Vet School, The Filipino Way: A Look at the DVM Program

In the Philippines, Doctor of Veterinary Medicine is still a 6-yr degree program comprising of general education, foundation, and core courses. The information in this article is according to CHED and based mostly in the curriculum of UP CVM but if you have any additional information, feel free to leave a comment.

As mandated by CHED, 221 units are the minimum requirement for DVM curriculum. Different institutions have their own requirement, but core or veterinary courses should be 173 units. Some universities might require higher total number of units on top of the 173 units.

Despite having K-12 curriculum, the DVM program across the Philippines is still a 6-year program. In the case of UPLB, the DVM curriculum was added with new DVM courses while other GE subjects were eliminated. Also, the Pre-Vet program was removed.

Since 2018, all veterinary schools in the Philippines have removed the Pre-Veterinary Medicine phase from the DVM curriculum following the implementation of K–12. It is the old curriculum in DVM where students are required to finish 2 years of non-veterinary courses. The foundation courses are taught during the Veterinary Proper years (3rd to 6th).

Here are the courses that make up the DVM program:

Yes, like the medicine programs, DVM curriculum is made up of courses in

To those who still question why veterinarians deserve to be called “Doctors”—remember, we study everything from physiology to pharmacology, master multiple species, and face board exams just like any medical professional. That “DVM” after our name isn’t honorary—it’s earned through sleepless nights, countless labs, and real-world clinical training.

Some unique courses include Zootechniques which tackle farm animal management and production.

Foundation courses are the subjects that provide basic scientific and technical groundwork before diving into specialized veterinary courses. Basically, it will make you appreciate further the higher courses. In the DVM curriculum, foundations courses are the Chemistry Series (University Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Biochemistry), and Biostatistics.

General Education (GE) courses are subjects designed to provide students with a broad, well-rounded education beyond specialized field. They aim to develop critical thinking, communication skills, ethical reasoning, and an understanding of culture, history, and society. One of the required GEs is the Life and Works of Jose Rizal.

Six years is no joke—especially here in the Philippines, where the rising cost of education is a reality we all face. Kailangan nating makagraduate agad, makahanap ng trabaho, at makapag-ambag sa pamilya. The 173 core veterinary courses demand not only time and resources, but also sheer grit and determination. Totoo—delays are common in this program. But vet schools across the country are also filled with students who, despite everything, continue to carry their hopes and dreams of earning that DVM title.