Because this is a fall-start only program, if you select a summer start your application will not be reviewed.
GRE scores are not required and will not be considered if voluntarily submitted.
Proof of financial support and a pre-identified faculty sponsor for international applicants are required.
| Date | Action |
|---|---|
| Late August | Application Opens |
| October 1 | Application Deadline |
Contact Us
Have questions about the clinical pathology residency program, minimum requirements, application process, or compensation and benefits? Fill out the contact form to get in touch with our program staff.
Compensation and Benefits
Residents receive a stipend and full tuition coverage. For more information about Colorado State University employee benefits, visit the Human Resources website.
Fort Collins, Colorado
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