A graduate certificate or diploma (the terms are used interchangeably in North America) in veterinary medicine denotes specialization in a sub-field or discipline of veterinary medicine gained through intensive graduate-level study. As such, it supplements an already established area of expertise (in veterinary medicine or not related to the field) and adds value to a previously earned Bachelor's or graduate degree. Delivered in various formats from residential to online, graduate certificates in veterinary medicine comprise 4 - 6 courses (typically 12 - 18 credit hours) taken in a prescribed sequence at the graduate level.
The concurrent graduate certificate or diploma in veterinary medicine allows students currently enrolled in a Master's or Doctoral degree program in the field to pursue an in-depth exploration of one aspect of their field.
The stand-alone, direct-entry graduate certificate/diploma program in veterinary medicine provides an opportunity for graduate-level study of theory and research to students who are not interested in pursuing a full graduate degree. This could include professionals with a Bachelor's degree working in the field or anyone who does not have the time or interest in a traditional graduate program in veterinary medicine. Then too, some students who take the stand-alone certificate already have a graduate degree and use their certificate to augment a particular area of interest.
A selection, but not inclusive list, of graduate certificates/diplomas in veterinary medicine includes
Graduate Certificate in Aquatic Animal Health
Graduate Certificate in Food Animal Veterinary Medicine
Graduate Certificate in International Veterinary Medicine
Graduate Certificate in Management and Community Practice
Graduate Certificate in Physical Therapy for Large Animals (horses)
Graduate Certificate in Small Animal Surgery
Graduate Certificate in Veterinary Homeland Security
Graduate Certificate in Veterinary Public Health
