Class of 2030 - All students must submit Fall '25 and Winter official transcripts by Feb 3, 2026.

Additionally, Spring '26 official transcripts must be submitted no later than June 8, 2026 to the Office of Veterinary Admissions regardless of prerequisite completion. 

Email official transcripts to: SVMAdmissions@lsu.edu. 

(Updated May 1, 2026)

Arkansas Contract recipients must complete the ADHE Scholarship Application and receive approval by July 1, 2026, to guarantee their contract offer. 

(Updated May 1, 2026)

Students who were contacted to submit a LA residency application from our office must submit any outstanding proof of residency information by June 2, 2026. 

(Updated May 1, 2026)

You will receive an email with your LSU.edu email account name. This is an automated email from the LSU System that will be sent to the email address listed on your VMCAS application. If you previously attended LSU this automated email may not be sent since you have an established account name.

Email service will not be available until mid-July. 

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

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

For additional assistance, email SVMAdmissions@lsu.edu with a description of your problem. 

(Updated May 1, 2026)

Students may live on campus or off-campus. It is ideal to live within 20 minutes of the hospital for the clinical training phase of the program in years 3 and 4. Some veterinary students do live on campus, especially at Nicholson Gateway, an upperclassman housing unit near the vet school. 

If you are interested in living on campus, contact both Dr. Delcambre gdelcambre@lsu.edu and housing@lsu.edu to inquire about opportunities. You will have to fill out a housing application once your are admitted into the LSU Workday System later in the Summer (separate from the undergraduate deadlines).  

Housing assignments may not be provided until 1-2 weeks prior to the start of class. Dr. Delcambre will confirm with housing an early move-in date for veterinary students. 

Email SVMAdmissions@lsu.edu with questions. 

(Updated May 1, 2026)

First-Year Leadership Experience (FLE) and Orientation is mandatory. It will take place during the day, August 4, 5, 6, and 7.

Students who do not attend their scheduled FLE day and Orientation may face forfeiture of their seat in the program. 

Group A and Group B assignments will be communicated later in the summer. Group assignment requests will not be considered.

For questions, contact Leslie Nevarez. 

• Tuesday, August 4 (Group A) or
  Wednesday, August 5 (Group B)
  
  First-Year Leadership Experience 8:00 am - 4:30 pm 
  @LSU REC 
  • Dress code - casual, cool, comfortable for indoor/outdoor activities
  • Parking information will be announced closer to the date. Carpooling is highly encouraged.
• Tuesday, August 4 (Group B) or
  Wednesday, August 5 (Group A )
  
  • Students will take their professional photo, get their security badge, receive locker assignments, and purchase Anatomy and Clinical  Skills kits @LSU VetMed on the day they do not attend FLE. Instructions will follow.
• Thursday August 6
  Class of 2030 Orientation @LSU VetMed Time TBD
  • Dress Code- Casual, scrubs, or business casual. No yoga pants or gym shorts. Classrooms can be cool. 
• Friday August 7
  • Class of 2030 Orientation Time TBD @LSU VetMed
• Saturday August 8
  • Blue Coat Ceremony
    • 10:00 am @LSU Union Theater
    • Dress Code - Business casual to dressy. Students will be on the stage and will need to bend down to a table to sign their name on the Professional Oath.
• Family & Friends Orientation will take place on Friday August 7. Times TBD.
  • This optional event is for friends and family of the vet student. More details to follow.
    • Friends and Family orientation prepares a vet student's inner circle for the years ahead. They will learn about important vet student resources including safety, counseling services, mental wellbeing, and the DVM curriculum.

(Updated May 1, 2026)

To order your Blue Coat please respond to this form:
FORM LINK

by Wed, May 6, 2026:

Coats will be delivered at the ceremony. 

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

Blue Coat Ceremony will take place Saturday, August 8, 2026, at 10:00 am @LSU Union Theater. Students should wear professional dress on stage to receive their coat and sign their name on the Professional Oath.

For the Class of 2030 Blue Coat Ceremony, due to space limitations, each student may invite 4 guests each (this number does not include the student). If a student wishes to invite more than 4 guests, we encourage them to independently contact another student who is not using all of their guest seats. This a non-ticketed event.

For questions, contact Leslie Nevarez, Year 1 coordinator. 

(Updated April 21, 2026)

The Class of 2029 offers a voluntary program to pair incoming students with a "Big" (upperclassman) to serve as a peer mentor. "Bigs" help new students navigate through the first year of vet school and answer questions along the way. 

If you are interested in being paired with a "Big", share your information about your interests and hobbies to help us match you with a big at this form:
Google Form (Link to be updated in the Summer). 

Once we match "Littles," "Bigs" will contact you before school begins.

This program is optional, but highly encouraged!

(Updated May 1, 2026)

All students must indicate their intention to be vaccinated through LSU at the Vet School or by your own provider through the
Rabies Vaccination Plan Form due June 26, 2026. 

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

CDC - Rabies Vaccine Guide

For those electing to receive the vaccine from an outside provider :

Proof of vaccination from an outside provider or completion of the series through LSU must be completed no later than 45 days AFTER the start of the DVM program. In other words, the vaccine series must be completed soon after you start the program and cannot put off to the end of the semester. 

• Send your outside provider, proof of rabies vaccinations to the Health Center once you gain portal access in July. 
• Check with your State Health Department.  Some states will vaccinate citizens against rabies free of charge.  Louisiana does not provide the rabies vaccine to LA citizens for free.
• Call your insurance company to ask whether or not it will cover all or part of the cost (Rabies Vaccine CPT=90675).  It is likely most cost effective for you to obtain the vaccines from a provider within your insurance network.  This may be your primary care doctor or a pharmacist at a local drug store.
• You may use this webpage for proof of vaccine requirement with your offer letter if your insurance requests proof that it is a requirement for the program.

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

• LSU Vet Med Rabies Vaccination clinics take place on the LSU Vet Med campus and are built into your class schedule to avoid course interruptions.
• Vaccines will be administered in August on these dates:
  • 1st dose - TBD
  • 2nd dose (1 week later) - TBD
• Time has been built into your class schedule, so you will not miss any lectures or labs.
• You must attend both clinics to receive the 1st and 2nd doses within a week of each other.
• Requesting a vaccine indicates that you assume responsibility for the cost of the vaccine. Rabies vaccine is special ordered by the Health Center. 
• This year's price is pending. ($420/dose historically). 
• Payment options include paying out of pocket, billing personal insurance, or requesting additional student loan money to reimburse you.
  • Payment is due at point of service. Further payment details and final vaccine cost will be provided in July. 

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

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

(Updated May 1, 2026)

Review the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine Technical Standards Policy 

Please provide your acknowledgment at this form by July 31st, 2026 4:00pm CT. (https://forms.gle/HpNH8y1qUN9ThFrbA)

To ensure that graduates achieve entry level knowledge in the Competency Based Veterinary Education domains, DVM candidates must be able to perform minimal essential functions and technical standards in the following categories: 1) Observation; 2) Communication; 3) Motor; 4) Intellectual Conceptual, Integrative, and Quantitative; 5) Behavioral and Social Abilities; 6) Ethics and Professionalism. 

The LSU SVM is committed to actively collaborating with candidates to ensure our program is accessible, fostering a respectful, accountable culture through disability support with collaboration and direction from the LSU Office of Disability Services (ODS) to help support successful completion of the DVM program. LSU SVM does not discriminate based on ability, and all candidates will be considered regardless of their disability status.  

(Updated May 1, 2026)

Students should obtain these items for the program:

• Blue Coat - Place your order for your free Blue Coat using the form posted above under the Blue Coat Ceremony tab. Deadline to order is May 6, 2026.
• Waterproof boots - Any rubber or similar-product boot that is non-water absorbent should be purchased by the student. The whole boot should be of water-proof material. Boots should extend to the mid-calf. For use in Anatomy.
• Boots for Large Animal Work - A second pair of boots of any length may be purchased for large animal work. The lower shell of the boot should be waterproof so that it may be cleaned in a foot bath. These boots will be scrubbed, rinsed and completely submerged (to the top of the foot) in a detergent/disinfectant foot wash/bath (rubber must cover the complete bottom, and complete sides of the foot). The upper section may be of another material.
  • Approved boots include Duck Boots, Tall Rubber Boots, Wellington Boots, LaCrosse Ankle Boots, Tingley boot covers. 
  • Non-approved boots include leather boots, cowboy boots, synthetic leather or vinyl boots, low-heel slip on boots, sneakers/trainers/athletic shoes, Croc-style shoes. 
• Laptop - Laptops are required to run Examplify for test taking. Check minimum system requirements.
  • iPads, Android Tablets, and Chromebooks are not compatible for Examsoft assessments. 
  • Device should include webcam, microphone, and WiFi capabilities
• Laptop privacy screen - These are required for examinations. You will not be allowed to take an exam without a privacy screen on your computer at the time of the exam.  
• Dry-Erase Markers. Black Ink Only. These are required for examinations.
• Scrubs - Scrubs are needed for anatomy and clinical skills. Two sets are recommended. No requirement for color, brand, or style. Some later clinical courses may require green scrubs.
• Analog or digital watch - No smart watches/phones are allowed in any examination. Watches should show seconds for monitoring heart and respiration rates. 
• Stethoscope - Required for clinical skills and other areas throughout the program. Littman Classic model quality or better is recommended. Digital stethoscope not required. 
• Surgical Caps  - Cap should cover the majority of hair. Skull cap, bouffant, ponytail, or euro style are acceptable. Ponytails or buns may not stick out the back of the cap. If a student is deemed to have an excessive amount of hair outside the cap, they may be asked to wear a bouffant for the lab period.
  • Recommended: Satin lined caps are easier on the hair. Students may choose different styles and colors.
  • Appropriate style guide will be posted here soon.
• Textbooks - Textbooks are recommended for most courses and required for others. Visit the Vet Med Library Texts by Course page to learn more. Textbooks may be found online, in our library, rented, or purchased. LSU Barnes and Noble provides a Textbook look up for easy purchase/rental. 
• Locks - Locks are used for securing lockers and must be purchased from the Student Services front desk during Orientation Week. The estimated price per lock is $12-16. We retain the combinations for locks purchased from us in case you forget your combination. 
• Supply Kit -  First year students are required to have several supply kits for Clinical Skills, Surgical Skills, and Anatomy laboratories.
  • Kits will be available for purchase during Orientation Week. 
  • Anatomy gowns will be provided in this kit.
  • Information about ordering supply kits will be provided in July.

If you have questions please contact Leslie Nevarez.

(Updated May 1, 2026)

Fear Free Certification is not required, but students may consider the program prior to beginning the DVM. Year 1 students may consider completing the "Veterinary Professional Certification Program," which is 8 modules. Low-stress handling and Fear Free skills are emphasized in many aspects of our teaching, including Clinical Skills labs and in our teaching hospital. Completion of Level One of this program is highly beneficial and will supplement learning opportunities. Completion of Level One will take approximately 12 hours. 

We strongly recommend completion of all three levels prior to graduation. Studies show students who graduate with Level Three certification are more attractive for hire and typically are offered a higher salary.

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

(Updated May 1, 2026)

Financial Aid Process

Complete the FAFSA at studentaid.gov and include our school code, 002010. The student may be asked to complete verification documents. Once all requested documents are completed, the student will receive a financial aid award notice.

Students must meet Satisfactory Academic Progress (see lsu.edu/sap) in order to continue receiving financial aid for each semester.

Students must be enrolled at least half time for any semester to receive loans.

Unsubsidized Stafford Loan

This loan is not based on financial need, has a 7.94% fixed interest rate and 1.057% origination fee. Repayment begins 6 months after graduation or when the student ceases to be enrolled at least half time. First time borrowers must complete a Master Promissory Note and Entrance Counseling at studentaid.gov.

Prior to July 1, 2026: Eligible VetMed students can borrow up to $40,500 annually.

July 1, 2026 and Beyond: Eligible VetMed students can borrow up to $50,000 annually.

Graduate Plus Loan

Prior to July 1, 2026: If a borrower has a federal loan (Federal Unsubsidized or Grad PLUS) disbursed for their current academic program before July 1, 2026, the student can continue to borrow up to their cost of attendance for three academic years or the remainder of their expected time to graduation for that program, whichever is less.

This loan has a 8.94% fixed interest rate, 4.228% origination fee and requires a credit check to be approved. Repayment begins 6 months after graduation or when the student ceases to be enrolled at least half time. First time borrowers must complete a Master Promissory Note and Entrance Counseling at studentaid.gov.

July 1, 2026 and Beyond: New graduate and professional student borrowers are not eligible for the Graduate PLUS Loan program.

Alternative Loans

Private loans are available to students who are not eligible for federal financial aid or who need additional funds to meet educational expenses.

Students are encouraged to visit multiple lenders’ web pages to verify the interest rate, repayment options, fees charged, and borrower benefits. Our office does not endorse any lenders, receive any incentives, or have any arrangements or agreements with any lenders.

Updated 03/02/26: This information is based on the current understanding of new rules and regulations as they relate to federal student financial aid and could change with little notice.

Contact: Heather Kimball, Assistant Director Financial Aid  

VET MED EXTERNAL STUDENT SITE - FINANCIAL AID PORTAL 

(Updated May 1, 2026)

THIS INFORMATION IS FOR 2025. PLEASE HOLD FALL 2026 INQUIRES UNTIL THIS SECTION IS UPDATED.

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

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

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

Workshop Only (no lab) (No max capacity) $300

July 28 - August 1, and August 4th

Workshop and Lab (Max capacity 28 students) $650

July 28 - August 1, and August 4th

Registration will be available is first-come-first-served for the Workshop+Lab.

REGISTRATION LINK WILL BE UPDATED HERE 

(not active at this time!) 

Click on "View Category" under "WIT Courses". 

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

(Updated May 4, 2026)

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

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

For the Fall 2026 semester, billing statements will be available beginning Thursday, July 9, 2026. The payment deadline is Thursday, August 6, 2026, by 4:30 pm CT.  Additional details regarding late payment fees and potential course purges will be provided soon.

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

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

Incoming students will not have access to Workday until they have been processed by Enrollment Management. Until then, any required actions related to financial aid should be completed through the External Student Site.

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

(Updated May 1, 2026)

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

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

Registration opens for graduate students on Monday, July 6th at 9am CT. 

For other transportation resources visit LSU Parking for information on Tiger Trails bus system, Paratransit, On Demand, and Night Express transit services. 

(Updated May 1, 2026)

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

For assistance and questions, contact Stephanie Johnson.

(Updated May 1, 2026)

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

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

To join, please visit this link. 

(Updated May 1, 2026)

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

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

For this year, check out the  LSU Veterinary Medicine - 2026 Housing Guide

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

Email SVMAdmissions@lsu.edu with questions. 

(Updated May 1, 2026)

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

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

(Updated May 1, 2026)

You will need to have an assigned LSU 89-number to obtain both your Vet Med badge and Tiger Card.

Students may begin getting their LSU Vet Med Badges after May 25th, 2026 at the LSU Vet School  Security Desk (East Entry) M-F 8:00am-3:30 pm. Alternatively, during Orientation students may come on T or W when not at FLE. This badge allows you access to the LSU Vet Med buildings. 

If you are new to LSU, get your Tiger Card at the LSU Student Union the week before classes or a week or so after main campus begins classes to miss the undergraduate rush. Visit the Tiger Card Office webpage for information on how to apply for your Tiger Card online - see MyPhoto Information for New Tigers section. This ID is used for accessing the URec, printing charges, food purchases, sporting events, etc. 

(Updated May 1, 2026)

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

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

(Updated May 1, 2026)

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

(Updated May 1, 2026)

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

First Year Veterinary Program Dates can be found here. 

Year 2-4 calendars may differ. 

(Updated May 1, 2026)

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

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

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

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

(Updated May 1, 2025)

Students will attend lectures and be engaged in classes through case-based and scenario discussions, laboratory activities including clinical and surgical skills training, and other active learning activities. Students are highly encouraged and in some cases required to attend class and to complete preparatory assignments.

To learn more visit our Curriculum page. Note: we are updating the formatting of the curriculum pages, so check back for updates this Summer. 

(Updated May 1, 2026)

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

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

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

(Updated May 1, 2026)

Policies and other program information can be found in the annually updated bulletin for the Class of 2029 and Beyond.   

(Updated May 1, 2026)

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

(Updated May 1, 2026)

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

(Updated May 1, 2026)

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

(Updated May 1, 2026)

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

(Updated May 1, 2026)

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