Approval supports development of new Chicago College of Veterinary Medicine
Midwestern University’s Downers Grove Campus has received a significant endorsement for its proposed four-year Chicago College of Veterinary Medicine (CCVM), which will include a full teaching hospital to support hands-on clinical education for students. On November 12, 2025, the Illinois Board of Higher Education (IBHE) approved the program, authorizing the University to confer the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (D.V.M.) degree. The decision represents a major milestone as Midwestern University continues progressing toward full accreditation from the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) Council on Education.
“This approval from the IBHE is an exciting and important step in our journey to build a strong veterinary program for Illinois and the broader region,” said Coretta C. Patterson, D.V.M., DACVIM-SA, PG Cert Vet Med Ed, Dean of the proposed College. “Our goal is to prepare compassionate, highly competent veterinarians who will improve animal health, support public health, and contribute meaningfully to their communities. A four-year veterinary college, supported by a comprehensive teaching hospital, will ensure our students are fully prepared for the demands of modern veterinary practice.”
Pending accreditation approval, the first class is expected to matriculate in 2028, and a companion animal clinic is expected to open in spring 2027. The establishment of the Chicago College of Veterinary Medicine reflects the University’s commitment to meeting the growing need for skilled veterinarians who can provide comprehensive care for both large and small animals. Midwestern University has offered a D.V.M. degree on its Glendale, AZ Campus since 2012. Currently, Illinois has only one veterinary medical school, underscoring the importance of expanding educational opportunities within the state.
About Midwestern University
Midwestern University is a private, not-for-profit graduate and postgraduate institution specializing in the health sciences. The University serves more than 6,800 students across two campuses. The 105-acre Downers Grove Campus in Illinois includes seven colleges: the Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine; the College of Pharmacy, Downers Grove; the College of Health Sciences–Downers Grove Campus; the College of Dental Medicine–Illinois; the Chicago College of Optometry; the Proposed College of Veterinary Medicine–Illinois; and the College of Graduate Studies. The University also operates an 11-acre clinical campus that includes the Midwestern University Multispecialty Clinic and the future Companion Animal Clinic. The 134-acre Glendale Campus in Arizona includes eight colleges: the Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine; the College of Pharmacy, Glendale; the College of Health Sciences–Glendale Campus; the College of Dental Medicine–Arizona; the Arizona College of Optometry; the College of Veterinary Medicine-Arizona; the College of Graduate Studies; and the Arizona College of Podiatric Medicine. The campus also features five community clinics on a 40-acre clinical campus: the Midwestern University Multispecialty Clinic, Dental Institute, Eye Institute, Animal Health Institute, and Therapy Institute.
Midwestern University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, a Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. For more information, visit https://www.midwestern.edu or call (630) 515-7333. To learn more about Midwestern University Clinics, visit https://www.mwuclinics.com.