Master's of IVM - Canine

Learn and master integrative veterinary medicine to enhance canine patient care

Hybrid
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Program Overview

The MSIVM-C program is designed for veterinarians and veterinary students with a bachelor’s degree who would like to enhance the medical care of their patients through integrative veterinary medicine (IVM). The program will focus on acupuncture, veterinary medical manipulation (VMM), and rehabilitation. The combination of these modalities will allow the practitioner to formulate and enact comprehensive clinical plans to improve the health and well-being of their patients.

Students are encouraged to complete the MS-IVM program within 5 years. Students can expect to complete the program in 1.5 years with full-time study.

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Program Curriculum

The core courses of the MSIVM-C program include studies in acupuncture points and techniques, canine veterinary manipulation, canine rehabilitation, and integrative medical approaches in canines for internal medicine and pain management.

The courses are designed to give the student the opportunity to master unique diagnostic skills. Compared to CE courses, the Master's learning platform is more rigorous, with weekly assignments for each course.

Program Features

Program is focused on practicum; no thesis required

30 credits to earn your Master's in up to 5 years

Hybrid program - convenience of online learning plus 106 hands-on lab hours

Integrate both conventional and alternative approaches

MSIVM-C Curriculum

All MSIVM-C students must complete a minimum of 30 credit hours and meet the curricular requirements described below.

The acupuncture courses provide a foundation in TCVM and give students all the tools they need to integrate acupuncture into their practice.

This course discusses the fundamental principles of TCVM including Yin-Yang, Eight Principles, Five Elements and Zang-fu physiology and pathology. Scientific basis of acupuncture and research data are discussed as well as real-world implementation of acupuncture clinical usage including pain management, lameness, musculoskeletal disorders and osteoarthritis. Acupuncture points and techniques including dry-needling and aquapuncture are also discussed. A hands-on wet lab will be provided during the on-site portion of the class in Reddick, FL.

This course discusses in-depth traditional Chinese veterinary medical theories including Jing, Qi, Shen, Body Fluids and Blood. The unique TCVM diagnosis including tongue and pulse, Eight Extraordinary Channels and etiology and pathology are also discussed. The course provides tools and techniques on how to make a sound TCM diagnosis.

(Prerequisite or corequisite: MTM4710)

This course reviews not only the advanced acupuncture techniques including electro-acupuncture and moxibustion, but also how to approach internal medical diseases using the traditional Chinese medical modality. The material in the class introduces case examples showing how to put everything together in order to diagnose and treat liver and renal diseases, behavior and skin problems, as well as gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, and respiratory disorders. Students learn a systematic approach to the principles and practices of TCVM. Emphasis is placed on clinical application in all aspects of Five Element disorders and reproductive and endocrine diseases. Students are taught management of real-world clinical cases, tools and methods of how to promote TCVM and integrate it into daily practice.

(Prerequisite or corequisite: MTM4710, MTM4711)

The canine rehabilitation courses provide students with an understanding of canine rehabilitation and sports medicine. Students learn both the theoretical aspects of anatomy and the more practical aspects of treatment techniques.

The course provides students with a fundamental understanding of canine rehabilitation and sports medicine, canine anatomy and myology, physiology, and biomechanics while taking their existing skills and knowledge to a deeper level. Clinical assessment, goal setting, treatment planning, and outcome measurement in canine rehabilitation for common orthopedic and neurological disorders of the canine patient are covered. Students get hands-on experience palpating and treating, as well as practicing joint mobilization, manual therapy, and therapeutic exercises on live canines.

The course discusses the physical activities that are involved in different performance events and jobs, and unique aspects of working dogs from the perspective of sports medicine injury and rehabilitation. Students learn how to accurately analyze and quantify gait abnormalities and design an appropriate conditioning program. Common canine sports injuries and multimodal approach management are covered. Rehabilitation for geriatric patients, palliative and cancer care, pocket pets, wildlife and exotics, hyperbaric oxygen, regenerative therapies, and contraindications for rehabilitation therapies, and tips for creating a successful rehabilitation practice are also discussed.

(Prerequisite or corequisite: MIV4111)

In the canine medical manipulation courses, students learn about the function and manipulations of the canine musculoskeletal system.

This course discusses the fundamental principles of canine veterinary medical manipulation. Students learn the scientific basis and research data of veterinary medical manipulation, as well as real-world clinical implementation. The proper set-ups, including patient and doctor positioning, are also discussed. Hands-on wet labs are provided during the on-site week of the class.

This course discusses function and manipulations of spines, back, sacrum and pelvic, thoracic and rib; thoracolumbar/sacropelvic physiology and pathology, and gait analysis. Students learn cutaneous Innervation, neurologic exam, toenail trims, sports injuries, agility, and the Iliopsoas. How to start practice and hands-On manipulation labs in dogs are also covered.

(Prerequisite or corequisite: MIV4211)

In the canine integrative medicine courses, students get both a broad overview of different integrative medicine modalities as well a closer look into the application of integrative medicine in internal medicine and pain management.

This course addresses the fundamental principles and indications of a variety of integrative veterinary medical modalities including acupuncture, botanical, and herbal medicine, veterinary medical manipulation/Tui-na, nutrition and food therapy, physical therapy and rehabilitation, homeopathy, and homotoxicology. The general concepts of integrative veterinary medicine, including history, definitions, context, and evidence-based application are also discussed.

This course offers an overview of updates to the Western and TCVM approaches to the diagnosis and treatment of upper and lower airway disease and gastrointestinal (GI) disorders including inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and pancreatitis. Hepatitis, cholangitis, and other hepatic diseases are also discussed. Students learn how to integrate these two medical modalities for a comprehensive approach to respiratory and gastrointestinal diseases in dogs.

(Prerequisite or corequisite: MIV4001 and MTM4712)

This course offers an overview of updates to the Western and TCVM approaches to the diagnosis and treatment of renal diseases, lower urinary tract diseases (LUTD), musculoskeletal diseases, immune-mediated diseases, reproductive diseases, and endocrinal disorders. Clinical case examples of medical conditions of the endocrine and urogenital systems are also discussed. Students learn how to integrate these two medical modalities for a comprehensive approach to endocrinal, musculoskeletal, and urogenital disease in dogs.

(Prerequisite Requirement: DIV5310)

This course provides a comprehensive review of the most contemporary concepts of veterinary pain management, including neurobiological and neuropharmacological approaches, physical therapies, herbal medicine, acupuncture, and rehabilitation therapy. Applications for and principles of pain management across a broad spectrum of clinical presentations and multimodal management of complex pain syndromes in dogs, cats, and horses are provided. Relevant literature on the topic is also presented. Information on treating pain from many different perspectives is highlighted.

The Capstone is a summative assignment for students to demonstrate their knowledge and apply it to real-world problems.

Integrative Canine Medicine Capstone

(Prerequisite: completion of all 30 credit hours in MSIVM - Canine)

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Tuition & Fees

Total Tuition and Fees: $26,180 (based on 2024 tuition/fee rates)

Textbook and Supplies: $2,196

Tuition is paid at the beginning of each semester (Spring, Summer, and Fall) on a per-course basis.

Note: Students are responsible for making their own travel arrangements for any required onsite lab sessions. Associated travel costs are not included in tuition.

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Experiential Credits

Students with well-documented learning at the time of admission may earn up to 7.5 credit hours. The following certifications from Chi or equivalent institutions may be used for experiential credits:

  • CVA - 7 credit hours towards MTM4710 & MTM4712
  • CVMMP-SA - up to 6 credit hours towards MIV4211 and MIV4212
  • CCRV - up to 7 credit hours towards MIV4111 & MIV4112
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Chi CE Discount

Students who have completed the certified veterinary acupuncture* CE courses at Chi may discount MTM4711 (Acupuncture Level 2) by the amount they previously paid for up to 2 MS credit hours. The discount amount for the course will be applied in the term the course is enrolled.

*Acupuncture Deep Dive not included

Application Process

Veterinarians and current veterinary students, who have completed at least a minimum of 10 credit hours at a college of veterinary medicine, are eligible to apply to the program.

All applicants must provide the following:

  • One letter of recommendation
  • Copy of your driver's license or passport
  • The completed application form

Veterinarian applicants must provide:

  • Official transcripts of your earned Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) or equivalent

Veterinary student applicants must provide:

  • Official transcripts of your earned bachelor's degree
  • Official transcripts from your current veterinary school
  • Copy of your current veterinary school identification

International Applicants (where English is not a primary language)* must provide:

  • A minimum total score of 60 on the paper-delivered Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL PBT), or 71 on the Internet Based Test (iBT)(home edition also accepted); 6.5 on the International English Language Test (IELTS); 50 on the Pearson Test of English Academic Score Report; 100 on the Duolingo English Test; or 55 on the 4-skill Michigan English Test (MET), or 650/LP on the Michigan Examination for the Certificate of Competency in English (ECCE), or 650/LP on the Michigan Examination for the Certificate of Proficiency in English (ECPE).
  • Translated transcripts and evaluation by a NACES recognized organization

*Applicants who earned a bachelor’s degree or higher from an institution where the primary language for learning was English or are citizens of an English-speaking country are exempt

Applicants must submit their documents as well as the $120 application and registration fee. They may submit their application and payment through:

  • The application portal (click "Apply" below)
  • Email at admission@chiu.edu
  • Mail to the Chi Main Campus, 9650 W Hwy 318, Reddick FL, 32686

Chi University reviews the submitted admission documents to determine whether collectively if enrolled, applicants are a good fit for the master’s degree program and align with their academic goals. Following a comprehensive review, applicants are notified whether they are accepted into the degree program. All applications for admission are reviewed without regard to race, gender, age, religious affiliation, nationality, sexual orientation, or veterans’ status. Chi University also complies with anti-discrimination policies of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and its implementing regulations.

DEAC Disclosures

The Master's of IVM - Canine (MSIVM-C) is accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC). The Distance Education Accrediting Commission is listed by the U.S. Department of Education as a recognized accrediting agency. The Distance Education Accrediting Commission is recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).

Chi University is also an institutional participant in the SARA initiative, and approved by the Florida State Approving Agency for Veteran Education and Training.

View DEAC Student Achievement Disclosures

Florida Commission for Independent Education

The Master's of IVM - Canine (MSIVM-C) is licensed by the Florida Commission for Independent Education. Additional information regarding Chi University may be obtained by contacting the Commission for Independent Education, Department of Education, 325 West Gaines Street, Suite 1414, Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0400, toll-free telephone number (888) 224-6684.

Veterinary Acupuncture Licensure

In the state of Florida, only licensed veterinarians can perform acupuncture on animals. The Master's of IVM - Canine (MSIVM-C) does not qualify a graduate of the program to perform veterinary acupuncture without the appropriate licensure to engage in the practice of veterinary medicine in Florida.

Ready to begin?

The program will challenge you and grow you as an integrative veterinarian.

Current Master's Students