In the fall of 2022, the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine launched a new Certificate in Veterinary Business and Management, providing veterinary students an opportunity to pursue advanced training in business and management disciplines.

“The new Certificate in Veterinary Business and Management is an important step in realizing Cornell’s strategic priority to establish the Cornell Center for Veterinary Business and Entrepreneurship (CVBE) to strengthen veterinarians’ business and management skills,” says Lorin D. Warnick, D.V.M., Ph.D. ’94, the Austin O. Hooey Dean of Veterinary Medicine. “I look forward to seeing the impact this new certificate program will have on the careers of our graduates and the positive influence they in turn will have on the larger veterinary profession.”

Created by Jorge Colón ’92, D.V.M. ’95, an associate professor of practice​ with the CVBE who holds an M.B.A. from Colorado State University, the certificate program is designed to give graduates the skills needed to succeed in any veterinary field. “Mastering financial and business skills is necessary for all veterinarians, even if you aren’t a business owner,” says Colón. “This certificate will help our graduates succeed in any workplace and equip them to lead the profession into new frontiers.”

The certificate program consists of eight elective courses in six focus areas: Financial literacy, professional development, financial management, organizational management, personal development and entrepreneurship. After meeting these course requirements, eligible students will complete a capstone experience, in which they apply their business and management knowledge to a real-world veterinary project.

“The Capstone Project will provide a living lab experience for students, with opportunities to work on business projects in our teaching hospitals and with our corporate partners, to strengthen creative problem-solving skills and to gain valuable real-life experience working in multidisciplinary and diverse teams,” says Colón.

Completed capstones will consist of a written report and presentation, as well as an updated ePortfolio, a digital document that allows students to showcase their interests and skills to potential future employers.

Third-year student Elena Bettale, D.V.M. ’24, is excited to pursue this new offering at the college. “I am beyond excited to finally have the opportunity to hone my business knowledge in a way that is relevant and appropriate for the veterinary profession,” she says. “The official proof of a certificate will not only boost the beginning of my career as I search for my first job, but the skills I acquired will benefit me in the long run when I hopefully have my own clinic one day.”

The creation of this certificate program will help Cornell graduates maximize their future success. “There’s a huge push in the veterinary profession to reduce the debt-to-income ratio, and most of the focus is on reducing the debt side of that equation,” says David Lee ’88, D.V.M. ’94, M.B.A. ’99, associate dean for external programs and director of the CVBE. “This program supports both sides. Not only does it teach our students to be fiscally knowledgeable, it also increases their value in the marketplace, helping them to earn more at whatever position they choose.”

For more information, please contact the CVBE at cvm-cvbe@cornell.edu.

Written by Lauren Cahoon Roberts