Prospective Clinical Students
St. George’s, St. Matthew’s & Ross Students


The College of Veterinary Medicine at North Carolina State University provides an educational environment that prepares students for veterinary careers that are satisfying intellectually, professionally, and financially. The College attracts a variety of a diverse group of talented students. The educational and work environment is one where everyone is treated courteously and with respect, and where integrity is expected.
We welcome the students from Ross, St. George’s and St. Matthew’s Universities as you continue your education for your clinical year. It is our goal to see that you receive clinical training that will provide the knowledge and expertise needed as you enter the veterinary medical profession.
Once an agreement has been reached between your institution and the College of Veterinary Medicine on acceptance of students, you will be notified regarding the date for orientation by Ms. Phyllis Edwards, Executive Assistant, Academic Affairs (Phyllis_edwards@ncsu.edu). An acceptance package with information you need prior to clinics will be forwarded to you.
Health Insurance
Health Insurance is the responsibility of the student. Veterinary medicine is a relatively dangerous profession, you are always at risk of injury when working with the animals, and are exposed to potential zoonotic diseases during the course of routine preclinical or clinical training. NCSU requires that all students have health insurance.
Immunization
Immunization Requirements are followed by all students at NC State University. An immunization document will be forwarded to you. For more information go to http://policies.ncsu.edu/regulation/reg-11-45-03. Click on Student Activities and Services on the left side and go to Student Health Services – Immunization Requirements (REG11.45.3). If you have any questions, please call Student Health at 919.513.3285 for further information. You must show proof of rabies vaccinations, titer or booster during the past two years before you can enter the veterinary teaching hospital for clinics. This will be addressed during orientation that is held a week before you start on clinics.
What do I wear and what supplies do I need?
This varies with each clinical rotation but some of the necessary items are short and long sleeved coveralls, 1 - 2 pairs; scrub sets, 2 - 5 pairs; lab coats, 2 - 3; thermometer, 1 - 2, fast is better to essential; stethoscope, small calculator, bandage scissors, hemostats for neurology; small notebooks; penlight; goniometer for orthopedics with Dr. Marcellin; fanny pack for anesthesia and large animal blocks; and snacks to leave in locker for late nights. During orientation you can purchase supplies from VETS (Veterinary Educational Textbooks Supplies), a not for profit, student-owned bookstore (http://clubs.ncsu.edu/vets) located on CVM's campus within walking distance of the hospital.
What is my clinical rotation schedule going to be?
You will receive an assigned schedule in your acceptance package. The schedules are formulated to balance the number of students so that your educational experience will be optimized. All students are required to take the following requirements with variation in length for each college.
- Small Animal Medicine (Internal Medicine and Community Classroom)
- Small Animal Surgery (Soft Tissue Surgery and Orthopedic Surgery)
- Food Animal Medicine
- Equine Medicine and Surgery
- Ancillary Services (Anesthesiology and Radiology)
- Pathology (Clinical Pathology and Necropsy)
Each student must complete 48 credits. Vacations are limited to 4 weeks and 8 weeks for extramural experiences. Most rotations are two weeks in length with an exception of three weeks in several. If a vacation is taken in a rotation of three weeks, that is the only vacation allowed. Extramural experiences located in the Caribbean must have prior approval by your College and the Senior Associate Dean of Academic Affairs. Students may complete an evaluated extramural experience at a private practice. The experience requires supervision and evaluation by a licensed veterinarian in good standing and the student should gain experience in diagnosis, treatment, surgery, and practice management. Other experiences may be chosen in the areas of public health, epidemiology or veterinary research. Questions about the suitability of an experience should be directed to the Acting Associate Dean of Academic Affairs, office number A-232. We will work with you once you arrive to meet your rotation requests based upon availability.
Disability Accommodations
Please contact Dr. David Bristol at david_bristol@ncsu.edu if you have a documented physical or learning disability and will be in our program.
Housing
Students on call are required to be at the college within 20 minutes of notification. You are responsible for your housing and transportation during the clinical year. Several apartment complexes are situated within a few miles of the college. If you have any questions concerning housing, please contact phyllis_edwards@ncsu.edu.
Parking
Free parking is available to the College of Veterinary Medicine in the lot highlighted in green on the campus map. The lot is accessible via Blue Ridge Road, only. Follow the pathway across William Moore Drive down the concrete pathway into the college. Parking permits "CC" may be purchased by students to park in the new deck located across from the Veterinary Teaching Hospital. Jeff Huckel, Director of Student Services, will be your contact at the CVM if you are interested in purchasing a parking permit.
Transportation
- The Wolfline shuttle bus service is available from Carter-Findley Stadium (Trinity Road) to the Veterinary Teaching Hospital. It runs every 15 minutes to the college. A schedule is available from the College of Veterinary Medicine at the receptionist's area.
- The city of Raleigh offers many modes of transportation for your convenience such as a city-wide bus system, taxi service and buses to the greater Triangle Area, Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill.
- The Raleigh-Durham International Airport and Amtrak serve this area.
Information on Raleigh
- For more information on the Raleigh area, please go to http://www.visitRaleigh.com..