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College of Veterinary Medicine

Clinical Students from Ross University and St. George’s University

 Phone: 919.513.6262 | cvm-clinicalcoordinator@ncsu.edu

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 CVM attracts a diverse group of talented students, and the educational and work environment is one where everyone is treated courteously and with respect.

We welcome students from Ross and St. George’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 contacted by the Clinical Year Program Manager with a welcome email that includes information about your clinical orientation, building your clinical rotation schedule, and getting you activated in our campus systems.

Clinical Rotation Schedule

The Clinical Year Program Manager will work with you to schedule your required rotations prior to the start of your clinical year. The schedules are formulated to balance the number of students in each rotation so that your educational experience will be optimized.

NC State CVM’s clinical year is divided into ‘blocks’ or ‘rotations’ instead of weeks (the terms are used interchangeably). Each block indicates a course you are taking, and each block lasts 2-3 weeks total. Your clinical rotation schedule will be a blend of required rotations, elective rotations, externships and vacation blocks.

While Ross University and St. George’s University have different clinical-year rotation requirements, all students will be scheduled to take rotations that will meet the following requirements:

  • Small Animal Internal Medicine
  • 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)
  • Externships (short hands-on learning experiences arranged by the student; set-up support and guidance will be provided by the CVM)

Beyond courses that meet the required rotations, the CVM offers a variety of elective courses that allow students to tailor their clinical year experience to their area of interest and/or future career goals. Clinical-year rotations are in a variety of areas, including but not limited to: small animal specialty rotations; food animal/production animal rotations; equine surgery and medicine; epidemiology; pathology; exotics and zoological medicine.

Orientation

The Clinical Year Program Manager will schedule a multi-day orientation prior to the start of your clinical year, and details will be provided in your welcome packet. The orientation will include a tour of campus, the opportunity to shadow on a rotation, training in our hospital and campus systems, and a chance to meet and connect with other cohorts of Ross and St. George’s students who are currently at NC State CVM for their clinical year.

Health Insurance

Health insurance is the responsibility of the individual 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 and clinical training. Please note that Ross and St. George’s students are not eligible to enroll in NCSU student health insurance.

NCSU requires that all students have health insurance.

Immunization

Immunization Requirements are followed by all students at NC State University. 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.

An Immunization & Medical History Form will be emailed to you as part of your acceptance package. You are required to complete the form and retrieve all necessary documents (NOTE: your immunization records do not transfer automatically from your university. You must request a copy).

Because you will be in direct contact with animals, your rabies vaccinations must be up-to-date prior to the start of your clinical year. You must show proof of rabies vaccinations, titer, or booster during the past two years before you can enter clinics. Your Tdap and MMR vaccinations must also be up-to-date. Since you have been living in an international location for an extended period of time, you are required to have a Tb skin test (PPD or TST) that has been administered and read at an appropriate medical facility within 12 months prior to the first day of clinics. A chest x-ray is required if the test is positive.

All immunization records/forms are due by the first day of Clinical Orientation. 

Clothing and Supplies

A list of recommended supplies will be included in your acceptance package. The supplies you need will vary with each clinical rotation, but some of the necessary items are: long- and short-sleeved coveralls, 1 – 2 pairs; ciel-blue 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; fanny pack for anesthesia and large animal blocks; and snacks to leave in your locker for late nights.

During orientation you can purchase last-minute 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.

Support Systems

NC State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine offers several support systems and programs to help you succeed in your clinical year, including but not limited to:

Clinical Year Program Manager – the Clinical Year Program Manager acts as your staff advisor for your clinical year. They will help you build your clinical schedule, get you oriented to campus, and act as a resource during your clinical year.

Faculty Advisor – you will be assigned a faculty advisor based on your area of interest. Use this faculty advisor to discuss externship opportunities, career paths, and academic and career advising.

Counseling Services – the CVM has two embedded counselors who provide multiculturally affirming counseling and consultation services. Students are encouraged to use counseling to explore personal, interpersonal, academic and professional concerns that may be impacting their well-being. Counseling staff take a collaborative approach to explore and address concerns in a supportive, non-judgmental and confidential environment.

Career Services – the Career Services and Personal Development Office is committed to empowering every DVM student to flourish in work and life. Through career coaching, workshops, events, and more, they seek to ensure that DVM students have the tools and partners to navigate the transition from student to professional.

Disability Accommodations

Please contact the Clinical Year Program Manager 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 30-40 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.

Housing information

If you have any questions concerning housing, please contact the Clinical Year Program Manager.

Parking

Parking permits “CB” may be purchased by students to park in the Centennial Biomedical Deck located behind the Research Building. Students will work with the Clinical Year Program Manager and the Transportation Office to purchase.

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