Matriculation Process

Criminal Record Report

All veterinary students must have an updated criminal record report from the university-approved vendor before starting veterinary school. The Criminal Record Report may be updated prior to starting the clinical year. These reports are purchased at the expense of the student. Failure to comply with this mandate will result in denial to matriculate or an enrolled student being withdrawn from his/her present program. The student will sign a disclosure and release form indicating knowledge of this policy and their belief that they do not have any criminal history that would disqualify them from clinical experience or patient contact. The appropriate forms are available through the Office of Student Affairs and Admissions.

Vaccination Requirements

Students matriculating to DVM and VMT programs must provide proof of vaccination uploaded through the University approved vendor by the Semester 1 deadline communicated by administration upon matriculation. Students who desire an exemption from any of the required vaccines must complete and upload an LMU-CVM Vaccination Waiver; otherwise students will not be allowed to start the LMU-CVM program.

Required vaccines include rabies*, varicella, Tdap, and MMR. Additional vaccines may be required if the student lives in University Housing.

  1. Rabies vaccination must include at least an initial 2-dose series following the CDC schedule recommendation. If this was completed more than one year prior to the beginning of the CVM Semester l, proof of protective titer or booster vaccination must be completed and submitted.
  2. Students not providing proof of rabies vaccination, titer, or a completed waiver prior to the start of the first year will NOT be able to participate in live animal labs, which may lead to course failure.

For DVM Students:

Prior to Semester 5, students must provide proof of a protective rabies* titer (at least 1 year after initial series) or booster vaccination (between 3 weeks and 3 years after initial series). Students will submit documentation of protective titer or booster vaccination through the university approved vendor.

  1. Students must have a recently signed (within 2 years) the LMU-CVM Vaccination Waiver on file if they do not want to receive immunizations.
  2. Failure to provide proof of a protective titer, booster, or waiver prior to the start of semester 5 will result in the student NOT being able to participate in live animal experiences and may result in final grade repercussions, potentially leading to course failure.

*Rabies vaccination requirements and interpretation of titers are based on current CDC recommendations.

Student Health Insurance

Veterinary students must have health insurance coverage. Health insurance is provided through Lincoln Memorial University. Students are automatically enrolled in the program. Students with existing coverage must submit documentation through the insurance waive-out portal of the LMU United Healthcare website at least 30 days prior to beginning of the academic year.

All other students are encouraged to have individual health insurance.

Accident/Incident Procedures

In the event of an accident/incident, a Student Accident/Incident Report Form must be completed. This form can be found in the CVM Student Services Organization in Canvas. For accidents that occur on Clinical Rotations, please see Clinical Year section of this handbook, and contact the Associate Dean of Clinical Relations and Outreach.