Fall and Winter official transcripts must be submitted by May 6, 2024, to the Office of Veterinary Admissions. Spring official transcripts must be submitted no later than June 10, 2024. Contact SVMAdmissions@lsu.edu. 

Students who were contacted to submit a LA residency application from our office must submit any outstanding proof of residency information by June 1, 2024. 

Arkansas Contract recipients must complete the ADHE Scholarship Application and receive approval by July 1, 2024, to guarantee their contract offer. 

(Updated May 1, 2024)

First-Year Leadership Experience (FLE) and Orientation is mandatory. They will take place during the day, August 6th, 7th, 8th, and 9th, 2024. Students who do not attend Orientation may face forfeiture of their seat in the program. 

For questions, contact Leslie Nevarez. 

• Tuesday, August 6, 2024 (Group A - Last Names A-M)
  Freshman Leadership Experience 8:00 am - 4:30 pm 
  @LSU REC,
  • Dress code - casual, cool, comfortable for indoor/outdoor activities
• Wednesday August 7, 2024 (Group B - Last Names N-Z)
  Freshman Leadership Experience 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
  @LSU REC
• Thursday August 8, 2024
  Class of 2028 Orientation 7:30 am - 4:30 pm
  @LSU VetMed
  • Dress Code- Casual (no yoga pants/gym shorts) to business casual. Scrubs are also ok. Classrooms can be cool. 
• Friday August 9, 2024
  • Class of 2028 Orientation 7:30 am - 12:00 pm @LSU VetMed
  • Family & Friends Orientation 8:00 am - 12:00 pm @ LSU Student Union (Attendance is optional. This is for guests to attend, not students). 
    • 2 guests per student
    • RSVP here by July 29 
    • The purpose of friends and family orientation is to prepare a vet student's inner circle for the years ahead. They will learn about resources that are important for veterinary students, such as safety, counseling services & mental wellbeing, and the DVM curriculum. 
    • Parking is pay per use in the Union Garage. 
    • Breakfast begins at 7:30am.
  • 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 sign their name on the Oath. 

(Updated July 17, 2024)

To order your Blue Coat, respond to this form by May 17, 2024. Coats will be delivered at ceremony. 

Blue Coat Ceremony celebrates the 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 9th, 2024, at 6:00 pm. Students should wear professional dress on stage to receive their coat. 

For the Class of 2028 Blue Coat Ceremony, due to space limitations, each student may invite 5 guests each (this number does not include the student). If a student wishes to invite more than 5 guests, we encourage them to independently contact another student who is not using all of their guest seats. 

The Blue Coat Ceremony will take place at the LSU Union Theater.

For questions, contact Leslie Nevarez. 

(Updated May 21, 2024)

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, 2024)

Students are required to be vaccinated against rabies to participate in live-animal handling labs and clinical experiences. The 2-dose may be acquired independently or through LSU. 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 no later than 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.

By June 9, 2024, indicate your intention to be vaccinated through LSU or your own provider on the Rabies Vaccination Plan Form. 

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 approximately $420/dose ($840 total for the 2-dose series). 
• 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 SVM 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.
• 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 - August 29, 8:00am - 11:30 am
    • 2nd dose - September 5, 8:00am - 11:30 am
    • 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 if your insurance requests proof that it is a requirement for the program.

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

(Updated May 1, 2024)

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, 2024)

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

(Updated May 1, 2024)

Students should obtain these items for the program:

• Blue Coat - Place your order for your free Blue Coat by May 17, 2024, using this form. (Same form as above).
• Anatomy Lab Disposable Gowns - Students are responsible for purchasing disposable gowns to be used in Anatomy lab for the first and second semester of first year. The Anatomy team recommends the following options:
  • Option 1 or Option 2
  • Purchase one 10 pack which will be enough for the year and any color gown is allowed.
•  Waterproof boots - Any rubber of similar product boot that is non-water absorbent. The whole boot should be of this 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. 
• 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. 
  • Recommended specs for Windows: 
    • Intel I7 2.1 GHz or better processor, 16GB ram, 512 SSD or NVME drive, video card support of 1080p
      webcam and microphone
      Wifi card
  • 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
      Webcam and microphone, Wifi card
• Laptop privacy screen- Required for examinations. 
• Scrubs - Scrubs will be 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. 
  • To order your anatomy bundle, respond here: Anatomy Bundle by July 22nd. (broken link fixed)

If you have questions please contact Leslie Nevarez.

(Updated July 18th, 2024)

Year 1 students are required to complete the "Veterinary Professional Certification Program", which is 8 modules, online by August 1st, 2024. 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 also show students who graduate with Level Three certification are more attractive for hire and typically are offered a higher salary.

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, 2024)

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 MyLSU 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.

The Unsubsidized Stafford Loan is not based on financial need, has a 7.05% fixed interest rate* and 1.057% origination fee. The maximum award is $40,500. 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 has a 8.05% fixed interest rate, 4.228% origination fee and requires a credit check to be approved. 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. 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 nslds.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 January, 2024. 

(Updated May 1, 2024)

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 the DVM program.

Visit the annual LSU Graduate Housing Guide for more housing information. 

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

Email SVMAdmissions@lsu.edu with questions. 

(Updated May 1, 2024)

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

First Year Veterinary Program Dates:

• Aug 6-9
  Year 1 Orientation
• Aug 9
  Blue Coat Ceremony
• Aug 12
  Begin Fall Semester
• Sept 2
  Labor Day Holiday
• Oct 17-18
  Fall Holiday
• Nov 28-29                                                                                      Thanksgiving Holiday
• Dec 13
  End Fall Semester
• Jan 6
  Begin Spring Semester  
• Jan 20
  MLK Holiday 
• Mar 3-4                                                                           
  Mardi Gras Holiday
• March 18
  Good Friday Holiday
• March 31-Apr 4
  Spring Break
• May 9
  End Spring Semester

Year 2-4 calendars may differ from the dates above. 

(Updated May 1, 2024)

The 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 29 - August 2, and August 5th

9 am - 10 am

Workshop and Lab

July 29 - August 2, and August 5th

9 am - 12 pm

Register here: WIT

For questions, please email Dr. Brooke Dubansky.

(Updated May 14, 2024)

You will receive an email with your LSU.edu email account name in May from the Office of Admissions. 

To activate your myLSU account:

1. Visit the myLSU Portal.
2. Enter your myLSU username in the “myLSU account or Email Address” space. (Your myLSU username can be found in your LSU Admissions Portal ex: mtiger1).
3. Click “Forgot Password” and complete steps to create a password.
4. For troubleshooting, visit this GROK article. 

24-hours after activating your myLSU account, you will be able to access housing contracts and the other myLSU features. 

(Updated May 1, 2024)

Veterinary students are enrolled into all courses by the Associate Registrar in the Office of Admissions and Student Success. You will not select courses and enroll yourself. Enrollment is completed on your behalf for the entire time you are a veterinary student.

However, you are required to pay your fee bill and complete registration each semester.

If you do not pay your fee bill and complete registration by the semester deadline, you will be purged from your courses and charged a $75 late fee.

If you receive financial aid or veteran’s benefits and your fee bill says you owe $0, you still must click Complete Registration.

Fee Bills for Fall 2024 will be available on Monday, July 22, 2024. The payment deadline is Thursday, August 8, 2024, by 4:30 p.m. central standard. When your fee bill becomes available, please follow the instructions below to submit payment and complete registration. 

1. Sign in to the myLSU Portal.
2. On the left-hand panel, expand Registration Services, and click Fee Bill from the dropdown menu.
3. Select the Semester and the Year in the Fee Bill window.
4. Click the View Fee Bill button to the right of the 'Select Semester' and 'Select Year' options.
5. If you have not viewed your fee bill for the current semester yet, you must agree to the terms before you can view it.  
6. Your Fee Bill will display with your available Payment Options. Click the button at the bottom of the screen that corresponds with your chosen payment method. One of the two options below:
   1. Click Pay by Credit Card to pay the amount due with a credit card.  (2.5% processing fee assessed)
   2. Click Pay by Bank Draft to pay the amount due from a checking or savings account.  (no processing fees)

Once you have paid your fee bill, the link will no longer be active for that term. At that point, you can review your financial account by clicking Financial Services and selecting Billing Statement in the myLSU Portal.

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

(Updated May 1, 2024)

Students may begin getting their SVM Badges M-F 8am-3:30pm at the Vet Med Security Desk. Alternatively during Orientation Weeks students may come on Monday or either Tuesday or Wednesday when they are 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 LSU rec center, printing charges, food purchases, sporting events, etc. 

(Updated July 17, 2024)

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 the veterinary school provides an affordable and convenient option for veterinary students. The Skip Bertman West lot also across from Vet Med accepts all parking permits as well. 

(Updated May 1, 2024)

LSU Vet Med Office of Opportunity and Engagement 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, and advocacy and advisement. 

(Updated May 1, 2024)

Stephanie Johnson, Counselor and Associate Professor, is a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) at LSU Vet Med who provides confidential consults, referral and resource information and short term solution focused and/or ongoing counseling for DVM students.

Kayla Baudoin, Wellbeing Manager, also an LCSW who can provide confidential consults, referral and resource information (not available for ongoing counseling). Mrs. Baudoin also manages the LSU Vet Med wellbeing resources and provides short-term counseling for clients of the Stephenson Pet Clinic through the Best Friend Gone Project.

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, 2024) 

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, 2024)

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, 2024)

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 myLSU account.

(Updated May 1, 2024)

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

(Updated May 1, 2024)

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, 2024)

• Admissions and Student Success Team
• Student Health Center
• LSU University Recreation
• Campus Interactive Map
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• Visit Baton Rouge