Montana State University and the University of Idaho are partners with Washington State University in its Regional Program in Veterinary Medical Education to serve the states of Washington, Idaho, and Montana

We serve students with interests in all facets of the veterinary profession, whether they are interested in companion animals, horses, livestock, private practice, industry or academia. The opportunities available in the regional program prepare graduates for entry into any of the exciting dimensions of veterinary medicine.

Up to 16 students spend their first year in Bozeman at Montana State University. MSU faculty members teach the first-year curriculum including Anatomy, Histology, Physiology, Neurology, Immunology, Nutrition, General Pathology, Professionalism and Ethics, Introduction to Clinics, and Introduction to Surgery. 

Classroom and clinical studies continue in years 2 and 3 on WSU’s Pullman campus. In the 4th year, students have the opportunity to learn over a wide network of clinical placements throughout the region.

Please see our prospective student website for more information.

Program Benefits

Small Classes, Big Network

The small class sizes at MSU provide personalized attention to student success while offering the same opportunities for professional growth and skill development to all students across the Regional Program.

  • Our small class size provides a friendly atmosphere and allows you to get to know your professors with one-on-one instruction.
  • Students at MSU learn with faculty and classmates in Bozeman, as well as with faculty and classmates in Pullman through faculty and student exchanges, video conferencing, and lectures.
  • Montana students have access to all other major educational sites in the network, including programs in Seattle, Spokane, Pullman, Boise, and more. They also have access to an array of research opportunities throughout this network.

Hands-on Experience

Students gain hands-on experience early in the program. Courses in communication, diagnostics, and business give our students the tools they need to succeed.

  • Local practitioners provide hands-on experience for students on the MSU campus, and at local clinics, livestock facilities, and ranches.
  • Specialists in internal medicine, pathology, radiology, surgery, lab medicine, and clinical practice enrich the first-year curriculum.
  • All students participate in the Cougar Orientation Leadership Experience (COLE), a retreat designed to promote leadership and team building. COLE brings students together to set the foundation for cooperation.
  • The Pullman faculty encourages students to get all they can out of time spent in the Veterinary Teaching Hospital and with faculty on educational trips outside of the program.
  • As part of the Regional Program, Montana students have more choices to study in a network of clinical sites throughout the region, as we add more practices and facilities to our curriculum.