Our UF DVM Certificate Program
This certificate is intended for veterinary students enrolled at the UF College of Veterinary Medicine who want an introduction to the specialty of aquatic animal medicine. The coursework and externships associated with this program allow students to develop a broad foundation of knowledge in health issues related to aquatic invertebrates, fish, amphibians and reptiles, birds, and marine mammals. Guidance from program faculty and assigned mentors will assist the students in clarifying career goals and pursuing appropriate paths to achieve these goals. Students who successfully complete this program will receive a certificate that documents their concentrated training in aquatic animal medicine during their DVM curriculum. This certificate will signify the newly graduated veterinarian’s understanding of basic aquatic animal health concepts and increase their likelihood of success in aquatics internships and residencies as well as entry level veterinary positions that include aquatic animal care.
UF AAM Certificate Details (Updated May 2024)
Students must be enrolled in the UF DVM program to apply!
Interested UF DVM students should fill out an application to participate in the certificate program, due March 31st annually.
Timeline Form (Updated March 2023)
Requirements for Completion
The successful student in this program will be required to complete a total of 15 credits: 9 credit hours of a core curriculum in aquatic animal medicine and 6 credit hours from a list of elective courses.
Core Curriculum
- FAS VEM5374 Diseases of Warm Water Fish (Summer, 3 credits, letter grade)
- VEM 5378 SeaVet Clinical Training (Summer, 3 credits, pass/fail, additional lab fees apply)
- VEM 5931 Topics in Aquatic Animal Health (1 credit (max 3 credits), pass/fail)
- VEM 5892 Externship (2 credits(max 6 credits), pass/fail)
Elective Courses
- VEM 5373 Manatee Health and Conservation (Summer, 2 credits, letter grade)
- VEM 5371 Aquatic Animal Conservation Issues (Fall, 2 credits, letter grade)
- VEM 5372 Aquatic Wildlife Health Issues (Spring, 2 credits, letter grade)
- VEM 5374 Sea Turtle Medicine and Rehabilitation (Spring, 3 credits, letter grade)
- FAS 5015 Aquaculture I (Fall, 3 credits, letter grade)
- FAS 6256 Introduction to Fish and Aquatic Invertebrate Histology (Spring, 3 credits, letter grade)
- VEM 5377 Marine Mammal Medicine (Fall, 1 credit, pass/fail)
- VEM 5991 Individualized Investigation (2 credit, letter grade)
- Scientific Conferences (Max 2 credits)
In unusual circumstances, other elective courses may be permitted upon approval by program coordinator. Contact Dr Larkin – ivlarkin@ufl.edu
Need help keeping track of your AAM Certificate credits? Check out this zoom timeline overview by Dr Larkin.
Current Students
Marine Mammal Externship/ Research Financial Support
Currently Available!
Students who are involved in marine mammal research or who are completing veterinary externships at facilities or institutions with marine mammals are welcome to apply for funding assistance through the Aquatic Animal Health Program. Applicants are expected to have career goals pertaining to aquatic animal medicine, have good references and reports from externship mentors, and demonstrate financial need. Applications are accepted on December 10th or April 20th of each academic year. Please see the attached application for more information.
