DOCTOR OF VETERINARY MEDICINE
ADMISSIONS
Why
NC State? The College of Veterinary Medicine at NC State University attracts a diverse group of compassionate and intellectually gifted individuals, who work together in a culture of collaboration to improve the health and well-being of animals and humans in the veterinary profession.
“Highly ranked in the nation and one of the only teaching programs that offers an on site teaching animal unit that operates as a working farm.�
MISSION DRIVEN As a land-grant institution, the College of Veterinary
U.S. News and World Report ranks NC State’s College of Veterinary Medicine as one of the top four veterinary colleges in the nation.
Medicine is dedicated to working with the community and sharing knowledge to tackle the challenges in animal care and health. We are not only training excellent veterinarians but are cultivating research-minded scientists. The College of Veterinary Medicine is leading the way with a strategic plan that values the diversity of ideas as well as people. The admitted class of 2019 set a record as the most diverse class in the history of the CVM, with twenty-eight percent of the students identifying as underrepresented minorities. Our recruiting efforts have proved to be successful as we strive to attract students from all backgrounds.
AN AFFORDABLE EDUCATION As one of the highest ranked veterinary programs in the nation, the College of Veterinary Medicine has the lowest in-state tuition of any U.S. DVM program. Out-of-state students have the ability to apply for residency for tuition purposes after completing their first year. DVM students can apply for scholarships and financial aid to help cover the cost of tuition. Thanks to the generosity of alumni and donors, we are able to provide endowed scholarships to our students to help offset the cost of their DVM education.
“Our mission is to enhance animal and human health through innovative discovery and education.�
SPECIALIZED LEARNING AND EXPERIENTIAL TEACHING
eighty acre farm, known as the Teaching Animal Unit
With a curriculum that focuses on specialized
technology. The TAU is consistently ranked as one of
learning, our students are able to pursue their
the most popular activities for our students.
(TAU). All DVM students get hands-on instruction and exposure to basic agriculture principles and farm
passion. By choosing one of our ten focus areas, as a DVM student, you are able increase your depth of
Access to cutting-edge technology gives our faculty
training in your intended area while still obtaining
and students the opportunity to conduct solution
a broad based veterinary education. For students
oriented research and discover new approaches in
wanting to expand their knowledge beyond the DVM
advancing animal and human health.
program, we offer two dual degree programs: DVM/
The NC State Veterinary Hospital is one of the
MBA and DVM/PhD. The DVM/PhD in Comparative
nation’s highest rated veterinary medical complexes.
Biomedical Sciences provides students with a
The hospital is comprised of three centers: The
multidisciplinary research program.
Randall B. Terry Companion Animal Veterinary Medical Center, The Veterinary Health and Wellness Center,
As only one of thirty colleges of veterinary medicine in the United States, NC State’s CVM operates an
and The Equine and Farm Animal Veterinary Center.
FOCUS AREAS
The clinical program at NC State Veterinary Medicine provides a heavy emphasis on “hands-on” clinical practice and is demanding both physically and mentally. Students select “focus areas” to increase their depth of training in their intended area of post-graduate activity, while obtaining a broad based veterinary education.
CLINICIAN SCIENTIST Provides veterinary students with research opportunities that combine clinical and basic science. Beneficial to those students who wish to pursue careers in basic science, as well as those who are interested in pursuing an academic career as a veterinary specialist.
SMALL ANIMAL PRACTICE Combines many elements of veterinary medicine, including surgery, dermatology, neurology, oncology, ophthalmology, clinical and anatomic pathology, diagnostic imaging, anesthesia, nutrition, behavior, and practice management. Small animal general practitioners and specialists are employed in private practice, academia, and industry.
SMALL AND EXOTIC ANIMAL For students seeking to emphasize training in exotic animal practice. Exotic animal species include birds, small mammals and reptiles. A variety of other species, including wildlife, fish, and other vertebrate and invertebrate species are also seen. Most exotic animal species are seen as part of a small animal practice or specialized exotic animal practice.
EPIDEMIOLOGY, PUBLIC HEALTH, AND PUBLIC POLICY Involves identifying significant factors for the prevention and control of infectious and chronic diseases in animals, hazards to human health from animal origin, global health, and developing regulatory policy and standards for veterinary medicine.
EQUINE PRACTICE Designed to prepare students for entry level equine practice. Students will have the opportunity to learn about colic and digestive diseases, ophthalmology, reproduction, and equine sports medicine.
FOOD ANIMAL Focused on skills needed to be successful and influential in modern food animal production. The scope of training and careers range from private practice, incorporated farm operations, government or corporate jobs and companies.
MIXED ANIMAL PRACTICE Designated for the student who would like to have a broad clinical education. Students gain experience with many species of animals through clinical rotations in a variety of areas.
LABORATORY ANIMAL MEDICINE Combines many elements of veterinary medicine, including clinical medicine, surgery, pathology, regulatory compliance, facilities and personnel management, and research. Laboratory animal veterinarians are employed in academia, industry and government.
PATHOLOGY Allows the student extra time to prepare for one of two specialty areas: clinical pathology and anatomic pathology. This career path requires advanced training and board certification. Pathologists examine tissue samples, check the accuracy of lab tests, and interpret the results to facilitate a patient’s diagnosis and treatment.
ZOOLOGICAL MEDICINE Encompasses the practice of medicine and surgery in nontraditional species, including exotic animal private practice, aquatic animal medicine, wildlife medicine, and zoo practice. Combines many elements of veterinary medicine, from preventative medicine and surgery, to pathology and regulatory compliance.
“Throughout my time here I felt like my class became a part of my family.” Dr. Rob Loose CVM Graduate, Class of 2015
In-depth communication training STRONG SUPPORT SYSTEM
throughout the DVM curriculum
The faculty and staff at the College of Veterinary
provide students tools for success.
Medicine believe in supporting the well-being of veterinary students. With a full-time Clinical Psychologist on staff, we are able to address the needs of our DVM students. In order to help our newly admitted students transition into the professional program, first year students are paired with a second year mentor. Students are also assigned a faculty advisor who is responsible for introducing the student to veterinary medicine, advising for selective and elective courses, and assisting with focus area selection. Our newly added Career Services Office is a great resource for preparing students for career and professional development. With workshops and resume assistance, our students are being well-prepared for the work force.
ADMISSION TO THE DOCTOR OF VETERINARY MEDICINE PROGRAM The criteria for admission to the College of Veterinary Medicine are determined and reviewed periodically by the Dean and the Faculty Committee on Admissions. The Admissions Committee is comprised of faculty from the College of Veterinary Medicine with representatives from other NC State University colleges, the North Carolina Association of Minority Veterinarians, the North Carolina Veterinary Medical Association, the University of North Carolina System and College of Veterinary Medicine alumni. Applicants are evaluated on their academic performance, their understanding of the veterinary medical profession, their achievements, and their professional potential. The University complies with all Federal and State statutes regarding nondiscrimination.
STUDENTS COME FIRST. At NC State, we have introduced
REQUIRED COURSES
Course
Semester Hours
Animal Nutrition
3
Biochemistry (Lab Preferred)
3 or 4
Biology With Lab
4
Chemistry – General With Lab
8
Chemistry – Organic With Lab
8
Composition & Writing, Public Speaking Or Communications
6
Genetics (Lab Preferred)
3
Humanities/Social Sciences
6
Microbiology With Lab
4
Physics With Lab (Must Be At Least A Two-Course Series)
8
Statistics
3
a new, expanded DVM curriculum to ensure that our graduates have the skills they need to meet the changing demands society is placing on veterinary medicine. New initiatives include: > Hiring experts to teach critical thinking, communication, professional skills and psychomotor skills. > Increasing the number of small-group active-learning classes, and developing extensive new opportunities for experiential education across all years of the program. > Collaborating with NC State’s Poole College of Management on a new DVM business education program. > We offer the most diverse educational experience possible, including student led first-opinion clinics, cutting-edge specialty clinics and unique opportunities in food supply veterinary medicine through our close partnerships with the poultry, swine and cattle industries.
ELIGIBILITY Applicants will be considered academically qualified for admission if they meet the minimum standards, which are: Grade Point Average
Residents
Non-Residents
Cumulative
3.0
3.4
Required Courses
3.0
3.4
Last 45 Credit Hours
3.0
3.4
The cumulative GPA includes all college courses. The GPA for the last 45 credit hours goes back a semester at a time. If an applicant completed 44 credit hours in his/her final three semesters, the College of Veterinary Medicine would go back 4 semesters to calculate the last 45 credit hours, meaning it would actually be 46 hours or more. Grades achieved in courses that have been repeated will be averaged.
APPLICATION PROCESS
ALTERNATIVE ELIGIBILITY
The College of Veterinary Medicine uses a centralized
In certain cases, NC resident applicants that do not
application service sponsored by the Association
meet minimum standards may be considered for
of American Veterinary Medical Colleges (AAVMC),
admission based on alternative evidence of academic
known as the Veterinary Medical College Application
qualification as determined by the admissions
Service (VMCAS) Application. The application window
committee. “Alternative Eligibility” applies only to
opens mid-May and closes September 15th at
GPA for NC residents where the applicant is below
11:59pm EST. All application materials, including
the minimum in only one category.
transcripts and letters of reference are submitted
GRE
through VMCAS.
All applicants must take the GRE® and submit results In addition to the VMCAS application, applicants must
to the CVM. Current GRE Board Policy states that
submit an NC State Supplemental Application. The
scores are reportable for 5 years (until September
deadline to submit the supplemental application is
15 following the fifth anniversary of the test date).
September 16th at 1:00pm EST. Please see website
Therefore, the GRE® test must have been taken
for details.
within 5 years of September 15 in the year of application. All scores earned during this time will be
Both the VMCAS and NC State Supplemental
reported to each institution designated. The NC State
Application are required.
CVM GRE code is 2250.
NC State College of Veterinary Medicine continues to maintain one of the best DVM student-faculty ratios in the country.
VETERINARY EXPERIENCE
an animal shelter/rescue, etc., and these should be
A minimum of 200 hours of clinical, medical,
included in the “Animal Experience” section of the
agribusiness, health science or medical related
VMCAS application. This category doesn’t include pet
scientific research experience is required by the
ownership.
time of application. Experience can be obtained (small animal, large animal, research, food animal
EVALUATION FORMS/ RECOMMENDATIONS
production, exotic, aquatic, wildlife, zoological
Three (3) recommendations are required using the
medicine, etc.). The work can be either paid
VMCAS Electronic Letter of Reference system
or voluntary and must be completed under the
(eLOR). Each evaluator should include a written
supervision of a veterinarian (or PhD scientist if
narrative that supports his or her overall evaluation
scientific research). Applicants will be evaluated on
of the applicant. Applicants must submit letters
the ability to demonstrate how the experience helped
through the eLOR system. Although VMCAS allows a
shape his or her understanding of the profession by
maximum of 6 submissions, NC State only requires
description of experience and level of duties.
3 letters of recommendation and prefers to only
in any area of the veterinary medical profession
receive 3 letters per applicant.
ANIMAL EXPERIENCE All other animal related experiences will also be evaluated, such as working with livestock, breeding/ showing dogs or similar, working at a zoo, aquarium or pet shop, equestrian activities, volunteer time at
It is highly recommended that two recommendations (2) are submitted by veterinarians or PhD scientists with whom the applicant has worked in a veterinary or research setting. The letters describe
PACK
SUPPORT At NC State, our scholarship support is an important way to alleviate the economic burden of the cost of education. In addition, in-state DVM tuition and fees at NC State are the lowest in the nation, and outof-state students can achieve in-state status after one year. This gives our graduates tremendous opportunity as they start their careers.
In the past year
262 OF 395 enrolled students applied for scholarships,
84% received
one or more awards. Total Donor and CVM Scholarships
$ 529,280 External Support
$ 91,000 Total Support
$ 693,380
the nature of the work relationship. The third letter
EDUCATIONAL EXPERIENCE
can be from an academic advisor, employment
Consideration will be given to academic excellence,
supervisor or other evaluator of the applicant’s
the course load per term, and employment
choosing who has some working knowledge of the
concurrent with school attendance. This will also
applicant. Applicants should not ask relatives to
include evaluation of accomplishments such as
submit letters on their behalf.
honors, awards and advanced degrees.
Evaluations should support experiences listed and validate maturity, commitment and work ethic with specific examples. The admissions committee may contact references directly if further information or clarification is required.
EXTRACURRICULAR AND COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES The level, depth of accomplishment, and leadership roles in clubs (college/university, hobby), athletics (intercollegiate, club) and community organizations will be taken into account.
PERSONAL STATEMENT AND ESSAY RESPONSES The admissions committee will give consideration to all prompts in the VMCAS personal statement. VMCAS prompts encapsulate the following topics: (1) the applicant’s future career goals (2) the contribution of veterinarians in society (3) the attributes of a successful veterinarian Please access the VMCAS application to see the specific question prompts.
The admissions committee also requires
DIVERSITY
essay responses to questions on the NC State
Those unique attributes that a prospective veterinary
supplemental application.
medical student contributes to the NC State College of Veterinary Medicine or to the veterinary medical
Subject areas include, but are not limited to:
profession, is an important consideration during the
ethics, teamwork, communication, multiculturalism
selection of prospective veterinary medical students.
critical thinking, problem solving and current events. The Admissions Committee believes that a diverse Personal qualities that are communicated to the
student body is beneficial because a greater variety
admissions committee via the supplemental
of life experiences and viewpoints allows students
application are important attributes of a prospective
to learn more from each other, and thus be better
applicant to veterinary medical school.
prepared to enter a diverse workforce and a diverse client population. In addition, a graduating class with
The optimal written response is succinct; and, it
diverse interests is better able to serve the needs of
addresses the question that has been asked using
our state and nation by providing expertise in a variety
appropriate language, grammar, and style.
of veterinary, medical and health-related fields.
IMPORTANT ADMISSIONS CRITERIA REMINDERS
• Work experience is not a substitute for academic requirements.
• Required courses (with the exception of AP classes) must be completed for a letter grade. The letter grade for a required course must be a “C-” or higher. If an applicant needs to repeat a course, he or she will have fulfilled the requirement if a “C-” or higher is achieved when the course is repeated (whether on the second or subsequent attempts). All course attempts, however, are calculated into the Required Course GPA, Overall GPA and Last 45 Hour GPA (if applicable). An applicant should take this into consideration to determine if he or she should apply for “alternative eligibility.” The numerical equivalent of a “C-” grade is 1.7. The “C-” or better grade for prerequisites must be recorded on transcripts received by the application deadline. An applicant may not wait until the fall or spring semesters of the application cycle to repeat a course. • All but two (2) of the required courses or labs must be completed by the end of the fall semester of the application cycle. The remaining courses or labs must be completed in the following spring semester. Required courses or labs can’t be completed in the summer semester immediately preceding matriculation.
• Alternative eligibility does not permit resident applicants to be short on prerequisities. • Applicants offered admission must submit transcripts by June 1 showing conferral of degree, completion of required course, or both (if applicable). • Quarter hours can be converted to semester hours by dividing the number of quarter hours by 1.5. • For non-admitted applicants, all application materials are sealed for three years after submission and then destroyed. Credentials can not be reused from one admissions cycle to the next. Applicants must submit new credentials each time they apply. • If you attend a college that does not offer an animal nutrition course, you may want to consider taking one via distance learning, such as an Internet course or correspondence course offered by an accredited college or university. Animal Nutrition courses are offered via distance education at: NC State University, Oklahoma State University, Purdue University, Kansas State University, and Rutgers University.
“As a national leader in experiential learning, we are training a generation of skilled, compassionate veterinary health professionals equipped to serve the global community.�
“Veterinary education is our most vital obligation. Our ability to provide students with a comprehensive, contemporary, and innovative educational experience not only ensures their personal success, but allows us to make critical contributions to society.” --- Dean David Paul Lunn
ACADEMIC DEGREES OFFERED
STAY CONNECTED
• Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) • Master of Science / Doctor of Philosophy in Comparative
facebook.com/ncstatevetmed
Biomedical Sciences, Fisheries & Wildlife • Master of Public Health with Veterinary Epidemiology Concentration (through the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill) • Combined DVM/MBA • Combined DVM/PhD
@ncstatevetmed NC State Veterinary Medicine @ncstatevetmed
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Our College is situated on the 250-acre Centennial
NC State University promotes equal opportunity and prohibits discrimination and harassment based upon one’s age, color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation and veteran status.
Biomedical Campus (CBC), located near downtown Raleigh and close to the heart of the Research Triangle Park innovation hub. The CBC provides unique opportunities for industry and government researchers and colleagues from other universities to work side by side with CVM faculty and students.
www.cvm.ncsu.edu • PH 919.513.6262 E-mail: DVMInformation@ncsu.edu 1060 William Moore Drive • Raleigh, NC 27607