What is this program?
The UF Veterinary Shelter Medicine Online program is offered through the Maples Center for Forensic Medicine in partnership with the University of Florida’s College of Veterinary Medicine. The certificate consists of 5 fully online courses, and it can be completed in as little as 1 year.
Why a Graduate Certificate?
The Graduate Certificate is a way to gain credentials and learn about the growing field of shelter medicine. It is made up of 5 courses:
| Course # | Course Name | Credits | Type | Fall | Spring | Summer |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| VME6810* | Integrating Veterinary Medicine with Shelter Systems* | 3 | Core | X | X | X |
| VME6811 | Shelter Animal Physical Health | 3 | Core | X | X | |
| VME6813 | Behavioral Health for Shelter Dogs and Cats | 3 | Core | X | X | |
| VME6815 | Animal Shelter Population Management by the Metrics | 3 | Core | X | X | |
| VME6816 | The Role of the Animal Shelter in Protecting Community and Public Health | 3 | Core | X | X |
You will learn how to make evidence-based population management decisions, manage infectious diseases, prevent animal homelessness, and expand your knowledge base as a compassionate animal welfare professional.
Credits from the Graduate Certificate in Shelter Medicine can be transferred toward UF’s online Master of Science in Shelter Medicine—if admitted. In order to transfer credit, you must complete maintain a B average or higher in each course.
Note: Students are expected to maintain a 3.0 GPA in the program
Who is this program for?
This graduate certificate is beneficial for:
- Veterinary students
- Veterinarians
- Veterinary technicians
- Shelter operations staff
- Animal welfare professionals
- Shelter volunteers
Why Shelter Medicine?
Shelter Medicine is a new specialty area recognized by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). The current demand is great for knowledgeable veterinarians and other animal welfare professionals to address the myriad of issues facing animal shelters. Few opportunities currently exist for students to immerse themselves in graduate-level coursework within this emerging area of expertise.
You can continue your education in shelter medicine with the University of Florida. You can also transfer credits from the Graduate Certificate toward the Master’s Degree in shelter medicine, if admitted.
How much does it cost?
The tuition is $525 per credit hour plus fees. The approximate cost to complete the graduate certificate is $7,875.
Click here to learn more about tuition.