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College of Veterinary Medicine

Special Topics Rotations

What is a Special Topics Rotation?

Special Topics rotations are 4th-year rotations intended to allow students, under the supervision and guidance of a member of the CVM faculty, to engage in experiences that are not otherwise offered as a rotation as part of their clinical year. These rotations are only available to NCSU CVM students in their clinical (4th) year.

These experiences are arranged by or in consultation with a member of the CVM faculty. There is no set list of formal special topics experiences, as they are designed to be created between the student and faculty member and are focused on the student’s interest.

The Special Topics rotation is a targeted clinical or professional experience based on a specific skill or professional goal (e.g., completing a training/certificate program, developing additional skills, expanding clinical knowledge in a particular area of veterinary medicine, etc.). Performance is evaluated by the advising faculty member based on the specific goals and in consultation with the site.

How to Schedule a Special Topics Rotation

There are two Special Topics rotation options:

  1. VET 973: Clinical Year Special Topics (at NCSU)
  2. VET 974: Clinical Year Special Topics (off-campus)

If a student is interested in scheduling a Special Topics rotation, they will want to identify 1) the specific skill or professional goal they want to pursue and 2) the CVM faculty with whom they wish to work. Once the faculty member has confirmed and the project is agreed upon, they will need to complete the appropriate paperwork (linked above for either VET 973 or VET 974).

During Preferencing: if the student is setting up the Special Topics rotation during their Clinical Scheduling Process in the fall of their 3rd year, they will Preference the Special Topics rotation like they do other electives. They will then need to submit the completed Special Topics form by the deadline indicated by the Clinical Year Program Manager (TBD).

During the Clinical Year: if the student’s clinical year has already begun and they are setting up the Special Topics rotation, they will need to complete the appropriate Special Topics form and then complete a Block Change to add it to their schedule.