Veterinary Students
Please visit the College Resources area in the CVM Community on the website for other helpful resources and links.
Auburn University’s College of Veterinary Medicine will award 120 professional DVM degrees during the college’s 111th commencement on Tuesday, May 8, in Auburn Arena.
Watch the Commencement ceremony; To read more about commencement, go here.
The annual White Coat Ceremony is symbolic of the college’s medical program and the success of our DVM students as they move forward in their education. The ceremony honors the transition of professional students moving from classroom and laboratory education (first- and second-year students) to clinical education (third- and fourth-year students).
Watch the White Coat Ceremony for the class of 2019. Find photos on the college’s social media.
All activities associated with students in the professional degree program are coordinated through the Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine’s Office of Academic Affairs. The following list contains examples of activities coordinated through the Office of Academic Affairs.
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- Assistance with financial aid, obtaining medical insurance, and access to medical care. While these services are provided by other University departments, or sources outside the University, the Office of Academic Affairs actively assists veterinary medical students needing these services.
- During the transition into the first year of the DVM curriculum, entering professional students take part in a 32-hour orientation led by faculty, staff, and accomplished professional students. This on-site orientation includes sessions focused on professional relationships, learning resources, effective use of educational technology, understanding learning preferences, personal management of financial challenges, team building, stress and wellness, and an introduction to college clubs and activities. Students are encouraged to become involved in the peer mentorship program coordinated by second-year professional students.
- The CVM facilitates activities of twenty clubs and organizations to promote professional and personal advancement of students (https://www.vetmed.auburn.edu/education/veterinary-students/student-clubs-and-organizations/).
- The CVM maintains a full-time, embedded counselor/psychologist who meets with students individually and in group sessions to address student needs.
- The CVM, through support from the Alabama and Kentucky Veterinary Medical Associations, maintains a financial counselor who meets with students individually and in group sessions to address student concerns about management of educational indebtedness.
- Support and assistance in professional writing is available through a Miller Writing Center satellite location at the college.
- Assistance for students with disabilities is provided by the college’s Office of Academic Affairs as directed by the AU Office of Accessibility.
- In unique situations, the Office of Academic Affairs seeks involvement from AU Student Counseling Services, the Alabama Veterinary Professionals Wellness Program, local veterinary practice owners, members of the college Alumni Advisory Council, and recent alumni to optimally assist students.
- Faculty are actively involved in providing advice and assistance to students in externship and preceptorship selection.
- The CVM maintains a part-time career counselor to assist students in connecting with faculty or alumni focused in various career areas as they seek employment upon graduation.
In order to practice veterinary medicine, aspiring veterinarians must pass the North American Veterinary Licensing Examination (NAVLE) administered by the International Council for Veterinary Assessment (ICVA). The ICVA offers the NAVLE twice a year: once in November/December and again in April. Information about the examination, as well as a link to practice examinations, is available on the ICVA’s website: https://www.icva.net/navle/. Please pay close attention to the deadline dates. These dates are firm, and if missed, the applicant must wait until the next offering of the exam.
In addition to the NAVLE, each state requires a separate examination covering the veterinary laws and regulations for that state. One state licensing exam must be chosen when applying to take the NAVLE. Applicants should review the information contained on the website for their chosen state’s board of veterinary medical examiners. Information for Alabama and Kentucky is below. Links to veterinary examiner boards in other states and Canada may be found on the ICVA website.
For Alabama:
Alabama State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners (ABVME)
Alabama Forms – Students, please make sure to complete the Certification of NAVLE Eligibility. The license application is only for veterinarians who are already licensed in another state and are seeking licensure in Alabama.
For Kentucky:
Kentucky’s Board of Veterinary Examiners; Instructions on Applying for NAVLE
Student Clubs and Organizations
The Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine hosts many different groups that cater to our students’ individual interests and professional goals. These clubs and organizations provide our students knowledge and experience in specialized areas outside of their extensive veterinary curriculum, as well as network with peers, professionals and mentors who support their growth in their chosen fields. To view the complete list of student clubs and organizations at the college, click here.
