All students must submit Fall '24 and Winter official transcripts by Feb 3, 2025. Additionally, Spring '25 official transcripts must be submitted no later than June 9, 2025 to the Office of Veterinary Admissions regardless of prerequisite completion. 

Email official transcripts to: SVMAdmissions@lsu.edu. 

(Updated May 1, 2025)

Arkansas Contract recipients must complete the ADHE Scholarship Application and receive approval by July 1, 2025, to guarantee their contract offer. 

(Updated May 1, 2025)

Students who were contacted to submit a LA residency application from our office must submit any outstanding proof of residency information by June 2, 2025. 

(Updated May 1, 2025)

You will receive an email with your LSU.edu email account name in May. This is an automated email from the LSU System that will be sent to the email address listed on your VMCAS application.

You will also recieve instructions to access a seperate "Workday External Site". This is a separate account that will give you access to your financial aid information and you should follow instructions as outlined in that communication. 

Follow the instructions provided in the emails to activate your accounts. After you activate your accounts, it may take up to an hour for the IAM portal to be accessible via Single Sign On (LSUAM SSO). If you encounter any issues you will need to contact LSU IT directly. For troubleshooting, visit this GROK article. 

(Updated May 1, 2025)

Students may live on campus or off-campus. It is ideal to live within 20 minutes of the hospital for the clinical training phase of the program in years 3 and 4. 

If you are interested in living on campus, contact both Dr. Delcambre gdelcambre@lsu.edu and housing@lsu.edu to inquire about opportunities. Some veterinary students do live on campus, especially at Nicholson Gateway, an upperclassman housing unit near the vet school. 

Students should coordinate move in-dates that best align with the start of DVM Orientation.

Email SVMAdmissions@lsu.edu with questions. 

(Updated May 1, 2025)

First-Year Leadership Experience (FLE) and Orientation is mandatory. It will take place during the day, August 5, 6, 7, and 8, 2025. Students who do not attend Orientation may face forfeiture of their seat in the program. 

For questions, contact Leslie Nevarez. 

• Tuesday, August 5 (Group A)* or Wednesday, August 6th, 2025 (Group B)*
  *Group assignments will be released at a later date.
  Freshman Leadership Experience 8:00 am - 4:30 pm 
  @LSU REC 
  • Dress code - casual, cool, comfortable for indoor/outdoor activities
  • Parking information will be announced closer to the date. Carpooling is highly encouraged!
  • Students will take their composite photo and get their secruity badge on the day they do not attend FLE. Instructions will follow.  
• Thursday August 7, 2025
  Class of 2029 Orientation 7:30 am - 4:00 pm
  @LSU VetMed
  • Dress Code- Casual, scrubs, or business casual. No yoga pants or gym shorts. Classrooms can be cool. 
• Friday August 8, 2024
  • Class of 2029 Orientation 7:30 am - 1:00 pm @LSU VetMed
  • Family & Friends Orientation will also take place on this day. More details to follow. 
    • Attendance is optional. Intended for friends and family. 
    • The friends and family orientation prepares a vet student's inner circle for the years ahead. They will learn about important vet student resources including safety, counseling services, mental wellbeing, and the DVM curriculum.
  • Blue Coat Ceremony 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm @LSU Union Theater
    • Dress Code - Business casual to dressy. Students will be on the stage and will need to bend down to a table to sign their name on the Oath.

(Updated May 1st 2025)

To order your Blue Coat please respond to this form:
FORM LINK
(Link will be activated when available. Update will be announced on class Facebook page.)

Coats will be delivered at the ceremony. 

Blue Coat Ceremony celebrates candidates' admission into the professional DVM program with the awarding of their blue laboratory coat that will be worn in the first phase of the program.

Blue Coat Ceremony will take place August 8, 2025, at 6:00 pm @LSU Union Theater. Students should wear professional dress on stage to receive their coat and sign their name on the Oath.

For the Class of 2029 Blue Coat Ceremony, due to space limitations, each student may invite 4 guests each (this number does not include the student). If a student wishes to invite more than 4 guests, we encourage them to independently contact another student who is not using all of their guest seats. This a non-ticketed event.

For questions, contact Leslie Nevarez. 

(Updated May 1, 2025)

Incoming students may elect to be considered for a "Big Sib" partnership. This is a student-lead initative and optional. A link to sign up will be posted here at a later date. 

(Updated May 1st, 2025)

Students are required to be vaccinated against rabies to participate in live-animal handling labs and clinical experiences. The 2-dose series may be acquired through LSU or independently by the student at their prefered clinic. The 2-dose series will require a titer check before entering the clinics in year 3 of the program. Per CDC guidelines, we accept the 2-dose series; however, the 3-dose series is also accepted. 

CDC - Rabies Vaccine Guide

Proof of vaccination from an outside provider or completion of the series through LSU must be completed within 45 days from the start of the program. In other words, the vaccine series should be completed soon after you start the program and not put off to later in the semester. 

• Please wait to send your outside provider proof of Rabies vaccinations to the Health Center until we have further details in July.

You will be asked to indicate your intention to be vaccinated through LSU at the Vet School or by your own provider through the Rabies Vaccination Plan Form that will be posted here.

For those electing to receive the vaccine through the LSU Student Health Center, please note:

• The rabies vaccine is a 2-dose series and the Imovax vaccine brand will be administered to students. 
• Rabies vaccine is special ordered by the Health Center. Requesting a vaccine indicates that you assume responsibility for the cost of the vaccine.
• The price is pending. ($420/dose historically). 
• Payment options include paying out of pocket, billing personal insurance, or requesting additional student loan money to reimburse you.
  • Payment is due at point of service. Further payment details and final vaccine cost will be provided in July. 
  • If you want to request additional student loan money to cover vaccination costs, you will have to pay out of pocket or charge your student fee bill. Then submit your receipt to the LSU Vet Med financial aid counselor, Heather Kimball , and request a “Cost of Attendance" increase to cover the amount paid for the required rabies vaccinations.” If approved, this will permit you to borrow additional student loan funds to cover the cost of the vaccinations.
• LSU Vet Med Rabies Vaccination clinics are scheduled to optimize vaccine effectiveness and are built into your class schedule to avoid course interruptions. You must sign-up to receive your vaccines on these dates. 
  • Rabies Clinic Dates:
    • 1st dose - TBD
    • 2nd dose - TBD
    • Time has been built into your class schedule, so you will not miss any lectures or labs.
    • You must attend both clinics so to receive the 1st and 2nd doses within a week of each other.

If you opt to get vaccinated through a provider other than LSU, you may consider the following options: 

• Check with your State Health Department.  Some states will vaccinate citizens against rabies free of charge.  Louisiana does not vaccinate its citizens for free. 
• Call your insurance company to ask whether or not it will cover all or part of the cost for your vaccinations (Rabies Vaccine CPT=90675).  If so, it is likely most cost effective for you to obtain the vaccines from a provider within your insurance network.  This may be your primary care doctor or a pharmacist at a local drug store.

You may use this webpage for proof of vaccine requirement with your offer letter if your insurance requests proof that it is a requirement for the program.

Students who opt-out of the rabies vaccine will be required to sign a waiver for opt-out.

If you have questions, please contact Leslie Nevarez for more information.

(Updated May 1, 2025)

Students should obtain these items for the program:

• Blue Coat - Place your order for your free Blue Coat by May 17, 2024, using the form that will be posted here (or above/same form).
• Anatomy Lab Disposable Gowns - Disposable gowns will be used in Anatomy lab for the first and second semester. The Anatomy team is reviewing recommendations for these gowns. More details will be posted, including whether or not it will be the student's responsibility to purchase them. 
• Waterproof boots - Any rubber or similar-product boot that is non-water absorbent should be purchased by the student. The whole boot should be of water-proof material. Boots should extend to the mid-calf. For use in Anatomy.
• Boots for Large Animal Work - A second pair of boots of any length may be purchased for large animal work. The lower shell of the boot should be waterproof so that it may be cleaned in a foot bath. The upper section may be of another material.
• Laptop - Laptops are required to run Examsoft for test taking. Check minimum system requirements.
  • iPads, Android Tablets, and Chromebooks are not compatible for Examsoft assessments. 
  • Device should include webcam, microphone, and WiFi capabilities
  • We are awaiting review of the current recommended specs. Until those are provided, please use 2024's recommendations for reference:
    • Recommended specs for Windows: 
      • Intel I7 2.1 GHz or better processor, 16GB ram, 512 SSD or NVME drive, video card support of 1080p
    • Recommended specs for Mac: 
      • Monterey, Ventura, and Sonoma
        CPU: Intel, M1, or M2 processor. Devices using Apple’s M1 and M2 processor and Apple Rosetta 2 are supported. Ram: 16 GBs ram
        512 SSD or NVME drive
• Laptop privacy screen - These are required for examinations. 
• Scrubs - Scrubs are needed for anatomy and clinical skills. Two sets are recommended. No requirement for color, brand, or style. Some later clinical courses may require green scrubs.
• Analog or digital watch - No smart watches/phones are allowed in any examination. Watches should show seconds for monitoring heart and respiration rates. 
• Stethoscope - Required for clinical skills and other areas throughout the program. Littman Classic model quality or better is recommended. Digital stethoscope not required. 
• Textbooks - Textbooks are recommended for most courses and required for others. Visit the Vet Med Library Texts by Course page to learn more. Texts may be found online, in our library, rented, or purchased. LSU Barnes and Noble provides a Textbook look up for easy purchase/rental. 
• Locks - Locks are used for securing lockers and must be purchased for $10 (at cost) from the Student Services front desk. We retain the combinations for locks purchased from us in case you forget your combination. Purchase can be made at Orientation.
• Supply Kit - First year students are required to have several supply items for Clinical Skills, Surgical Skills, and Anatomy laboratories. 
  • Information about ordering supply kits will be provided in July.

If you have questions please contact Leslie Nevarez.

(Updated May 1, 2025)

Year 1 students are required to complete the "Veterinary Professional Certification Program," which is 8 modules, online by August 1, 2025. Low-stress handling and Fear Free skills are emphasized in many aspects of our teaching, including Clinical Skills labs and in our teaching hospital. Completion of Level One of this program is highly beneficial and will supplement learning opportunities. Completion of Level One will take approximately 12 hours. 

The program is free to admitted veterinary students ($500 value). We strongly recommend completion of all three levels prior to graduation. Studies show students who graduate with Level Three certification are more attractive for hire and typically are offered a higher salary.

If you have previously completed this program, follow the instructions below to upload your certificate of completion.

To fulfill this requirement:

1. Access the Fear Free Application
2. Select DVM, 1st Year.
3. Upload your DVM Program offer letter as proof of enrollment/acceptance as an incoming vet student.
4. Complete "Veterinary Professional Certification Program" (8 modules).
5. Print your Veterinary Professional Certification Program completion certificate.
6. Upload a copy of your Veterinary Professional Certification Program completion certificate here.

For questions about fear free training, email Dr. Nancy Welborn (Community Practice). 

For questions about uploading your certificate, email Leslie Nevarez.

(Updated May 1, 2025)

Students who plan to request federal financial aid should complete the FAFSA at studentaid.gov with the school code, 002010. You will later be asked to complete Verification Documents on your LSU Workday Student account. Students must meet Satisfactory Academic Progress (see lsu.edu/sap) in order to continue receiving financial aid for each semester, and must be enrolled at least half time for any semester to receive loans.

Funds typically disburse the week before school begins.

Students must complete the application found on lsu.edu/financialaid under Financial Aid, Federal Loans in order to apply. The application is submitted to the Financial Aid Office for processing. Students will receive an email from Direct Loans Servicing informing of credit decision once processing is completed. Repayment begins 6 months after graduation or when the student ceases to be enrolled at least half time.

Unsubsidized Stafford Loan* 

This loan is not based on financial need, has a 8.03% fixed interest rate and 1.057% origination fee. The maximum award is $40,500 per year. Repayment begins 6 months after graduation or when the student ceases to be enrolled at least half time. First time borrowers must complete a Master Promissory Note and Entrance Counseling at studentaid.gov.

Graduate Plus Loan *

This loan has a 9.083% fixed interest rate, 4.228% origination fee and requires a credit check to be approved. The maximum amount is up to the cost of attendance minus other aid. Repayment begins 6 months after graduation or when the student ceases to be enrolled at least half time. First time borrowers must complete a Master Promissory Note and Entrance Counseling at studentaid.gov.

You can view your loan history and information regarding your federal loans at nsldsfap.ed.gov. The federal student aid website has general information regarding federal aid including repayment at studentaid.ed.gov.

For questions about financial aid, including VA benefits/GI Bill use, email Heather Kimball, Assistant Director, Special Programs or call 225-578-3103.

*rates described here are subject to change. This information was last updated February, 2025. 

(Updated May 1, 2025)

The optional WIT in Anatomy course will be offered in the Summer for Year 1 students who would like to get a head start in anatomy and develop metacognitive and time management skills useful for the professional training program.

Those without anatomy experience are especially encouraged to attend, but all would benefit. Students who take this program benefit from meeting fellow students and anatomy faculty, getting a head start on dissection skills and basic anatomy content, and taking practice exams and quizzes.

All sessions are in-person. Participants must attend all 6 sessions. Two options are available. 

Workshop (no lab) 

July 28 - August 1, and August 4th

Workshop and Lab

July 28 - August 1, and August 4th

Registration will be available at a later date.

For questions, please email Dr. Michelle Osborn and Dr. Brooke Dubansky.

(Updated May 1, 2025)

Veterinary students are enrolled into all courses by the Associate Registrar in the Office of Admissions and Student Success. You will not select or register for courses yourself. Course registration will be completed on your behalf each semester for the entire time you are a veterinary student.  

However, you are required to view and pay your bill through Workday each semester.  Workday Student is LSU’s new student information system.  Please familiarize yourself with Workday Student functionalities here.  You will complete many tasks in Workday, such as customizing your profile (updating personal information, contact information, marital status, and military status), managing your financial aid, and viewing/paying your bill.

You may view your bill for the Fall 2025 semester starting on Monday, July 7, 2025. The payment deadline is Thursday, August 7, 2025, by 4:30 pm CT. More information about late payment fees/course purge will be coming soon.

Please note, you will not complete tasks under the “Course Registration & Planning” section since the DVM curriculum is pre-determined and your courses are registered on your behalf. You can ignore this section in the Workday Student resources guide.

You can log into workday at www.myworkday.com/lsu 

Incoming students will not have access to Workday until they have been processed by Enrollment Management. Prior to that point, if you need to take action on financial aid award items, you should use the External Student Site. 

If you have any questions or concerns regarding registration or fee bills, contact Stephanie Willis or call 225-578-9544.

(Updated May 1, 2025)

A parking pass is required to park at the Vet School. Visit LSU Parking and Transportation for more info and to purchase passes. 

The Park & Geaux (map) lot across the street from LSU Vet Med provides an affordable and convenient option for veterinary students. The Skip Bertman West lot also across from Vet Med accepts all parking permits. 

(Updated May 1, 2025)

To receive approved accommodations please visit the Office of Disability Services. It is recommended to apply for accommodations in advance of the Fall semester so that accommodations are approved in advance of need. 

For assistance and questions, contact Stephanie Johnson.

(Updated May 1, 2025)

The Louisiana Veterinary Medical Association (LVMA) is the membership organization for veterinarians and veterinary students that is dedicated to advancing veterinary medicine and advocating for the association’s members. The LVMA represents more than 1,000 members, with the mission to be the trusted leader of the veterinary profession, protecting animal and human health in Louisiana.

Student membership is FREE to the LVMA and benefits include:
• Access to an online job board through the Career Center
• Legislative Support through LVMA’s lobbying team
• Mailed copy of The Louisiana Veterinarian, LVMA’s quarterly newsletter
• Discounts to the annual Winter Meeting

To join, please visit this link. 

(Updated May 1, 2025)

Students should coordinate move in-dates that best align with the start of DVM Orientation.

Visit the annual LSU Graduate Housing Guide for more housing tips. (third party guide).  

Visit the class Facebook page and LSU Buy, Sell, Trade Rent & Roomies for more resources. You must be an admitted student to join this page. 

Email SVMAdmissions@lsu.edu with questions. 

(Updated May 1, 2025)

LSU DVM Student Ambassadors would like to welcome you to campus with fun events hosted around LSU Vet Med and Baton Rouge. This will begin the week of orientation and will include a club fair for you to meet and sign up for student clubs. 

A welcome week schedule will be communicated later in the summer. 

(Updated May 1, 2025)

Students may begin getting their LSU Vet Med Badges after May 12th, 2025 at the LSU Vet School  Security Desk (East Entry) M-F 8:00am-3:30 pm. You need to have an assigned LSU 89-number to get your badge. Alternatively, during Orientation students may come on M-W when not at FLE. This badge allows you access to the LSU Vet Med buildings. 

We recommend that you get your Tiger Card at the LSU Student Union the week before classes or a week or so after main campus begins classes to miss the undergraduate rush. Visit the Tiger Card Office on main campus in the LSU Student Union. This ID is used for accessing the URec, printing charges, food purchases, sporting events, etc. 

(Updated May 1, 2025)

Students are required to upload proof of immunizations to LSU. Louisiana residents may have their immunizations automatically submitted through the Louisiana Immunization Network for Kids Statewide program. Visit the Health Center Immunizations page and click on "Immunization Compliance Form" for more information. 

Submit immunization records through the LSU Student Health Center patient portal. Select Louisiana State University as your home organization (not the Health Science Center - New Orleans). It may take up to 3 business days after you receive your LSU email account before you can access the LSU Patient Portal. 

(Updated May 1, 2025)

Health insurance is required upon enrollment. Students may purchase insurance through LSU Sponsored Health Insurance Plan. Visit the Student Health Insurance page and then click on "LSU Sponsored Health Insurance Plan".

(Updated May 1, 2025)

LSU Vet Med does not follow the LSU Main Campus Academic Calendar.

First Year Veterinary Program Dates can be found here. 

Year 2-4 calendars may differ. 

(Updated May 1, 2025)

Students will not register for their courses. This will be completed automatically by our Vet Med registrar. 

A schedule of classes will not be distributed until Orientation Week. 

Students are expected to be available for classes between 8am-5pm Monday-Friday during the academic period. 

Students are not enrolled in courses in the Summer after Year 1 or the Summer after Year 2. 

(Updated May 1, 2025)

To learn more about our curriculum, please visit the Curriculum page. Students will be engaged in classes through case-based and scenario discussions, laboratory activities including clinical and surgical skills training, and other active learning activities. Students are highly encouraged and in some cases required to attend class and to complete preparatory assignments. 

(Updated May 1, 2025)

Stephanie Johnson, Counselor and Associate Professor, and Carrie Tucker are licensed clinical social workers (LCSW) at LSU Vet Med who provide confidential consults, referral and resource information and short term solution focused and/or ongoing counseling for DVM students.

Kayla Baudoin, Wellbeing Manager, is also an LCSW who can provide short term confidential consults, referral and resource information. She manages LSU Vet Med's wellbeing resources.

DVM students may also seek counseling and/or psychiatric services at the LSU Mental Health Center on campus. LSU Vet Med counselors are happy to assist identifying resources and services.

(Updated May 1, 2025)

Policies and other program information can be found in the annually updated bulletin.  

(Updated May 1, 2025)

LSU Vet Med Office for Organizational Health and Mentorship provides support to DVM students and the School of Vet Med by offering resources, training, student club support, committee engagement, social, cultural, and wellness activities, advocacy, advisement, and mentoring.

(Updated May 1, 2025)

Workday Student is LSU’s new student information system.  Please familiarize yourself with Workday Student functionalities here.  You will complete many tasks in Workday, such as customizing your profile (updating personal information, contact information, marital status, and military status), managing your financial aid, and viewing/paying your bill.

(Updated May 1, 2025)

Moodle is the academic platform that LSU uses for coursework. Students will gain access to their courses in Moodle around orientation week. You can find Moodle in your Workday Student account.  Visit this GROK article for troubleshooting. 

(Updated May 1, 2025)

Download the LSU Shield App for resources, emergency response,  and transportation. More Vet Med information will be provided from LSU SVM Security at Orientation. Visit Safety at LSU for more campus safety information. 

(Updated May 1, 2025)

• Admissions and Student Success Team
• Student Health Center
• LSU University Recreation
• Campus Interactive Map
• Life in Baton Rouge (Tab) from the Baton Rouge Chamber of Commerce
• Visit Baton Rouge