University Catalog 2024-2025

Doctor of Veterinary Medicine

At the NC State College of Veterinary Medicine, world leading faculty lead extraordinary programs in learning and discovery. We instruct students in a range of scientific disciplines related to health and disease control in animals. In addition to teaching foundational classes in medical topics, students are trained in clinical skills needed to diagnose and treat illness in animals.

The clinical program at NC State Veterinary Medicine provides a heavy emphasis for actual “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 still retaining a broad based veterinary education.

Faculty also encourage and challenge students to develop the personal and professional knowledge and skills needed to serve a global community. For detailed information regarding our program, choose an area of interest from the menu on the left hand side of this page.


The Evolution of an Expert

Our goal is to prepare graduates who step into the profession with the most up-to-date veterinary medical knowledge possible, skills that prepare them to practice veterinary medicine at the top of their fields, an awareness of the veterinary issues at a local, national, and international level, and a dedication to the continued pursuit of knowledge throughout their professional lives. As such, we have built into our curriculum the following measures of success in each of these important areas:

Knowledge

A graduate will effectively use knowledge of comparative medical science in the provision of veterinary clinical care and other contexts in which veterinary medicine plays a key role. This is characterized as the ability to:

  • possess and apply the knowledge needed to solve animal health problems
  • locate the needed knowledge efficiently and successfully, using contemporary media and technology to access and manage information
  • critically evaluate information and its sources
  • integrate medical and scientific information and apply it to the solution of animal health problems

Skills

A graduate will effectively use cognitive and psychomotor skills in the practice of veterinary clinical care and other contexts in which veterinary medicine plays a key role.  This will be characterized as the ability to:

  • identify, define and analyze clinical problems of a diverse range of species
  • identify or create processes to solve clinical problems in a diverse range of species
  • interpret facts and data in the context of the clinical problems to be solved
  • design preventative and therapeutic plans for common medical problems of animals and  animal-human disease interactions
  • perform surgical and medical procedures needed to care for veterinary patients, demonstrating acceptable standards of animal handling, pain control, sterility, instrument and device handling, tissue handling and safety
  • perform imaging and other diagnostic procedures and accurately interpret obtained data used for the diagnosis and treatment of disease in animals
  • use scientific methods for the investigation of problems and use research-based information in the clinical care of veterinary patients

Awareness

A graduate will effectively use awareness of local, national, international and professional communities in which he or she practices to meet the needs of society in an effective and ethical manner.  This will be characterized as the ability to:

  • acknowledge personal responsibility for one’s value judgments and behavior
  • understand and accept social, cultural, global and environmental responsibilities, particularly as they relate to animal welfare, sustainability of animal resources, and one health
  • demonstrate professionalism in the face of societal diversity, including racial, ethnic, gender, sexual orientation, socio-economic and cultural differences
  • work with, manage, and lead others in ways that  facilitate their contribution to the organization and the wider community
  • use communication as a tool for interacting and relating to others, demonstrating patience, compassion and empathy
  • make effective use of oral, written, and visual  means to critique, negotiate, create and communicate understanding
  • apply sound business and management principles to the organizations in which one works
  • operate within the legal constraints of the society in which one lives
  • exhibit truth, honesty, integrity, open-mindedness, fairness and generosity

Life-long Learning

A graduate will continuously update his or her knowledge, skills and awareness. This will be characterized as the ability to:

  • be independent learners who take responsibility for their own learning and practice continuous reflection, self-evaluation and self-improvement
  • critically evaluate one’s current knowledge, skills and awareness, recognizing areas for improvement
  • be open to new ideas, methods and ways of thinking be able to identify processes and strategies to learn and meet new challenges
  • have a personal vision and goals and be able to work towards these in a sustainable way

Applicants are evaluated on their academic performance, their understanding of the veterinary medical profession, their achievements, and their professional potential.

Pre-veterinary students can pursue any undergraduate major they choose, and the required pre-professional courses can be obtained through the curricula of a number of fields of study. An undergraduate degree, however, is not required for admission. “Pre-vet” is not a major; it is a track that can be chosen within a major. Popular majors for pre-professional students include animal science, poultry science, zoology, biology, biochemistry, and microbiology. Applicants must only complete prerequisite courses to fulfill academic admission requirements.


NC STATE ANNOUNCES THE FOLLOWING ADVISORY TO ADMISSIONS REQUIREMENTS FOR THE 2021 ADMISSIONS CYCLE:

  1. P/F grades:  NC State will allow a Pass in P/F or Satisfactory in the S/U grading systems for prerequisites completed in Spring or Summer 2020
    • courses submitted in the P/F or S/U scale will not be factored into the Required Course GPA calculation
  2. GRE:  NC State has waived the GRE General Test for the 2021 admissions cycle
    • If you have already taken the test, please do not send scores to NC State directly or to NC State via VMCAS.  A decision about requiring the GRE for the 2022 admissions cycle will be made in Fall 2020.
  3. LORs: NC State will continue to require three (3) letters of recommendations. Additionally, we still highly recommend that 2 of 3 letters come from DVMs or PhD scientists with whom you have worked.
  4. Experience Hours: NC State will continue to require 200 hours of veterinary experience hours for the 2021 admissions cycle.

Letter grades with at least a C- or better will be required in all semesters following Spring and Summer 2020 as long as COVID-19 restrictions have been lifted.   A “Pass” or “Satisfactory” grade for a prerequisite taken in Spring or Summer 2020 will be accepted in any future admissions cycle.

Please contact the Student Services Office at dvminformation@ncsu.edu if you have any questions about these changes.

The academic professional program calls for two phases of education: a preclinical three-year phase and a clinical phase in the fourth year of training. The first through the third years of the professional program are concerned with a gradual progression from a basic science presentation to a more clinical application of veterinary science. Two summer-vacation periods are allowed in the first three years of the professional program.

VMB 900  Veterinary Pain: Physiology and Clinical Problem Solving  (1 credit hours)  

Course will review the neuroanatomy and physiology of pain with emphasis on veterinary species. The course will also cover clinical treatment options and ethical discussions.

Typically offered in Fall only

VMB 901  Molecular Medicine  (1 credit hours)  

This elective is designed for all DVM students to augment their training in clinical and basic sciences. Modern medicine is making increasing use of molecular approaches for advancing diagnostic and prognostic modalities, and for developing more effective therapeutic strategies for cancer, metabolic disorders and infectious diseases. This class will outline the concepts underlying current and emerging technologies in molecular medicine, and investigate their utility in a clinical setting. The goal is to equip students with a basic understanding of the appropriate and effective use of molecular strategies, whether directly for patient care, or within academic, industry or government research.

Typically offered in Spring only

VMB 909  Case Based Radiographic Interpretation  (1 credit hours)  

Using an entirely case based approach, disorders that are commonly diagnosed radiographically in both small and large animals will be discussed. The emphasis will be on radiographic interpretation. Important concepts in radiographic interpretation and how imaging can affect patient management will be discussed.

Typically offered in Spring only

VMB 911  Veterinary Anatomy I  (5 credit hours)  

Gross anatomy of the dog and cat. Neuroanatomy of the dog and cat. Dissection of embalmed (dog/cat) cadavers, study of prosections, slides, models, and imaging modalities.

P: Admission to professional veterinary program

Typically offered in Fall only

VMB 912  Introduction to Clinical Problem Solving in Veterinary Practice  (2 credit hours)  

A combination of lectures and in-class activities will be used to explore the clinical reasoning process and steps used in "working up" a veterinary clinical case. Specific topics include: patient signalment, chief complaint, history, physical exam, problem list, differential diagnosis. Also covered: introductory clinical skills, medical records (SOAP). Course limited to students enrolled in the DVM curriculum.

Typically offered in Fall only

VMB 913  Veterinary Physiology and Microanatomy I  (5 credit hours)  

First course in a two course series on veterinary physiology and microanatomy. Emphasis will be on structure and function which will provide a foundation upcoming courses (e.g. pharmacology, pathology, medicine).

P: Admission to professional veterinary program

Typically offered in Fall only

VMB 914  Histology and Cytology  (2 credit hours)  

This course focuses on the study of cells, basic tissues, and selected organs of domestic animals. The primary emphasis is on the molecular and structural basis for cell function, tissue organization, and organ systems.

P: Admission to professional veterinary program

Typically offered in Fall only

VMB 920  Small Group Problem Solving in Veterinary Medicine  (1 credit hours)  

Students will work in small groups with a faculty facilitator to examine case scenarios, and apply the problem-solving process discussed in VMB 912 to a variety of clinical and research problems. This course will provide a venue for integration of content presented in other courses, as well as application of small-group communication skills. Course limited to students enrolled in the DVM curriculum.

Typically offered in Spring only

VMB 921  Veterinary Comparative Anatomy  (4 credit hours)  

Gross anatomy of domestic ungulates (horse, ox, goat, pig). Involves dissection of embalmed specimens and study of prosections, models, and radiographs.

Typically offered in Spring only

VMB 923  Veterinary Physiology and Microanatomy II  (4 credit hours)  

A continuation course in veterinary physiology and microanatomy. Emphasis will be on structure and function which will provide a foundation upcoming courses (e.g. pharmacology, pathology, medicine).

Typically offered in Spring only

VMB 930  Anesthesiology  (2 credit hours)  

Anesthetic principles, agents, and techniques of multiple species.

Typically offered in Fall only

VMB 931  Veterinary Ethics and Animal Welfare  (2 credit hours)  

This course will explore the major ethical issues confronting the practices of veterinary medicine, biomedical science, and animal welfare. Students will become familiar with legal and institutional positions, consider and debate opposing arguments on the various topics, and examine relevant case studies. Provides the basic leadership and operational training necessary to become a Credentialed responder for the State of North Carolina. Limited to DVM students or by permission of instructor.

Typically offered in Fall only

VMB 932  Veterinary Medical Decision Making  (1 credit hours)  

A combination of lectures and Moodle activities will be used to explore the medical decision-making process in veterinary medicine and error prevention strategies. Main course themes are errors in: knowledge acquisition, data gathering, data processing and metacognition. Discussion of generation, refinement and testing of diagnostic hypotheses. Course limited to students enrolled in the DVM curriculum.

Typically offered in Fall only

VMB 933  Veterinary Pharmacology I  (3 credit hours)  

This course focuses on the action of drugs in animals and basic principles of drug disposition and pharmacokinetics. The course will provide presentations on the principles of pharmacology of medications used in animals. Principles of autonomic pharmacology will form a foundation that is important to other drug groups. Important drug groups discussed during the course will be sympathetic and parasympathetic agonists and antagonists, anesthetic, sedative, and tranquilizer drugs. We will then cover medications used to treat conditions of the brain and behavior, hemostatic, endocrine, and respiratory systems. The material you learn in this semester will be building blocks for additional systems therapeutics in the Spring semester (VMB 943). This course will consist of recorded lecture material, case presentations, in-class activities/discussions, individual and group assignments, and presentations by guest lecturers.

Typically offered in Fall only

VMB 936  Introduction to Radiology  (1 credit hours)  

This course describes and explains the principles of physics of diagnostic radiology and ultrasound, and the basics of image interpretation. Principles of thoracic radiography and radiographic anatomy will be covered. Radiographic interpretation of the cardiovascular system, lungs and airways and pleural space are discussed and related to physiology of the different organ systems. Principles of abdominal radiography and radiographic anatomy will be covered as well and the concepts of peritoneal detail, abdominal mass effect and intestinal ileus will be introduced.

Typically offered in Fall only

VMB 943  Veterinary Pharmacology II  (3 credit hours)  

A course in veterinary pharmacology with emphasis on the pharmacology of drugs affecting various body systems including digestive, endocrine, ocular, respiratory, central nervous, cardiovascular, or musculoskeletal. Drugs that produce analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties also are included.

Typically offered in Spring only

VMB 944  Veterinary Toxicology and Poisonous Plants  (2 credit hours)  

Toxicological basis and pathological features of diseases of animals and birds caused by common toxic chemicals and plants with emphasis on clinical manifestations, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment.

Typically offered in Spring only

VMB 952  Specialized Problem Solving in Veterinary Medicine  (1 credit hours)  

Specialized Problem-Solving is the fourth in a series of courses focusing on Clinical Reasoning and Problem Solving. In this class, you will build upon the skills developed in earlier courses, and work to diagnose, treat and trouble-shoot more complex cases. These cases may have external constraints that will limit your ability to order diagnostic tests, and/or may require identification and correction of medical errors. You will work in unsupervised teams, and then present the results of your decision-making processes to a facilitator for discussion, review and critique. Course limited to students enrolled in the DVM curriculum.

Typically offered in Fall only

VMB 960  Veterinary Radiology and Radiobiology  (2 credit hours)  

Fundamentals of radiographic diagnosis. The VMB 960 course is focused on the diagnostic imaging appearance of small and large animal thoracic, abdominal, musculoskeletal and neurologic disease. The main imaging modality that will be covered is diagnostic radiology and some diagnostic ultrasound but Computed Tomography (CT) and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) will be introduced as well. The principles of image interpretation will be revisited and the imaging appearance of important and common diseases will be presented and discussed. Case examples will be shown and students may be asked to provide case interpretation in class.

Typically offered in Spring only

VMB 961  Success in the Clinics and Beyond  (1 credit hours)  

This course provides an opportunity for students to integrate and synthesize professional skills in preparation for clinical rotations and veterinary practice. An introduction to the current VH electronic medical record system will be provided. Students will apply their knowledge of clinical communication, teamwork, clinical reasoning, and ethics to a variety of case scenarios.

Typically offered in Spring only

VMB 962  Clinician Scientist Research Experience  (1-10 credit hours)  

This course is designed to give students an opportunity to take part in resaerch int he laboratory of their chosen mentor(s), resulting in a greater understanding of the research process. Students will be specifically required to complete at least three 2-week blocks, and to have at least two of these blocks scheduled consecutively (i.e., a 1-month time period in the laboratory). This course is restricted to students enrolled in the Clinician Scientist Focus Area of the DVM curriculum and requires approval by the student's CSFA mentor.

Prerequisite: All freshman-junior DVM courses allowing the student to enroll in senior DVM courses.

Typically offered in Fall and Spring

VMB 965  Veterinary Nutritional Health  (2 credit hours)  

The role of nutrition in veterinary medicine. Development, diagnosis and prevention of nutritional problems in a variety of species will be discussed, frequently employing a comparative approach.

Typically offered in Spring only

VMB 976  Radiology Rotation  (2 credit hours)  

This rotation will provide practical training in the production of quality radiographic examinations and will help develop interpretation skills in diagnostic radiology. Students are expected to be familiar with material covered in the junior radiology course (VMB 960) as it will be incorporated into this rotation. Review of the auto-tutorial teaching cases, located in the "Star Wars" room. The radiology rotation is oriented toward teaching and service. Learning experiences result from a combination of direct contact with the faculty, residents, technicians, and classmates. You will make diagnostic quality radiographs, participate in morning rounds and review didactic material, VMB 960 teaching files and ask questions.

VMB 977  Clinical Anesthesia Rotation  (2 credit hours)  

Students engage in the daily clinical service responsibilities of the CVM-VTH Anesthesia Section in the role of anesthetists assigned to the care of client-owned animals. The objective of this clinical course is to enable each student to achieve their maximum potential as neophyte anesthetists having limited experience. Student activities are supervised and conducted by CVM faculty anesthesiologists, and VTH staff anesthesia technicians. Supporting activities related to delivering clinical service include attending clinical rounds and case discussions, and oral presentation of a critical review of a recently published research paper relevant to anesthesia and it's supporting basic sciences.

Typically offered in Fall and Spring

VMB 978  Clinical Behavior & Nutrition  (2 credit hours)  

This 4th year clinical rotation will provide interested students with the opportunity to gain experience in both behavior and nutrition. During the week spent at the Animal Behavior Service, students will participate in the diagnosis and treatment of behavior problems in companion animals. During the week spent at the Nutrition Service, students will develop and initiate Nutrition Support plans for hospitalized and health companion animals. Relevant nutrition support skills will be practiced. This course is restricted to students in the DVM curriculum.

Prerequisite: VMC 927 or equivalent, DVM Curriculum Student Status

Typically offered in Fall and Spring

VMB 991  SP Top in MBS  (1-2 credit hours)  

One week special topic course in the Department of Molecular Biomedical Sciences.

VMB 992  SP Top in MBS  (2 credit hours)  

Two week special topic course in the Department of Molecular Biomedical Sciences.

VMC 900  Advanced Equine Medicine  (1 credit hours)  

This course will build upon topics covered in VMC 952 Equine Medicine and Surgery. Lectures will cover equine medical problems in more depth than in the previous course. Additional topics will also be included. This course is designed for students who plan to practice equine medicine after graduation.

Typically offered in Spring only

VMC 901  Advanced Small Animal Medicine  (2 credit hours)  

This course provides more advanced instruction on medical and surgical diseases of dogs and cats. Pathophysiology, diagnostic evaluation and medical and surgical management of diseases in nephrology, urology, oncology, respiratory medicine, infectious diseases, gastroenterology, cardiology and endocrinology are contained within this course. This advanced content of this course is designed to run alongside the content in VMC 951.

Typically offered in Fall only

VMC 902  Small Animal Rounds  (1 credit hours)  

Course incorporates weekly rounds on actual cases in the NCSU-CVM. Students will practice clinical reasoning, test interpretation and oral and written case presentations in a low stakes, safe environment. Real cases will provide a comprehensive application of the pre-clinical courses. Weekly repetition of these skills will prepare students for clinical practice.

Typically offered in Spring only

VMC 903  Advanced Equine Podiatry, Surgery and Lameness  (1 credit hours)  

This course combines in-person lectures, a hands-on podiatry lab (at Reedy Creek Facility), and small group presentations by students to provide equine-interested third year students with highly relevant information in the area of surgery, lameness and podiatry. The lectures cover selected podiatry, surgery and orthopedic/lameness topics while the out-of-classroom experience will focus on podiatry. During this lab, students will perform podiatry examinations in small groups on horses at the Reedy Creek Equine Farm. A few weeks later, the same groups will present their exam findings, together with future trimming/shoeing recommendations, in short powerpoint presentations to the class. Instructors in this course include specialists in the area of podiatry, imaging, sports medicine and rehabilitation, orthopedic and soft tissue surgery and an experienced farrier, who will participate in the lab, lectures and provide feedback in the student presentations.

Typically offered in Fall only

VMC 904  Advanced Equine Theriogenology  (1 credit hours)  

This course provides more advanced instruction in equine Theriogenology (mare and stallion). Diagnostic evaluation and techniques, with expansion on basic core concepts introduced in previous course content are contained within this course.

Typically offered in Fall and Spring

VMC 905  Advanced Topics in Small Animal Dermatology  (1 credit hours)  

This course will provide broad understanding of small animal dermatology by building upon the basic foundation principles covered in VMC 951. Students will learn to recognize, diagnose and treat both common and uncommon skin diseases of small animals.

Typically offered in Spring only

VMC 906  Equine Field Skills Elective  (2 credit hours)  

This course will provide practical instruction in commonly used skills and techniques necessary for equine primary care practice. It is an intensive, team taught series of individual laboratories that provide students with experience in the varied skill set required of an equine general practitioner. This course is designed for students that are in the third year of the DVM curriculum, have good horse handling skills and a desire to practice equine veterinary medicine upon graduation. Registration for this course is by instructor permission only.

Typically offered in Spring only

VMC 907  Small Animal Comfort Crew  (1 credit hours)  

This course is an introduction to patient care in the Terry Center. Students will receive instruction on low stress dog and cat handling, hospital protocols in the general wards, intermediate care unit (IMC) and intensive care unit (ICU), and topics such as the transplant program, management of postoperative patients, and student elected topics based on patients they have cared for. Students will play an active role in improving in hospital patient care through hands on comfort sessions with in patients.

R: DVM Students Only

Typically offered in Fall and Spring

VMC 908  Advanced Small Animal Neurology, Ophthalmology, and Orthopedics  (2 credit hours)  

This course will provide a more advanced approach to the medical and surgical management of selected metabolic, neoplastic, nutritional, immune mediated, developmental and degenerative diseases and traumatic injury of the ophthalmologic, neurologic, and musculoskeletal systems of small animals. It is a companion course to material given in VMC961. Concurrent enrollment in third year of DVM curriculum.

Typically offered in Spring only

VMC 909  Feline Medicine  (1 credit hours)  

This course will equip students for success in feline practice or in small animal or mixed practice with a feline component. The course will address the basic behavioral and nutritional needs of cats, and students will learn how the unique physiology of this species affects feline health and feline disease management.

Typically offered in Spring only

VMC 910  Careers in Veterinary Medicine  (1 credit hours)  

Specialists and invited speakers from multiple areas of veterinary medicine will present information about career opportunities.

Typically offered in Fall only

VMC 912  Introduction to Zoological and Laboratory Animal Medicine 1  (2 credit hours)  

This course will cover introductory husbandry, nutrition and medicine for animals commonly kept as zoological companion animals (exotic pets), or housed in laboratory, zoological or aquarium facilities. This course will provide an introduction to the care of these animals as well as introduction into the potential careers involving these animals.

Typically offered in Fall only

VMC 914  Group Communication in Veterinary Medicine  (1 credit hours)  

This course explores how to effectively communicate in small groups in a professional veterinary context. Students will develop verbal and nonverbal communication skills, an understanding of 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 guide application of group communication in context. Course limited to students enrolled in the DVM curriculum.

Typically offered in Fall only

VMC 919  Clinical Behavior and Welfare for Dogs and Cats Elective  (1 credit hours)  

This is a one-credit course in clinical veterinary behavioral medicine and welfare, with an emphasis on diagnosis and treatment of behavior problems of dogs and cats. The course will build upon the foundation of normal versus abnormal behavior and learning theory of VMC 927. This course will focus on the recognition of common problem behaviors in dogs and cats and how to approach a behavior problem with a systematic Problem Oriented Approach (POVMR). The presentation, proposed etiology and pathogenesis, differential diagnosis, and plan formulation- including diagnostic, treatment, and education plans, will be discussed for common problems. Behavioral medication and complementary products will be included when discussing treatment plans. Additionally, the impact on animal welfare and the human-animal bond will be discussed. Problems to be reviewed include noise aversion, separation anxiety, compulsive disorders, housesoiling, fear and anxiety related problems, problems presenting with aggression, cognitive dysfunction, and some nuisance behaviors.

Prerequisite: VMC 927 or equivalent

Typically offered in Fall only

VMC 921  Special Topics in Zoological Medicine  (1-3 credit hours)  

This elective course allows students to participate in customized laboratory and field experiences in zoological medicine (avian, aquatic, reptile, amphibian, invertebrate, and mammalian species). This course is designed to be adapted to the needs of students in the DVM program who desire practical experiences in the discipline. Specific details of individual projects are developed by the course coordinator and participating faculty. this elective course can provide partial fulfillment for elective credit for Zoo Focus Area

Prerequisite: 1st, 2nd, or 3rd year DVM student

Typically offered in Fall and Spring

VMC 922  Veterinary Acupuncture  (2 credit hours)  

This elective course will introduce DVM students to Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine (TCVM), including acupuncture, moxibustion, and related therapies. The course will include an overview of TCVM history, terminology, theory, and practical applications using equine (horse or donkey) and canine species. The course will consist of online classes to be completed prior to the laboratory portion (Sessions 1 and 2 through Chi University) and in person laboratories on canine or equine patients over a 2 day laboratory intensive session.

Prerequisite: VMB 911 and VMB 921; Corequisite: Current enrollment in the DVM program

Typically offered in Spring only

VMC 923  Research in Zoological Health  (1-4 credit hours)  

This course provides an opportunity to pursue mentored research projects relevant to zoological health while in the DVM curriculum. Projects may be but are not limited to those related to the zoological focus thesis option.

Restriction: DVM student status. By Instructor Permission only.

Typically offered in Fall and Spring

VMC 924  Equatorial Zoology and Medicine In Galápagos  (1 credit hours)  

This unique opportunity will allow DVM students to experience a unique, equatorial archipelago and much of its natural history offerings. The Galápagos Science Center (GSC) will serve as the base of operations. Dr. Gregory Lewbart, who has worked at the facility four separate times, will be the local program leader and guide. He will be assisted by local and visiting scientists. Lectures, laboratory sessions, and field trips will cover a wide variety of zoological and medical topics dealing with native invertebrates, fishes, reptiles, birds, and mammals. There will be an emphasis on aquatic species and a paper is required.

Typically offered in Spring only

Offered in Even Years

VMC 927  Introduction to Companion Animal Behavior  (2 credit hours)  

This course explores the behavior of companion animals from a veterinary perspective. An emphasis is placed on behavior as an indicator of welfare and health, humane handling of animals, prevention of behavior problems, and treatment of common behavior problems. In addition the nature of human-animal bond and ethical issues relating to human-animal interactions will be discussed. Students will learn how to diagnose and treat common behavior problems on the basis of video-rich case presentations, lecture material, and class discussion. This course is restricted to students enrolled in the DVM Curriculum.

Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Majors Only

Typically offered in Spring only

VMC 928  Topics in Wild Reptile Medicine  (1 credit hours)  

The NCSU-CVM Turtle Rescue Team treats sick and injured wild reptiles (mostly turtles) belonging to over a dozen different species. First, second, and third year veterinary students taking this course will be responsible for case management, coordinating consultations, diagnostic testing within the hospital, and placing recuperating animals with local wildlife rehabilitators. Students are also required to attend periodic rounds and attend eight lectures about amphibians and/or reptiles, separate from the core and Selective curriculum.

Typically offered in Spring only

VMC 929  Topics in Wild and Managed Carnivore Medicine and Management  (1 credit hours)  

This course introduces students to wild carnivore medicine, surgery, husbandry, natural history, and captive management issues. Emphasis will be placed on learning the following skills in a clinical and didactic setting: capture and handling, physical examination, complying with and contributing to Species Survival Plan (SSP) guidelines and recommendations, husbandry management, diagnostic sample collection and treatment techniques. During the school year, students will also be expected to attend a minimum of three lectures/seminars related to carnivore medicine (these do not have to be at the CVM but must be in addition to the core or Selective curriculum) in addition to a minimum of one red wolf immobilization (one per semester - date TBA). Students will also be required to attend clinical rounds when appropriate and may be asked to present a case or cases at one of these rounds.

Typically offered in Fall only

VMC 930  Rehabilitation and Mobility Clinical Rotation  (2 credit hours)  

In this course, students will gain a general understanding of veterinary rehabilitation therapy, including principles and protocols of assessment and treatment, tissue healing, the theory and application of treatment modalities and the common conditions treated.

Requisite: Currently enrolled DVM student

Typically offered in Fall and Spring

VMC 932  Principles of Surgery  (3 credit hours)  

This course covers the science, art and craft of surgery, as a foundation for clinical applications. The principles you learn will give you a foundation for performing surgery on all species, even though the examples in this course are centered on the dog and cat.

Prerequisite: 2nd year DVM student

Typically offered in Fall only

VMC 933  Theriogenology  (2 credit hours)  

The physiology, endocrinology, and pathology of the reproductive system are presented. Emphasis includes genital anatomy and function, endocrine interrelationships, and methods for examination of mammary gland and reproductive tract function, including diagnosis and treatment of clinical disorders.

Typically offered in Fall only

VMC 934  Zoological and Laboratory Animal Medicine  (2 credit hours)  

This course will cover introductory husbandry, nutrition and medicine for animals commonly kept as zoological companion animals (exotic pets), or housed in laboratory, zoological or aquarium facilities. This course will provide an introduction to the care of these animals as well as cover introductory medical techniques and procedures.

Typically offered in Spring only

VMC 937  Introduction to Physical Examination Skills- Small Animal  (1 credit hours)  

Introduction to physical examination, laboratory sample collection, and medication administration skills in dogs and cats. Students will also be taught how to understand and use the problem oriented approach for patient management. Students must be enrolled in the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine program. Enrollment in year 2 of Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Program.

Typically offered in Spring only

VMC 938  Advanced Small Animal Primary Care  (2 credit hours)  

Advanced exposure of clinical year veterinary students to a small animal primary care veterinary practice. There will be several areas of focus to increase efficiency and/or enhancement of pre-existing abilities: clinical skills relevant to a primary care veterinary practitioner; strong problem solving abilities; strong communication skills necessary to interact effectively with clients, colleagues and staff; incorporating and conducting behavioral evaluations of pets during wellness examinations. Enrollment in this course is limited to students in the DVM professional program that have passed VMC 939 (Small Animal Primary Care).

Prerequisite: VMC 939

Typically offered in Spring only

VMC 939  Small Animal Primary Care  (2 credit hours)  

This rotation is designed to immerse fourth year veterinary students in a primary care small animal veterinary practice experience. There will be several areas of focus: teaching clinical skills relevant to a small animal veterinary practitioner, developing strong communication skills necessary to interact effectively with clients, colleagues and staff, incorporating and strengthening behavioral evaluations of pets during wellness examinations and developing strong problem solving abilities. Enrollment in this course is limited to students in the DVM professional program.

Typically offered in Fall, Spring, and Summer

VMC 940  Clinical Theriogenology  (2 credit hours)  

This course is designed to instruct veterinary students to make clinical diagnoses and problems of the reproduction system of domestic animals. Instruction is provided on medical and surgical correction of clinical reproductive system problems, such as infertility, obstetrical procedures, assisted reproductive techniques, and traumatic injuries. Must be enrolled in fourth year clinical rotations.

Typically offered in Fall and Spring

VMC 941  Special Topics in Theriogenology  (2 credit hours)  

The primary objective of this course is to provide additional information and training to veterinary students that have taken the VMP 980 (VMC 940 new course #) clinical theriogenology senior clinical rotation. Emphasis will be directed to acquaint students with modern and current practices of clinical Theriogenology. It is expected that the majority of the information and activities offered in this course will involve equine species (80%) and, to a lesser extent, canine (10%) and bovine species (10%). Requires satisfactory completion of 3rd year of professional program and clinical theriogenology senior rotations.

Typically offered in Fall and Spring

VMC 942  Principles of Medicine  (2 credit hours)  

This cross-species course provides an introduction to the principles of disease and injury state common to all species. Content in this course is intended to prepare the students for third year DVM medicine and surgery courses.

Typically offered in Spring only

VMC 943  Laboratory Animal and Zoological Species Health and Disease I  (1 credit hours)  

Principles of applied biology, management, physical examination, and medical techniques, health problems and medical treatment of laboratory and companion fishes, amphibians, and reptiles will be presented. Laboratory sessions will include handling of live animals, examination of necropsy specimens, and case discussions. Students must be enrolled in the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine program.

Typically offered in Spring only

VMC 944  Introduction to Clinical and Professional Communication  (1 credit hours)  

The ability to communicate with clients is important to successful veterinary practice. The focus of this course is to explore how to effectively communicate with clients in a clinical context. Students will develop verbal and nonverbal communication skills, an understanding of relationship-centered care, management of client interactions, getting informed consent, and communicating complex information. Examples and cases from veterinary medicine will guide application of clinical communication in context.

Typically offered in Spring only

VMC 945  Mobile Veterinary Hospital Shelter Surgery and Medicine  (2 credit hours)  

This course is designed to offer students additional experience in general small animal soft tissue surgery and shelter medicine. Through partnership with Central North Carolina animal sheltering organizations and utilizing the NC State Mobile Veterinary Hospital, students will primarily gain small animal spay/neuter experience and may also perform additional surgical procedures as needed based on animal patient condition and student abilities. Secondarily, students will also provide medical care for sheltered pets including but not limited to primary wellness care, treatment of sick and injured animals and may perform heartworm testing and treatments as needed. This opportunity will consist of an evolving list of external partners that could additionally include community cat organizations and foster care sheltering networks for any given rotation.

Typically offered in Fall and Spring

VMC 946  Extramural Business Management Experience  (2 credit hours)  

This course is designed to offer students additional business experience in the veterinary industry. Through partnership with external organizations, students will gain business experience and explore topics such as emerging business, legal, and ethical issues, practice management, human resource management, employment contracts and negotiations, buy and selling veterinary practices, and practice financing. This opportunity will consist of an evolving list of external partners and could include organizations offering practice management consulting, human resource consulting, business consulting, insurance and financing.

Prerequisite: 4th year DVM student

Typically offered in Fall only

VMC 947  Practice Management: Evaluating the workflow, services, and financial performance of a hospital  (2 credit hours)  

The Practice Management rotation is designed for students interested in obtaining a deeper understanding of how to manage a successful veterinary practice. This experience will give students the opportunity to apply business principles learned in the classroom to real world practices. Students will use assessment tools provided to analyze veterinary practices and provide constructive feedback to practice owners. Students will be expected to interview practice owners and staff, observe practice flow and patient care, and perform an in depth financial analysis. Students will then prepare a written summary and present their findings and appropriate recommendations to the practice owner(s).

Prerequisite: 4th year DVM student

Typically offered in Fall and Spring

VMC 948  Clinical Rotation in Veterinary Radiation Oncology  (2 credit hours)  

This is an elective rotation during the 4th year of CVM professional studies providing an introduction to veterinary radiation oncology. Basic information about radiation therapy equipment, treatment planning and delivery, and outcome of patients treated for various cancers with radiation therapy will be emphasized. Students will be assigned cases being seen by the radiation oncology service as inpatients, outpatients, and new referral appointments.

Prerequisite: VMB 960

Typically offered in Fall and Spring

VMC 949  Equine Primary Care  (4 credit hours)  

This 4 week course will provide students with an initial one week of intensive clinical experience in equine primary care and three weeks with a NCSU CVM approved equine primary care practice. Students will be seeing a variety of primary care cases from CVM staff and faculty owned horses, state owned horses, and horses from non-profit organizations during the first week at Southern Pines; including vaccinations, dentistry, lameness, imaging, nasogastric intubation, and field surgery. This course is not an externship and students will have outcome assessments from the instructor as well as the veterinarian at the equine primary care practice. During the final three weeks, students will be exposed to a general equine primary care practice. Students will be expected to examine cases, discuss differentials, provide a treatment plan, perform treatments, and provide client communication. Instructor approval for enrollment required.

Prerequisite: 4th year DVM student

Typically offered in Fall and Spring

VMC 950  Sea Turtle Medicine and Rehabilitation  (2 credit hours)  

This course provides practical experience in husbandry and disease diagnosis and treatment in rehabilitating sea turtles at the Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation Center (KBSRRC) in Topsail Beach, NC. Skills to be acquired in clinical and didactic setting include sea turtle husbandry and rehabilitation techniques, diagnostic sample collection and interpretation, physical examination and safe handling, medication delivery, wound treatment, and necropsy protocols.

Prerequisite: 4th year DVM student

Typically offered in Fall only

VMC 951  Companion Animal Medicine and Surgery I  (4 credit hours)  

Overview of medical and surgical management of selective metabolic, neoplastic, nutritional, immune-mediated, developmental and degenerative diseases of companion animals.

Typically offered in Fall only

VMC 952  Equine Medicine and Surgery  (3 credit hours)  

Medical conditions in large domesticated animals are presented in this course. Discussions involve the agents causing diseases and the therapeutic methods used to correct. 3 semester hours.

Typically offered in Fall only

VMC 953  Laboratory Animal and Zoological Species Health and Disease II  (3 credit hours)  

Principles of applied biology, management, physical examination and medical techniques, health problems and medical treatment of laboratory animals,small companion mammals and zoological species will be presented. Laboratory sessions may include handling of live animals, examination of necropsy specimens, and case discussions. Laboratory Animal and Zoological Species Health and Disease II will focus on avian and mammalian species. Students must be enrolled in the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine program.

Typically offered in Fall only

VMC 954  Companion Animal Medicine for Food Animal Students  (2 credit hours)  

Small animal medicine clinical rotation emphasizing the disciplined detection, prioritizing and planning for therapy of medical diseases in small companion animals. Development of medical judgment and the use of the problem oriented medical record is stressed. This course is intended for DVM students in the food animal focus area.

Prerequisite: Senior DVM student

Typically offered in Fall and Spring

VMC 955  Extramural Experiences in Lab An Med  (2 credit hours)  

DVM students will have the opportunity to undertake a two-week rotation in an approved labratory animal facility under the supervision of a labratory animal veterinarian. This opportunity will meet the need to increase "hands-on" experience as partof the focus area requirements or recommendations.

Corequisite: Current enrollment in DVM program.

Typically offered in Fall and Spring

VMC 956  Advanced Clinical and Professional Communication  (1 credit hours)  

The ability to communicate with clients is important to successful veterinary practice. This 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.

Prerequisite: 3rd year DVM student

Typically offered in Fall only

VMC 957  Introduction to Clinical Practice  (1 credit hours)  

This course has 4 components: a surgery laboratory, a clinical skills laboratory, a communication and wellness case-based facilitated session and community-based experiences. Taken together, these experiences are designed to give students practice and confidence in skills related to small animal general practice.

Typically offered in Fall and Spring

VMC 958  Advanced Prosimian Medicine  (2 credit hours)  

This course is designed to provide senior veterinary students with clinical experience in prosimian medicine. Students will gain practical experience in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disease in captive prosimians maintained in research facilities. Students participate in formal rounds, autodidactic exercises, and case management at the Duke Lemur Center. Limited to 4th Year DVM curriculum students.

Prerequisite: VMC 991, restricted to 4th year DVM students

Typically offered in Fall and Spring

VMC 959  Advanced Primate Medicine  (2-4 credit hours)  

The delivery of health care and management to captive and free-ranging primates is a component of zoological, wildlife, and laboratory animal medicine. There is a distinct body of information and techniques for the practice and an increasing demand and opportunity for veterinary graduates with this knowledge. Practical application of techniques and methods for diagnosing disease, delivering health care, and devising preventative medical programs in a research primate facility environment will enable students to evaluate their potential role in the field and equip them to evaluate and responsibly deal with medical issues involving primates.

Typically offered in Fall only

VMC 960  Small Animal Emergency Service  (2 credit hours)  

Assessment, triage, and management of canine and feline patients admitted to the small animal emergency service after hours.

Prerequisite: fourth year clinics student, DVM student

Typically offered in Fall and Spring

VMC 961  Companion Animal Medicine and Surgery II  (3 credit hours)  

This course is an overview of medical and surgical management of selected metabolic, neoplastic, nutritional, immune-mediated, developmental, and degenerative diseases of companion animals.

Typically offered in Spring only

VMC 963  Extramural Experience in Zoological Medicine  (2 credit hours)  

This elective senior year rotation allows students to obtain clinical, laboratory, field, and research experiences in zoological medicine that augment the basic rotations in the zoological medicine focus area. Students can customize their training through participation in a variety of opportunities including epidemiology projects, other basic or clinical research projects, and externships involving captive and free-ranging wildlife & zoo species. does not fulfill senior year requirement for elective credit in Zoo Focus Area

Requisite: Currently enrolled DVM student

Typically offered in Fall and Spring

VMC 964  Zoological Medicine (Zoo and Aquariums)  (2 credit hours)  

This is a two week rotation at a zoological or aquarium facility. This is an immersive experience at a zoological or aquarium institution. Students will experience zoological medicine for terrestrial and aquatic animals and will be involved in veterinary medical care, husbandry and nutrition medical procedures and discussion. Opportunities will change based on the clinical schedule and medical cases. The time period will be a 2 week time period but can be expanded to 4 weeks. This course is different from the other zoo medicine rotation at the North Carolina Zoo.

Restriction: Must be a 4th year clinical student in the NCSU DVM curriculum.

Typically offered in Fall, Spring, and Summer

VMC 965  Advanced Principles of Surgery  (1 credit hours)  

This laboratory includes induction and maintenance of anesthesia in representative companion animal, food animal, and equine species; the practice of surgery on anesthetized animals and cadaver specimens; and experience with diagnostic and therapeutic techniques. Students examine, assess, and provide preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative management of their patients.

Prerequisite: DVM student, Completion of fall semester, VM3 students

Typically offered in Spring only

VMC 966  Equine Emergency and Critical Care  (2 credit hours)  

An intensive course in the assessment and management of equine emergencies. This would include evaluation of patients, surgical and medical treatment of in house and emergency critical care patients, and post-operative assessment and management. Students will gain valuable practical experience of critically ill patients and rounds will be held daily to ensure a high level of learning.

Prerequisite: 4th year DVM student, Third year veterinary curriculum

Typically offered in Fall and Spring

VMC 967  Clinical Veterinary Dentistry & Oral Surgery  (2 credit hours)  

Will participate in examination, admission, diagnosis treatment, discharge, and follow-up of patients in dentistry service. Take a clinical history, perform a physical examination, develop appropriate diagnostic plan, discuss the plan with the service's clinicians, and participate in formulation of treatment protocol. Service treats patients Monday-Thursday, Friday reserved for overflow, emergencies, research and teaching. Students given prepared lectures on dental procedures and diseases, and will be allowed to perform supervised procedures on cadavers. (No animals euthanized for this purpose.)

Typically offered in Fall and Spring

VMC 968  Equine Orthopedic Surgery and Lameness  (2 credit hours)  

Application of problem solving skills and the art, science, and practice of equine orthopedic surgery and lameness in the veterinary teaching hospital setting.

Prerequisite: DVM student, Completion of 3rd year veterinary curriculum

Typically offered in Fall and Spring

VMC 971  Comp Animal Med II  (4 credit hours)  

1. Obtain a thorough history and perform a complete physical examination. 2. Identifying, defining, and prioritizing problems. 3. Developing and initiating rational diagnostic and therapeutic plans. 4. Performing certain diagnostic and therapeuticprocedures. 5. Interpreting results of diagnostic tests, and determining their importance to the patient. 6. Verbal and written communication with clinicians, clients, veterinary techniques, fellow student veterinarians, and referring veterinarians. 7. Determining the point at which it is time to refer a case to a colleague for ¿another look¿, or to a referral center for specialized diagnostic testing or treatment. 8. Understanding how cases management in private practice compares with referral practice. 9. Approaching issues regarding euthanasia; your decision-making, assisting the owner.

Typically offered in Fall and Spring

VMC 972  Clinical Small Animal Veterinary Cardiology  (2 credit hours)  

Two-week clinical rotation to provide senior veterinary student training in diagnostic and therapeutic aspects of veterinary small animal cardiology. Clinical experience with patients and clents of Veterinary Teaching Hospital and topic and case review rounds.

Prerequisite: 4th yr. standing in the veterinary curriculum at the CVM, Successful completion of 3rd yr. of Veterinary Curriculum

Typically offered in Fall and Spring

VMC 973  Small Animal Surgery  (2 credit hours)  

Clinical rotation on the small animal surgery services. Students will be assigned to one of two services, general surgery or orthopedic surgery. Students see cases and assist with care of small animal surgical patients. Students will be on-call to assist with emergency surgery cases.

Prerequisite: Completion of third year veterinary curriculum

Typically offered in Fall, Spring, and Summer

VMC 974  Equine Dentistry and Podiatry  (2 credit hours)  

This course will provide practical instruction in commonly used skills and techniques necessary for equine dentistry and equine podiatry. It is an intensive, team taught series of didactic lectures, individual laboratories, and clinical case experiences with practitioners that provide students with a high level of experience in equine dentistry and equine podiatry. This course is designed for students in the fourth year of the DVM curriculum, with good horse handling skills and a desire to practice equine veterinary medicine upon graduation. This course is strongly recommended for students with an equine focus or mixed animal focus with an equine concentration. Students must have basic equine handling experience and/or have taken the Equine Behavior Selective. Equine, mixed animal, food animal, and exotics focus students will be given preference.

Typically offered in Fall and Spring

VMC 975  Equine General Surgery  (2 credit hours)  

Application of problem solving skills and the art, science, and practice of equine general surgery in the veterinary teaching hospital setting.

Prerequisite: DVM student, Completion of 3rd year veterinary curriculum

Typically offered in Fall and Spring

VMC 976  Veterinary Critical Care  (2 credit hours)  

Assessment and management of companion animal emergency and critical care patients, including several 'hands on' laboratories using cadavers to learn and practice emergency and critical care techniques. Principles of emergency and critical patient evaluation, stabilization, and organ system support are the focus of the course. Out-rotations at area emergency clinics are required. Open only to 4th year students in the small animal focus area.

Prerequisite: 4th year DVM student

Typically offered in Spring only

VMC 978  Equine Lameness and Imaging  (2 credit hours)  

Development and use of problem solving skills and techniques for diagnosis, treatment, and management of lameness in horses.

Prerequisite: DVM student, Completion of the third year of the veterinary curriculum

Typically offered in Spring only

VMC 979  Equine Medicine  (2 credit hours)  

Students are responsible for all aspects of patient care and are expected to be dedicated to their patients. Frequent and careful observation of the patients, attention to detail, diligent record keeping, accuracy in formulating and carrying out a treatment plan, and use of common sense are expected. The earlier you note potential problems, the earlier and easier they can be resolved. Irresponsibility, carelessness, lack of accuracy, untruthfulness, or a poor attitude will not be tolerated.

Typically offered in Fall and Spring

VMC 980  Vet Medical Oncology  (2 credit hours)  

This is a two-week, two credit elective rotation during the 4th year of CVM professional studies providing experience in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer in animals. Emphasis is on development of comprehensive cancer management strategies including ethical considerations, diagnostic techniques, treatment options, and client communication skills. Students will be assigned cases being seen by the oncology service as inpatients, outpatients, and new referral appointments.

Typically offered in Fall and Spring

VMC 981  Lab Animal Medicin  (2 credit hours)  

The block will provide practical experience in the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of diseases of laboratory animals. It will include special study of diseases of laboratory animals and the management of laboratory animal facilities. Opportunity to perform surgical procedures on common laboratory animals will be provided in a series of surgical labs. There will be field trips to other laboratory animal resource facilities within the Research Triangle Park and surrounding areas. The student will present a seminar on a selected topic for critical appraisal by students and faculty.

Typically offered in Fall and Spring

VMC 982  Ophthalmology  (2 credit hours)  

The purpose of the ophthalmology course is to acquaint the student with examinations, diagnostics and therapeutic practices, and principles of clinical veterinary medicine. There will be direct supervision by faculty and house officers. Attendanceis required at weekly clinical rounds, general medicine rounds, and the patient rounds and mini-seminars conducted within the service. Irregular and/or long hours may be required. Students will be expected to be neatly dressed, well groomed, and conduct themselves in a professional manner at all times.

VMC 983  Dermatology  (2 credit hours)  

Dermatological disease will represent a significant proportion of your case load, particularly in companion animal practice. Most of the patients that you will see have chronic relapsing disease that can be frustrating, and often costly for the owner. Therefore, whilst an accurate diagnosis represents the first step in dealing with a case, the challenge in this field of medicine is to successfully manage cases in the long term. This requires good and open communication with the client as well as regular patient evaluation. Most of the diagnostic techniques employed in dermatology are very simple and do not require expensive equipment or excessive amounts of time. The key to successful dermatological practice is to use these tools appropriately to recognize conditions such as parasitic infestations and bacterial or yeast infections for which there is a specific course of treatment. It specializes in the diagnosis and management of chronic ear disease and immunological dermatoses such as autoimmune skin diseases, food reactions and atopic dermatitis. The good practitioner however, recognizes that cutaneous manifestations may be a reflection of internal disease and a thorough systemic evaluation is also required. When studying the skin there is one big advantage, it is on the outside.

Typically offered in Fall and Spring

VMC 984  Intro Clin Neuro  (2 credit hours)  

This service provides diagnosis and management of nervous system disorders in animals, including nuclear imaging, myelography, CT scans, electromyography, neurosurgery, and postoperative patient rehabilitation including hydrotherapy and treadmill training. Attendance is required at weekly clinical rounds, general medicine rounds, and the patient rounds and mini-seminars conducted within the service. Irregular and/or long hours may be required. Students will be expected to be neatly dressed, well groomed, and conduct themselves in a professional manner at all times.

Typically offered in Fall and Spring

VMC 986  Adv Com An Int Med  (2 credit hours)  

This course provides a higher level experience to diagnosis and management of companion animals with complex medical problems. Students may choose to concentrate on particular aspects of internal medicine. Students are not required to participate in emergency/intensive care unit duty.

Typically offered in Fall and Spring

VMC 987  Aquatic Medicine  (2 credit hours)  

This course is designed as an elective clinical block rotation in field services, in the final year of the professional DVM curriculum. Students electing the course would have successfully completed the two theoretical/laboratory courses in specialspecies medicine providing the foundation for participation in this course. It is the only clinical course offering hands on experience with medical care delivery to aquatic species.

Typically offered in Fall only

VMC 988  Exotic Animal Medicine  (2 credit hours)  

This clinical rotation provides practical experience in the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of disease in privately owned small mammals, birds, reptiles, fish, and amphibians. In addition to assisting with the management of clinical cases, students will participate in daily teaching rounds, laboratory activities to increase their technical proficiency, and field visits to various exotic animal collections in NC. Presentation of a short seminar on a clinically relevant topic is required. Irregular and/or long hours, including on-call duty for after-hours emergencies, may be required.

Typically offered in Fall and Spring

VMC 989  Zoological Medicine  (4 credit hours)  

This course is designed to introduce the senior veterinary students to clinical zoological medicine. Students will gain practical experience in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disease in captive zoological specimens maintained in zoos.Students participate in formal rounds, autodidactic exercises, and case management at the N.C. Zoological Park.

Prerequisite: VMC 964 or successful completion of 3 Zoological Medicine Focus Selectives; and Course Coordinator's Permission

Typically offered in Fall and Spring

VMC 991  SP Top in DOCS  (1 credit hours)  

One week special topic course in the Department of Clinical Sciences

Corequisite: Current enrollment in DVM program

VMC 992  SP Top in DOCS  (1-4 credit hours)  

Two week special topic course in the Department of Clinicial Sciences.

VMC 993  Equine Special Topics  (2 credit hours)  

This course is offered to students that have already signed up to take any two of the following courses: Preventative Health Care, Equine Medicine, Equine Surgery, or Equine Theriogenology. The course is designed to give additional experience in equine-oriented clinical services at NCSU. Students will not be able to participate in this block off campus, unless working directly with a NCSU faculty member. A faculty mentor must be identified within one month of signing up for this course and awritten proposal of activities planned submitted to Dr. Gardner.

Typically offered in Fall and Spring

VMC 994  Small Animal 4th Year Extramural Studies  (1-6 credit hours)  

This course is a recommended rotation designed to expand opportunities for senior veterinary students to participate in small animal private practice a) enhance and learn clinical and technical skills, b) develop effectice client communication skills and time management, and c) observe elements of small business management, including personnel involved and professional financial interactions with private clients. Students will work at a private or corporate veterinary practice under the directsupervision of a licensed veterinarian engaged in small animal practice. Must be senior student in the DVM program.

Typically offered in Fall and Spring

VMC 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

VMC 996  Advanced Exotic Animal Medicine  (2 credit hours)  

Students will work with client-owned exotic animals in the CVM hospital and our in-house teaching animal colonies to further refine skills in exotic animal handling, diagnostic sample collection for multiple species, and anesthesia and radiology acquisition and interpretation of multiple exotic animal species. Cadavers will be used to teach orthopedic and soft tissue surgical procedures in birds, reptiles, and mammals. Students and faculty will spend 1-5 days in the field, travel restrictions permitting, working with psittacine birds, waterfowl, and potentially raptors at several local parrot rescue organizations and wildlife facilities. Restricted to senior DVM students only that have already completed VMC 988.

Typically offered in Fall and Spring

VMC 997  Raptor Medicine and Rehabilitation  (2 credit hours)  

This elective senior year rotation allows students to obtain clinical experience in raptor medicine and rehabilitation at Carolina Raptor Center in Charlotte, N.C. Students will develop skills with species identification, capture and handling, physical examination, bandaging, diagnostic sample collection and interpretation, emergency stabilization and treatment techniques, necropsy, anesthesia and surgery assistance, and captive management and husbandry issues. A maximum of 2 students will be permitted in each 2-week clinical rotation. For students enrolled in DVM Curriculum. Will partially fulfill senior year requirement for elective clinical rotation credit in Zoo Focus Area.

Typically offered in Fall and Spring

VMC 998  Basic Wildlife Rehabilitation Medicine  (2 credit hours)  

Wildlife rehabilitation medicine, the delivery of health care and management to free-ranging native wildlife with the goal of re-release is an important component of clinical veterinary medicine. Students in this basic course will work with instructors to learn to apply practical medical and surgical techniques and methods for diagnosing disease, delivering health care, and implementing appropriate triage for injured and ill North Carolina native wildlife. Restricted to DVM Curriculum 4th year students.

Prerequisite: VMC 964 or successful completion of 3 Zoological Medicine Focus Selectives, VMC 989, and Course Coordinator's Permission

Typically offered in Fall and Spring

VMC 999  Advanced Wildlife Rehabilitation Medicine  (2 credit hours)  

Wildlife rehabilitation medicine, the delivery of health care and management to free-ranging native wildlife with the goal of re-release is an important component of clinical veterinary medicine. Students in this advanced course will apply practical medical and surgical techniques and methods learned in the basic course for diagnosing disease, delivering health care, and implementing appropriate triage for injured and ill North Carolina native wildlife. They will assist staff and faculty in managing cases native to North Carolina.

Prerequisite: VMC 964 or VMC 998

Typically offered in Fall and Spring

VMP 162/PO 162  Livestock and Poultry Disease Management  (3 credit hours)  

Basic principles of disease and disease management in livestock and poultry. Disease prevention through sanitation and vaccination. Diseases of horses, pigs, ruminants, poultry, and disease prevention programs for each species

Requisite: Agricultural Institute Only

VMP 401  Poultry Diseases  (4 credit hours)  

Concepts of factors contributing to or causing disease, disease cycle, host responses, and general approaches to prevention and control including management and biosecurity methods, immunization, and medication. Recognition, diagnosis, prevention, control, and treatment of economically significant infectious and noninfectious diseases affecting poultry.

Typically offered in Spring only

VMP 420  Disease of Farm Animals  (3 credit hours)  

Pathology of bacterial, viral, parasitic, nutritional, thermal and mechanical disease processes for farm animals. This emphasis practices for prevention and control of each disease.

Prerequisite: Junior standing.

Typically offered in Spring only

VMP 900  Global Health Research Project  (5 credit hours)  

This international elective (Global Health Research Project) will allow students to develop an understanding of methodological approaches and techniques used in global health research, including qualitative field work, quantitative surveys, experimental designs, intervention trials, and program evaluation. This elective will highlight the importance of understanding and addressing global health through multidisciplinary frameworks and collaborations. This elective is a required component of the Certificate in Global Health. Course Coordinator Permission required.

Typically offered in Summer only

VMP 901  Small Ruminant Medicine  (1 credit hours)  

This is course will present the key principles involved with management, reproduction and diseases of sheep, goats and camelids. This will include basic information such as recommended nutrition programs to more advanced material such as diagnostic, therapeutic and prophylactic measures necessary to correct, reduce or prevent common diseases. Course restricted to 3rd year veterinary students, unless special permission is granted by course coordinator.

Typically offered in Fall only

VMP 904  Swine Industry  (1 credit hours)  

This course will provide veterinary students with expertise to approach a clinical swine problem and also to understand and analyze different parameters from a swine production. Students will evaluate clinical signs, analyze and understand production records, understand regulations and economic analysis. Students will also learn how to set up clinical trials, to interpret serological and virological results, to perform necropsy and to understand swine reproductive management. Cap Max: 6 students

Restriction: Third Year DVM Students

Typically offered in Spring only

VMP 906  Bovine Reproduction  (1 credit hours)  

Students will gain hands-on experience with bovine rectal palpation, rectal ultrasonography, artificial insemination, and breeding soundness exams.

Typically offered in Fall and Spring

VMP 907  Cancer Pathogenesis and Diagnosis  (1 credit hours)  

This course will enable the student to describe the steps that lead from a normal cell to a fully malignant neoplasm, understand underlying molecular mechanisms, and correlate these mechanisms to relevant treatment options. Students will be able to classify different tumor types and deduce the impact of the neoplasm on the host and host responses. Students will also learn to assess clinical samples to make a relevant clinical diagnosis of tumor type and predicted behavior.

Prerequisite: 3rd year DVM student

Typically offered in Spring only

VMP 908  Advanced Ruminant Medicine and Surgery  (2 credit hours)  

This elective course will be a weekly lecture and lab that covers routine ruminant surgical procedures and advanced medicine techniques to supplement VMP 962 Ruminant Medicine and Surgery.

Typically offered in Spring only

VMP 909  Veterinary International Elective Experience  (1-2 credit hours)  

This course will provide students with practical experience in a foreign country working on a veterinary medicine related project being conducted in that country. Projects may focus on production medicine, occupational, zoological medicine, or basic research.Travel restricted to sites not included on the State Department alert/warning list. See http://travel.state.gov/content/passports/english/alertswarnings.html for details.

Corequisite: Current enrollment in DVM program

Typically offered in Fall and Summer

VMP 910  Infection and Immunity 1  (3 credit hours)  

This course is intended to familiarize the student with the pathogenic bacteria and fungi of veterinary importance. The student will learn the properties and cultivation of these microorganisms and receive a general introduction to the diseases they can cause. Primary emphasis will be placed on how the biology of the pathogen influences disease pathogenesis, and microbiological identification of infectious agents. The laboratory exercises will complement the lectures and focus on standard procedures for microbial cultivation and identification.

Prerequisite:Admission to the DVM Curriculum

Typically offered in Fall only

VMP 911  Global Health Principles  (2 credit hours)  

Global Health Principles will examine the complexity of Global Health from a holistic perspective. While one can find a myriad of definitions for global health, global health is a compilation of complex topics that affect all societies. This course will explore the basic and advanced principles of Global health, including a discussion on the differences in country health initiatives, the importance of understanding the social and cultural aspects when implementing global health programs globally, examples of successful global health programs, and emerging threats that may impact the implementation of global health programs. This course will be taught bi-weekly as an elective. It requires a current graduate standing at NCSU or a professional student within the College of Veterinary Medicine.

Typically offered in Fall and Spring

VMP 916  Health Maintenance and Animal Production I  (1 credit hours)  

This course is part I of a series with VMP 936 and 956 designed to introduce students to procedures for health maintenance and care of horses and food-producing animals. Students learn how to prevent diseases and promote animal health in laboratories.

Typically offered in Fall and Spring

VMP 920  Infection and Immunity 2  (4 credit hours)  

This course is intended to continue the topics introduced in Infection and Immunity 1. Specific bacterial, fungal and viral pathogens will be covered including pathogenesis and strategies used to control infection and/or development of disease. The course will also cover more advanced topics in immunology including the types of hypersensitivities, autoimmunity, immunity in the newborn and fetus, immune deficiencies and vaccination.

Prerequisite:Admission to the DVM Curriculum

Typically offered in Spring only

VMP 921  Problem Solving for Cases in Infectious Diseases and Immunity 1  (2 credit hours)  

This course is intended to challenge first-year veterinary students to reach a diagnosis of realistic cases involving either infectious diseases or immune pathology. The first part of the course is an introduction to diagnostic laboratory procedures. The second portion of the course requires the students to develop a list of differential causes to assigned clinical cases, choose a presumptive diagnosis based on available data and ordering of diagnostic tests to confirm the presumptive diagnosis. The individual cases are discussed in a small group format with a faculty facilitator.

Prerequisite:Admission to the DVM Curriculum

Typically offered in Spring only

VMP 930  Infection and Immunity 3  (3 credit hours)  

Infection and Immunity 3, VMP93X, is designed to serve as a continuation of Infection and Immunity 1 & 2 (first-year curriculum) for the second-year veterinary student. This course is designed to reinforce principles if infectious disease and immunity introduced in the first year of the DVM curriculum and expand upon specific groups of parasites. This course will cover the diagnosis, treatment and control of major endo and ecto parasites of domesticated animals.

Prerequisite:Admission to the DVM Curriculum

Typically offered in Fall only

VMP 931  Veterinary Pathology I  (3 credit hours)  

Introduction to the basic pathologic changes which occur in animal tissues. Developmental processes and resulting morphology observed at gross, cellular, and subcellular level emphasized.

Typically offered in Fall only

VMP 934  Problem Solving for Cases in Infectious Diseases & Immunity 2  (2 credit hours)  

This course is intended to challenge first-year veterinary students to reach a diagnosis of realistic cases involving either infectious diseases or immune pathology. The first part of the course is an introduction to diagnostic laboratory procedures. The second portion of the course requires the students to develop a list of differential causes to assigned clinical cases, choose a presumptive diagnosis based on available data and ordering of diagnostic tests to confirm the presumptive diagnosis. The individual cases are discussed in a small group format with a faculty facilitator.

Prerequisite:Admission to the DVM Curriculum

Typically offered in Fall only

VMP 936  Health Maintenance and Animal Production II  (1 credit hours)  

This course is part II of a series with VMP 916 and 956 designed to introduce students to procedures for health maintenance and care of horses and food-producing animals. Students learn how to care for animals, prevent diseases, and milk cows in laboratories.

Prerequisite: VMP 916

Typically offered in Fall and Spring

VMP 941  Veterinary Pathology II  (4 credit hours)  

Systemic Pathology - A study of specific responses of organ systems to pathogenic influences in animals with emphasis on the effects on the body as a whole.

Typically offered in Spring only

VMP 942  Veterinary Clinical Pathology  (3 credit hours)  

Introduction to the mechanisms which produce abnormal physiologic parameters within the animal during illness, with emphasis on the techniques for determining those abnormalities in the living animal.

Typically offered in Spring only

VMP 945  Epidemiology & Public Health  (3 credit hours)  

The focus of this course is to construct a foundation for clinical medicine by acquiring a holistic view of disease, exploring optimal preventive medicine strategies while developing a critical thinking skills and quantitative reasoning techniques. The teaching/learning format of the course will include lecture, in-class exercises, discussions and case studies.

Prerequisite: VMP 912, DVM student

Typically offered in Spring only

VMP 956  Health Maintenance and Animal Production III  (1 credit hours)  

This course is part III of a series designed to instruct students in procedures for maintaining the health and well-being of horses and food-producing animals. Students learn how to prevent diseases and promote animal production, including production of safe meat and milk.

Typically offered in Fall only

VMP 962  Ruminant Medicine  (3 credit hours)  

The principles of medical disorders of ruminants are presented. This includes the cause of the disorders and the diagnostic, therapeutic and prophylactic measures necessary to correct, reduce or prevent these problems.

Typically offered in Spring only

VMP 964  Swine and Poultry Medicine  (2 credit hours)  

Lecture series supplemented with projected illustration on the most economically important diseases of poultry and swine. Emphasis is placed on definition of diseases, etiology, characteristics of the disease, and diagnosis. The economics related to occurrence, prevention, treatment, and control are presented.

Typically offered in Spring only

VMP 970  Ruminant Health Management I  (2 credit hours)  

This is a two-week block considering health management of ruminant species. During the two-week period, students accompany faculty on visits to farms to deliver health management programs, to investigate health problems, or to consider approaches to enhance productivity. A portion of the course also involves experience in providing individual animal health management and addressing medical/surgical disorders. Available to senior veterinary students.

Prerequisite: VMP 956 or VMP 974 or consent of the instructor

Typically offered in Fall and Spring

VMP 971  Food Animal Diagnostics for Disease Diagnosis, Control, and Population Surveilla  (2 credit hours)  

This course intended to instruct food animal veterinary students in: 1) underlying principles of veterinary diagnostic assays, 2) proper collection of samples, 3) effective testing approaches for diagnosis and management of disease, 4) strategies for efficient monitering of food animal population for infection by specific agent(s), and 5) analysis of data from veterinary diagnostic laboratory tests and optimal use of the results for making production management decisions. Priority given to students in Food Animal Focus area. Students in Mixed Animal Focus Area or special-case Epidemiology Focus Area students can enroll (if space remains) with the approval of Course Coordinator if they meet the criteria states in the above requisites.

Prerequisite: Prior undergraduate coursework, summer work experiences, and/or consistent enrollment and good performance in food animal selectives.

Typically offered in Fall only

VMP 972  Ruminant Health Management II  (2 credit hours)  

Senior veterinary students will experience advanced training in ruminant clinical medicine.

Prerequisite: VMF 970

Typically offered in Fall and Spring

VMP 973  Special Topics in Epidemiology  (2 credit hours)  

The main goal of this course is to provide senior veterinary students with the opportunity for pursuing a focused research topic in the area of veterinary epidemiology and population medicine under the direction of consenting faculty. The exact direction and scope of the topic is agreed upon between the instructor, the student and the course coordinator. The course is offered only by the permission of the participating instructor(s) and the course coordinator. The instructor and the student will work out the type of project, what exact objectives are to be met and how the success of obtaining those objectives will be evaluated. The objectives and methods of evaluation of performance will be negotiated between the veterinary student and the instructor and put into writing in the form of a Plan of Action PRIOR to course permission being granted by the course coordinator.

Typically offered in Fall and Spring

VMP 974  Food Supply Veterinary Medicine  (2 credit hours)  

This 2-week course provides exposure to the clinical principles of food supply veterinary medicine. It is primarily intended for individuals who are not in the NCSU-CVM Food Animal Focus Area. Ruminant, swine and poultry faculty provide an overview of the animal industries and production practices, as well as exposure to basic veterinary knowledge and clinical skills. Prerequisites may include consent of instructor.

Prerequisite: Completion of first 3 years of veterinary curriculum; consent of instructor for any enrollment >8.

Typically offered in Fall only

VMP 975  Advanced Topics in Veterinary Anatomic Pathology  (1-6 credit hours)  

This is a two-week senior veterinary clinical rotation that provides students with additional, focused experience in veterinary anatomic pathology. Students have the option of rotating through necropsy service and surgical biopsy service for two weeks to gain additional experience in pathology similar to VMP 977, the prerequisite for this course. Students have the option of designing a specialized pathology experience with the guidance of an approved pathology faculty member. Enrollment requires pre-approval by faculty assigned to the course.

Prerequisite: VMP 977

Typically offered in Fall and Spring

VMP 976  Food Animal Pharmacology  (2 credit hours)  

This course will outline the basic principles of pharmacology and therapy of the major diseases of ruminants, swine and poultry. Students will be expected to develop a thorough understanding of how properly to use drugs in food animal species and should be able to develop a treatment program for most major livestock diseases. The course will be restricted to students in the food animal and mixed animal focus areas.

Prerequisite: VMB 943; VMP 962; VMP 964

Typically offered in Fall only

VMP 977  Necropsy  (2 credit hours)  

The necropsy clinical rotation exposes students to pathology techniques - namely the postmortem examination - and helps hone both observation and medical reasoning skills by obtaining and interpreting postmortem findings and laboratory data. Students will use these skills to develop diagnoses, understand disease processes and address clinical and/or production problems.

Restriction: Students enrolled in the DVM program at NCSU CVM only.

Typically offered in Fall and Spring

VMP 978  Clinical Pathology and Laboratory Medicine  (2 credit hours)  

This course provides veterinary students with a practical case-based approach to learning all majors aspects of veterinary clinical pathology and laboratory medicine (parasitology, immunology, bacteriology) in a clinical setting. It is restricted to students enrolled in the fourth year of the DVM curriculum.

Typically offered in Fall and Spring

VMP 979  Epidemiology  (2 credit hours)  

The main goal is to provide senior veterinary students with the opportunity for pursuing a focused research topic in the area of veterinary epidemiology and population medicine under the direction of consenting faculty. The exact direction and scopeof the topic is agreed upon between the instructor, the student and the course coordinator. This course is offered only by the permission of the participating instructor(s) and the course coordinator. The instructor and the student will work out thetype of project, what exact objectives are to be met and how the success of obtaining those objectives will be evaluated. The objectives and methods of evaluation of performance will be negotiated between the veterinary student and the instructor and put into writing in the form of a Plan of Action PRIOR to course permission being granted by the course coordinator. No one textbook is required for this course.

Typically offered in Fall and Spring

VMP 982  Poultry Health Management I  (2 credit hours)  

Poultry Health Management I is a clinical rotation elective for 4 th year veterinary students with an interest in poultry health management or food animal production. This two-week course is offered 4 times each year. Diseases of turkeys and chickens will be discussed. Basic concepts in poultry disease diagnosis, prevention and treatment will be emphasized. The course will consist of lectures, laboratory and field experiences.

Typically offered in Fall only

VMP 983  Poultry Health Management II  (2 credit hours)  

Poultry Health Management II is a clinical rotation elective for 4 th year veterinary students with a commitment to pursue a career in poultry health management or food animal production. This two-week course is offered throughout the year and may be repeated with permission of the instructor. The course will consist of laboratory and/or field experiences designed to meet the student's career goals. A list of available externships in poultry health management, which may be applicable for this course can be found on the Association of Avian Pathologists web site: http://www.aaap.info/index.html, under Educational Opportunities, Senior Veterinary Student Externships approved by the Kenneth Eskelund Preceptorship Committee. Funds to help pay for travel expenses may be available through the Kenneth Eskelund Preceptorship, see information at the web site listed above.

Typically offered in Fall and Spring

VMP 984  Swine Health Management I  (2 credit hours)  

This course will provide senior veterinary students with techniques and expertise to approach a clinical swine problem. Students will evaluate clinical signs, analyze production records, assess facilities and management, institute a diagnostic plan and establish an economically feasible solution to the clinical problem. The outline for this course may vary slightly from year to year but the following topics will be covered: Necropsy procedures/sample techniques; Interpreting serologic/virologicresults; Farm visits - review building/equipment designs; Practical swine reproductive management; Practical bacteriology; Practical swine nutrition/rations; Swine record systems/Pig Champ.

Typically offered in Fall only

VMP 985  Swine Medicine & Production II  (2 credit hours)  

This course will provide senior veterinary students with the opportunity to utilize the techniques and expertise gained in VMF 984. Students will evaluate clinical and production problems on a variety of swine farms. Practicum/field work and independent study will be conducted on commercial swine farms, usually with a veterinary practitioner or faculty member.

Typically offered in Fall and Spring

VMP 986  One Health: From Philosophy to Practice  (2 credit hours)  

Graduate/professional seminar (with team project) addressing intersections of veterinary medicine, human medicine, and environmental health. Co-listed at UNC CH Gillings School of Global Public Health and Duke University School of Medicine. Includes participants from these three institutions, plus related private-sector members, non-governmental organizations, and governmental professionals. Its purpose is to facilitate understanding of one health as a system of systems, and promote cross-campus and cross-discipline interactions. Weekly evening course held at NC Biotechnology Center, RTP. Limit: 15 students per university. Requires current graduate standing at NCSU or professional student standing within the College of Veterinary Medicine.

Typically offered in Fall only

VMP 987  Ruminant Topics  (2 credit hours)  

This two-week elective allows goal-directed educational enrichment in Ruminant Practice under the direction of consenting faculty. Formats include clinical experiences, clinical and applied investigations, etc. Topics and times are arranged by the student and consenting faculty. Available to 3 rd and 4 the year veterinary students only upon consent of faculty. VMF 970 may be a required prerequisite.

Typically offered in Fall and Spring

VMP 988  Advanced Topics in Clinical Pathology  (2 credit hours)  

The goal of the Advanced Topics in Clinical Pathology is to gain further experience in clinical pathology beyond the required prerequisite laboratory medicine rotation VMP978. This senior clinical rotation is designed around the interests and career goals of the student. The focused activities in this rotation are intended to enhance the student's abilities and knowledge within the field of Clinical Pathology. Examples of activities include but are not limited to: 1) self-directed practice in the examination and interpretation of cytology and hematology slides using teaching slides sets; 2) practice describing and interpreting hematology and cytology slides from current clinical cases; 3) interpretation and discussion of complex clinical chemistry cases; 4) development of short research projects; 5) training in flow cytometry and interpretation; and 6) development of educational materials on a topic in clinical pathology.

Prerequisite: VMP 978 (Clinical Pathology, Laboratory Medicine and Nutrition) is a prerequisite course although under special circumstances instructor could permit to take prior to VMP 978 based on student background. Instructor permission is required.

Typically offered in Fall and Spring

VMP 989  Animal Welfare Judging and Assessment  (1 credit hours)  

This course will provide veterinary and graduate students with practical skills for animal welfare assessment and evaluations using scientific evidence through peer-reviewed literature. Students will learn general criteria and a scientific approach to assess welfare across multiple species and settings. This course is open to students enrolled in the veterinary professional program. In addition, graduate students wishing to compete in the Intercollegiate Animal Welfare Judging Contest may be enrolled in the course based on instructor discretion. Participation in the Intercollegiate Animal Welfare Judging Contest is not a requirement for this course.

Prerequisites: VMP 916F and VMC 927. VMC 927 may be waived with instructor permission

Typically offered in Fall only

VMP 990  Extramural Experiences - Large Animal  (2 credit hours)  

Senior DVM students will have the opportunity to undertake an elective rotation in an approved practice externship in a large animal practice a) food animal/rural or b) equine/mixed animal. The practice opportunity will meet the need recognized by students, CVM faculty and private practice colleagues alike to increase "hands on" experience in a private practice setting. Private practice experiences are available for year 1 - 3 students through the selective offerings. Presently, senior studentshave the opportunity to experience private practice by arranging an externship as an elective. However, initiating an elective course will ensure consistency between experiences, with clear expectations to achieve an approved level of learning/skills objectives with verification from the practice. Practitioners will be valuable partners in the education process in the senior year, providing access to individual animal and herd-related clinical diversity that is increasingly difficult to offer in the academic setting.

Typically offered in Fall and Spring

VMP 991  SP Top in PHP  (1 credit hours)  

One week special topic course in the Department of Population Health & Pathobiology Department.

VMP 992  SP Top in PHP  (1-2 credit hours)  

One week special topic course in the Department of Population Health & Pathobiology Department.

VMP 993  Extramural in Epidemiology, Public Health, and Public Policy  (2-6 credit hours)  

This course is designed to expand opportunities for senior veterinary students to participate in a 2 week practicum in epidemiology, public health, or public policy under mentorship of experienced State, Federal, or private organization professionals. Students select their area or topic of interest and consult with the Focus Area Leader and submit a short proposal for review. Students work under supervision of an approved professional. Focus Area students may repeat the 2 week experience 3 times for a total of 6 weeks.

Typically offered in Fall and Spring

VMP 994  Extramural Experience in Pathology  (1-4 credit hours)  

This is a two-week externship experience in pathology. The student will arrange an extramural experience in an academic, diagnostic, government, industrial, or zoological/wildlife labratory setting under the supervision of a board certified veterinary anatomical or clinical pathologist. Fourth year DVM students only.

Typically offered in Fall and Spring

VMP 996  Ruminant Medicine and Surgery Clinical Rotation  (2 credit hours)  

This is a two-week block focused on medicine and surgery of the ruminant species. During the two-week period, students will stay at the veterinary school, working with the clinicians and house officers on outpatient and inpatient appointments. This two-week block will involve in-clinic experience, focusing on individual animal health management and addressing medical/surgical disorders. Available to senior veterinary students.

Typically offered in Fall, Spring, and Summer

VMP 998  Introduction to Farm Management for Veterinarians  (2 credit hours)  

This course is an introduction to different aspects of modern beef and dairy farm management. A combination of classroom instruction and practical application, the course will provide future veterinarians with knowledge and skills needed to help producers make informed animal health, production and financial decisions. NCSU CVM Teaching Animal Unit, NCSU Dairy Education Unit, and NCSU Beef Education Unit farms will be used as models for observation and evaluation.

Typically offered in Fall and Spring

VMP 999  Extramural in Vet International Programs  (2 credit hours)  

This course will provide students with practical experience in a foreign country working on a veterinary medicine related project being conducted in that country. Projects may focus on production medicine, occupational safety, zoological medicine, or basic research.

Typically offered in Fall and Spring