About the Program

IBVEP stands for Idaho Bovine Veterinary Experience Program.  There is a growing national demand for veterinarians who wish to work with cattle.  IBVEP is designed to expose students to commercial dairy and cattle operations by working with veterinarians in a dairy or cattle operation. This allows the student to gain a working knowledge of cattle operations and dairies, as well as for possible mentorship relationships as animal veterinarians. Since most veterinary students do not come from agricultural backgrounds, exposure to animal agriculture and the veterinarians working with cattle creates awareness of new career possibilities. The College of Veterinary Medicine uses the program to increase the number of students choosing to work with cattle following graduation, and to better prepare veterinary students for their career working with livestock. 

Who can apply?
Any first or year veterinary student in the College of Veterinary Medicine, at WSU, may apply.

What is the amount of the scholarship?
The scholarship is $2500 for six (6) weeks of participation. DVM students must be in good academic standing to receive the scholarship.

How much time is required?
Participants are exposed to working with a commercial cattle operation, such as a dairy, for 5 or more continuous weeks.  The dates are flexible, and are arranged to be mutually convenient for the livestock operation and the student. This is considered a full-time position which will involve 40 hours +/- per week.

What will the student do in the first year?
The student will work with the owner or herdsman to learn about the major jobs on the facility, by working at those jobs.  On a dairy the areas of training would include delivering calves, raising calves, milking cows, feeding cows, breeding cows, treating sick cows, record keeping, and working with the veterinarian during his/her visits.  The student normally works 5 to 5 ½ days a week by agreement with the manager.

Where does the student live?
Some dairies have free housing suitable for the student.  Students also may live at home or with a friend or relative if they live near a participating dairy.  For those students near Caldwell Idaho the Caine Veterinary Teaching Center has housing available for a nominal fee, a faculty member will help you make contacts for housing.  Meals are the responsibility of the student.

What does the student do if she/he continues in the program a second year?
Students continuing in the program, or students who are new to the program but have extensive experience on a commercial cattle operation, are paired with a veterinary practice involved with cattle production medicine.  They go on daily calls with one or more veterinarians, and gain valuable experience.  Veterinarians serve as role models and many students develop a lasting professional relationship with their mentors.  As in the first year, a $2500 scholarship is awarded for six (6) weeks or more of participation.

When should you apply?
You should apply as early as possible.  Applicants to the College of Veterinary Medicine will receive application information in early January.  Students will be notified about there application as soon as possible to allow for planning.

First and second year veterinary students at WSU should apply by January 15.  Students continuing in the program, who participated in a previous summer, are automatically accepted if they apply.