University Catalog 2025-2026

Veterinary Medicine (VET)

VET 901  Hooves, Wings and Wild Things  (2 credit hours)  

This 2 credit elective will introduce students to the normal behavior and nutrition of equine, small ruminant, production and non-domestic species. Relationships between behavior, nutrition and healthy environment and/or industry management practices will be examined. Students will complete a group project on a species of interest that examines potential associations between nutritional or environmental management and a production, performance, health or behavioral problem.

Typically offered in Fall only

VET 910  First Year Conference  (1 credit hours)  

This two semester seminar series is an opportunity to explore a wide range of topics that extend beyond the traditional veterinary curriculum. Led by a variety of expert speakers (veterinary practitioners, educators, scientists), each session is designed to support the DVM student's personal growth, enhance their resilience during a strenuous curriculum, and advance their understanding of the diverse roles of veterinarians in society.

Restriction: DVM PY 1 - Restricted to students in the DVM Professional Year 1

Typically offered in Fall only

VET 911  Animal Health and Disease 1  (4.5 credit hours)  

AHD covers the fundamentals of disease and medicine for problem-solving, building differential lists and diagnoses, and developing treatment plans. It pulls from a wide range of content areas addressing medicine in a comparative multi-species and multi-disciplinary format. Timing of content delivery is coordinated with the species-specific content in Exams and Interventions (E&I) and the systems-specific content in Form & Function (FF).

Restriction: DVM PY 1 - Restricted to students in the DVM Professional Year 1

Typically offered in Fall only

VET 912  Becoming a Professional 1  (2 credit hours)  

The ability to collaborate with others will be paramount to your professional success as a veterinarian. The focus of this course is on developing self-awareness related to personal values and professional dispositions, and how to effectively coordinate efforts and communicate in teams in a professional veterinary context. We will examine aspects of individual professional development and team communication related to relationship development, teamwork, well-being, and conflict resolution. Students will develop verbal and nonverbal communication skills, an understanding of group task/process balance, meeting management and facilitation techniques, and communication styles and strategies for dealing with challenging group situations and conflict management. Examples and cases from veterinary medicine will foster discussion and application of professionalism and team communication in context.

Restriction: DVM PY 1 - Restricted to students in the DVM Professional Year 1

Typically offered in Fall only

VET 913  Exams and Interventions 1  (2 credit hours)  

Semesters one and two of this Thread will emphasize principles of physical examination, including behavior assessment, general physical examination, and more focused systems examinations across multiple small animal, large animal, and exotics species. Basic principles of surgery will also be introduced including sterile technique, instrument handling, and hand skills.

Restriction: DVM PY 1 - Restricted to students in the DVM Professional Year 1

Typically offered in Fall only

VET 914  Form and Function 1  (9 credit hours)  

Semester 1 of the Form and Function thread will introduce students to the integumentary, musculoskeletal and nervous system anatomy (including microanatomy and imaging anatomy) and physiology of common domestic animal species. In addition, students will be introduced to the physiology of the endocrine system, normal behavior of several domestic species (including canine, feline, bovine and equine) and general disease processes (pathology).

Restriction: DVM PY 1 - Restricted to students in the DVM Professional Year 1

Typically offered in Fall only

VET 915  Integrated Applications 1  (1.5 credit hours)  

Integrated Applications in Veterinary Medicine 1 is the first in a series of courses focusing on Clinical Reasoning and Problem Solving. This thread will provide opportunities for you to integrate content and skills presented in other threads and apply your knowledge to clinical cases. In this class, you will be introduced to the overall process used in clinical reasoning. In-class presentations and activities will focus on each step in the problem-oriented approach to clinical cases. There will also be opportunities for you to work in teams and practice applying each step to clinical case scenarios.

Restriction: DVM PY 1 - Restricted to students in the DVM Professional Year 1

Typically offered in Fall only

VET 920  First Year Conference 2  (1 credit hours)  

This two semester seminar series is an opportunity to explore a wide range of topics that extend beyond the traditional veterinary curriculum. Led by a variety of expert speakers (veterinary practitioners, educators, scientists), each session is designed to support the DVM student's personal growth, enhance their resilience during a strenuous curriculum, and advance their understanding of the diverse roles of veterinarians in society.

Restriction: DVM PY 1 - Restricted to students in the DVM Professional Year 1

Typically offered in Spring only

VET 921  Animal Health and Disease 2  (6 credit hours)  

AHD covers the fundamentals of disease and medicine for problem-solving, building differential lists and diagnoses, and developing treatment plans. It pulls from a wide range of content areas addressing medicine in a comparative multi-species and multi-disciplinary format. Timing of content delivery is coordinated with the species-specific content in Exams and Interventions (E&I) and the systems-specific content in Form & Function (FF).

Restriction: DVM PY 1 - Restricted to students in the DVM Professional Year 1

Typically offered in Spring only

VET 922  Becoming a Professional 2  (1.5 credit hours)  

Understanding the array of career opportunities available to veterinary graduates and the complex work environment in which veterinarians operate are vital to your development as a professional. In the first half of this course we will explore a variety of career opportunities through interactive discussions with veterinarians in the field. The focus of these discussions will be on exploring career possibilities and guiding appropriate next steps for a chosen career path. In the second half of this course we will explore the business aspects of veterinary medicine. We will start by examining aspects of leadership and techniques for becoming more effective leaders. Next we will explore how organizational culture and stakeholder experience influences the success of a veterinary organization. We will then look at the importance of fiscal responsibility within veterinary organizations. Finally we will conclude by examining the legal and regulatory landscape surrounding veterinary medicine.

Restriction: DVM PY 1 - Restricted to students in the DVM Professional Year 1

Typically offered in Spring only

VET 923  Exams and Interventions 2  (2 credit hours)  

Semesters one and two of this Thread will emphasize principles of physical examination, including behavior assessment, general physical examination, and more focused systems examinations across multiple small animal, large animal, and exotics species. Basic principles of surgery will also be introduced including sterile technique, instrument handling, and hand skills.

Restriction: DVM PY 1 - Restricted to students in the DVM Professional Year 1

Typically offered in Spring only

VET 924  Form and Function 2  (7.5 credit hours)  

Semester 2 of the Form and Function thread will introduce students to the cardiac, respiratory, alimentary and upper urinary tract anatomy (including microanatomy and imaging anatomy) and physiology of common domestic animal species.

Restriction: DVM PY 1 - Restricted to students in the DVM Professional Year 1

Typically offered in Spring only

VET 925  Integrated Applications 2  (1 credit hours)  

Integrated Applications 2 in Veterinary Medicine is a one credit-hour course that is team taught by faculty, house officers and graduate students. This is the second course in the Integrated Applications thread and provides the opportunity for students to practice content from all threads in the DVM program, up to and including material being taught this semester.

Restriction: DVM PY 1 - Restricted to students in the DVM Professional Year 1

Typically offered in Spring only

VET 931  Animal Health and Disease 3  (8.5 credit hours)  

AHD covers the fundamentals of disease and medicine for problem-solving, building differential lists and diagnoses, and developing treatment plans. Content covered includes systemic pathology, toxicology, and builds upon infectious diseases and other foundational concepts covered in previous semesters. Timing of content delivery is coordinated with content in both Exams and Interventions (E&I) and Form & Function (FF) all of which will follow a systems-based approach.

Restriction: DVM PY 2 Students only

Typically offered in Fall only

VET 932  Becoming a Professional 3  (2 credit hours)  

This professionalism course will prepare you to communicate with clients during routine veterinary visits. We will explore aspects of effective verbal and nonverbal communication during client interactions, including how cultural diversity impacts communication in professional veterinary settings, how to get informed consent, how to communicate complex information, and how to attend to one's own and others' well-being. Role-plays and simulated client interactions will foster development of client communication skills in context.

Restriction: DVM PY 2 Students only

Typically offered in Fall only

VET 933  Exams and Interventions 3  (6 credit hours)  

This thread will emphasize principles of surgery, anesthesia, pharmacology, and radiology while building on foundational skills with advanced physical examinations of small and large animal species. Live animal surgery and anesthesia will be introduced.

Restriction: DVM PY 2 Students only

Typically offered in Fall only

VET 934  Form and Function 3  (4.5 credit hours)  

Semester 3 of the Form and Function thread will complete the gross anatomy and physiology of common domestic animal species with study of the reproductive system and tracts. Basic pathology concepts will also be introduced including hemostasis, microcirculatory disturbances, tissue repair, oncogenesis and clinical aspects of cancer. Courses will include: Veterinary Anatomy I and II (VMB 911 and VMB 921) Veterinary Physiology II (VMB923) Veterinary Pathology I (VMP 931)

Restriction: DVM PY 2 Students only

Typically offered in Fall only

VET 935  Integrated Applications 3  (1 credit hours)  

Integrated Applications 3 in Veterinary Medicine is a one and a half credit-hour course that is team-taught by faculty, house officers and graduate students. This is the third course in the Integrated Applications thread and provides the opportunity for students to practice content from all threads in the DVM program, up to and including material being taught this semester.

Restriction: DVM PY 2 Students only

Typically offered in Fall only

VET 941  Animal Health and Disease 4  (9.5 credit hours)  

AHD covers the fundamentals of disease and medicine for problem-solving, building differential lists and diagnoses, and developing treatment plans. Content covered includes systemic pathology, toxicology, and builds upon infectious diseases and other foundational concepts covered in previous semesters. Timing of content delivery is coordinated with both Exams and Interventions (E&I) and Form & Function (FF) all of which will follow a systems-based approach, complementing semester 3 material.

Restriction: DVM PY 2 Students only

Typically offered in Spring only

VET 942  Becoming a Professional 4  (3 credit hours)  

This professionalism course will put into practice concepts of professional communication through the practice of completing routine wellness care simulations. We will also explore the impact of resource management on business, and how to guide oneself and groups to achieve desired objectives and goals by using the available resources in the most effective and efficient way. Students will practice organizing and directing resources in portions of other courses. This course will also begin our exploration of the ethics of veterinary medicine. We will examine important social, legal, and ethical issues behind the science and practice of veterinary medicine. We will discuss the legal limitations and societal expectations that you are expected to consider in your professional veterinary career.

Restriction: DVM PY 2 Students only

Typically offered in Spring only

VET 943  Exams and Interventions 4  (4 credit hours)  

This thread will emphasize principles of surgery, anesthesia, and pharmacology while building on foundational skills with advanced physical examinations of small and large animal species. General physical exams of exotics species will also be explored. Live animal surgery and anesthesia will continue.

Restriction: DVM PY 2 Students only

Typically offered in Spring only

VET 944  Form and Function 4  (1 credit hours)  

Semester 4 of Form and Function thread will cover pathology and anatomy topics (hemostasis/wound repair/microcirculatory disturbances and the hemolymphatic system) as well as the normal anatomy and physiology of non-domestic species (avian, rodents, sea turtles, amphibians).

Restriction: DVM PY 2 Students only

Typically offered in Spring only

VET 945  Integrated Applications 4  (1 credit hours)  

Integrated Applications 4 in Veterinary Medicine is a one credit-hour course that is team-taught by faculty, house officers and graduate students. This is the fourth course in the Integrated Applications thread and provides the opportunity for students to practice content from all threads in the DVM program, up to and including material being taught this semester.

Restriction: DVM PY 2 Students only

Typically offered in Spring only

VET 950  DVM Preclinical Preceptorship  (3 credit hours)  

This course is a four-week, workplace-based rotation, in which students will gain experience with various clinical and/or case-based aspects of veterinary medicine under the mentorship of a veterinary preceptor. The overarching goal of this course is for students to practice clinical reasoning, communication and professional skills relevant to authentic veterinary medicine cases, and to growth those skills by receiving feedback, engaging in deliberate reflective practice, and participating in guided peer-peer learning.

Restriction: DVM PY 3 Students only

Typically offered in Fall only

VET 951  Animal Health and Disease 5  (8 credit hours)  

AHD covers the fundamentals of disease and medicine for problem-solving, building differential lists and diagnoses, and developing treatment plans. Content covered includes medicine and surgery across species and application of foundational concepts utilizing a systems based approach.

Restriction: DVM PY 3 Students only

Typically offered in Fall only

VET 952  Becoming a Professional 5  (2 credit hours)  

This professionalism communication course explores how to effectively communicate with clients in a clinical context during problem appointments. Students will develop verbal and nonverbal communication skills and an understanding of how to manage difficult client interactions including 1) communicating about money, 2) communicating during adverse events, and 3) communicating during euthanasia. Examples and cases from veterinary medicine and simulated client interactions will guide application of clinical communication in context, including attention to professionalism, well-being, and ethics.

Restriction: DVM PY 3 Students only

Typically offered in Fall only

VET 953  Exams and Interventions 5  (7 credit hours)  

This thread will emphasize surgery and anesthesia and continue building skills in advanced physical examinations of small and large animal species. General physical exams of exotics species will also be explored. Live animal surgery will continue.

Restriction: DVM PY 3 Students only

Typically offered in Fall only

VET 955  Integrated Applications 5  (1 credit hours)  

Integrated Applications 5 in Veterinary Medicine is a one credit-hour course that is team-taught by faculty, house officers and graduate students. This is the fifth course in the Integrated Applications thread and provides the opportunity for students to practice content from all threads in the DVM program, up to and including material being taught this semester.

Restriction: DVM PY 3 Students only

Typically offered in Fall only

VET 960  Clinical Pathology & Laboratory Medicine  (2 credit hours)  

This is a 2-credit course that is a predominantly practical-based approach to more in-depth learning of clinical pathology and laboratory medicine. At the end of the 2-weeks, students will be able to synthesize visual and laboratory case data as measured by the ability to construct and defend a diagnosis or differential diagnostic list and integrate important aspects of fundamental physiology, disease pathogenesis, diagnostic approach, clinical management and basic treatment information. This course is taught by multiple instructors.

Restriction: DVM students in their third year of study.

Typically offered in Spring only

VET 961  Animal Health and Disease 6  (10 credit hours)  

AHD covers the fundamentals of disease and medicine for problem-solving, building differential lists and diagnoses, and developing treatment plans. Content covered includes medicine and surgery across species and application of foundational concepts utilizing a systems based approach, complimenting semester 5 material.

Restriction: DVM PY 3 Students only

Typically offered in Spring only

VET 962  Becoming a Professional 6  (2 credit hours)  

During this professionalism course we will further examine the inner workings of an organization covering topics such as customer segmentation, managing customer experiences, analyzing decisions to add a new product/service, pricing of products/services, building successful teams, and evaluating financial performance. We will also continue our discussion around personal career development exploring topics such as professional conduct and interview strategies. Additional topics will include the basics of employment contracts and negotiations, and student loan repayment options. We will also continue our exploration of the ethics of veterinary medicine by exploring the ethics and legal implications for veterinary malpractice. Topics covered will be put into practice through participation in an integrated clinical reasoning laboratory.

Restriction: DVM PY 2 Students only

Typically offered in Spring only

VET 963  Exams and Interventions 6  (4.5 credit hours)  

This thread will emphasize surgery, anesthesia, and radiology and continue building skills in advanced physical examinations of small animal species. Live animal surgery will continue.

Restriction: DVM PY 3 Students only

Typically offered in Spring only

VET 964  Form and Function 6  (1.5 credit hours)  

Semester 6 of the Form and Function thread will provide clinically applied content in the form of case studies and laboratories. Foundational knowledge from semesters 1-4 will be revisited to perform cadaveric and simulation model-based laboratories and to work through case scenarios. Learning activities will focus on common clinical practice procedures and skills. Courses will include: Veterinary Anatomy I and II (VMB 911 and VMB 921) Veterinary Physiology I and II (VMB 913 and VMB 923) Theriogenology (VMC933) Veterinary Pathology I and II (VMP 931 and VMP 941) Veterinary Nutrition (VMB 965) Veterinary Behavior (VMC 927).

Restriction: DVM PY 3 Students only

Typically offered in Spring only

VET 965  Integrated Applications 6  (1 credit hours)  

Integrated Applications 6 in Veterinary Medicine is a one credit-hour course that is team-taught by faculty, house officers and graduate students. This is the sixth course in the Integrated Applications thread and provides the opportunity for students to practice content from all threads in the DVM program, up to and including material being taught this semester.

Restriction: DVM PY 3 Students only

Typically offered in Spring only

VET 971  Veterinary Medicine Externship  (2 credit hours)  

This course is a rotation designed to expand opportunities in veterinary practice for clinical year veterinary students to learn or enhance physical examination and technical skills, effective client communication and time management skills, problem identification, clinical reasoning and problem-solving. Students may also observe elements of veterinary practice management, including personnel involved and professional financial interactions with private clients. Students will work at a practice under the direct supervision of a licensed veterinarian during this rotation. Enrollment in this course is limited to fourth year students in the DVM professional program.

Restriction: This course is available to students in the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Program who are in their 4th year of the DVM curriculum.

Typically offered in Fall and Spring

VET 972  Veterinary Medicine International Externship  (2 credit hours)  

This course will provide students with opportunities to gain practical experience in a foreign country by working with local veterinary practices or working on a veterinary medicine project being conducted in that country. Such projects may focus on production medicine, occupational safety, zoological medicine, or basic research.

Restriction: This course is available to students in the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Program who are in their 4th year of the DVM curriculum.

Typically offered in Fall and Spring

VET 973  Clinical Year Special Topics  (2 credit hours)  

This experience is intended for DVM students in the fourth year of the curriculum to engage in supervised experiential learning that relates to veterinary medical practice. This can include time working with clinical or diagnostic services to gain additional experience beyond that offered by clinical rotations, assisting with preclinical instruction of clinical skills in laboratory or experiential settings, or completing on-campus clinical training programs that are not otherwise offered for course credit. This experience is limited to the NC State Campus, inclusive of university farms, and to off-campus experiences under the direct supervision of CVM faculty.

Restriction: Participation in this course is restricted to Doctor of Veterinary Medicine program in the fourth year of the DVM curriculum.

Typically offered in Fall, Spring, and Summer

VET 974  Clinical Year Special Topics (Offsite)  (2 credit hours)  

This experience is intended for DVM students in the fourth year of the curriculum to engage in targeted or project-based experiential learning related to veterinary clinical practice, regulatory work, or other topics relevant to veterinary careers. Experiences include but are not limited to working with clinical or diagnostic services to develop specific skills, and participating in research or regulatory work associated with universities, industry, nonprofits, or public agencies related to veterinary medicine.

Restriction: This course is available to students in the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Program who are in their 4th year of the DVM curriculum.

Typically offered in Fall, Spring, and Summer

VET 975  Public Health and Population Medicine for Veterinary Practioners  (2 credit hours)  

In this rotation students will apply principles of infection prevention and control to understand disease transmission risks and apply control strategies both in the NCSU Veterinary Hospital as well as numerous off-campus sites. Students will evaluate current zoonotic and antimicrobial resistant infections in the hospital to propose diagnostic and treatment strategies. Students will have the opportunity to practice population health at locations such as local animal shelters, private practices, and field locations with herds/flocks. Students will perform an infection control audit and communicate with stakeholders on strategies for preventive care and biosecurity. Students will have the opportunity to engage with faculty, local veterinarians, and community members on zoonotic disease prevention.

Prerequisite: 4th year DVM student

Typically offered in Fall and Spring

VET 995  Clinical Conference  (1 credit hours)  

This weekly seminar course will incorporate a range of topics relevant to success in the clinical year and beyond, including preparation for the NAVLE exam, integration of themes and topics presented elsewhere in the DVM curriculum, job search strategies, employment contracts, financial literacy and loan repayment, critical reflection, and others. The course calendar is based on relevant topics to members of the senior class as they pass through the academic year. Topics will be addressed in an interactive and discussion-based manner and will be selected with input from the student body.

Restriction: Active DVM student in year 4 of the curriculum (successful completion of years 1-3)

Typically offered in Fall, Spring, and Summer