What is the size of each class at LMU-CVM?
The spring cohort accepts 100 students. The fall cohort accepts 125 students.
Where can I learn more about your DVM program?
You can learn more about our DVM program here. Inquiries for specific questions and concerns are addressed by e-mail to VeterinaryAdmissions@LMUnet.edu or by telephone to (423) 869-6600.
What is the estimated cost of attendance at LMU-CVM?
The estimated cost of attendance can be found following this link: Cost of Attendance Budget
Can I meet with an admissions counselor?
Yes, you can schedule a meeting with a member of the Admissions staff by sending a request to VeterinaryAdmissions@LMUnet.edu.
How can I schedule a tour?
You can schedule a tour by filling out the LMU-CVM Tour Request form.
Why should I choose the Lincoln Memorial University Richard A. Gillespie College of Veterinary Medicine?
The veterinary medical education program at LMU is unique and innovative. The curriculum is structured to simultaneously develop veterinary knowledge and clinical skills side by side in an educational model that encourages our students to “think like a doctor” very early in the professional program. The curriculum also emphasizes a “One Health” philosophy that recognizes the interactive and mutually dependent relationship of health and well-being for people, animals, and the environment in all semesters of the educational program.
What can I do to improve my chances of admission?
Competitive applicants to the LMU-CVM are expected to provide an application package that demonstrates a judicious balance of academic achievement, community service, and personal interests with knowledge and commitment to the veterinary profession.
For students seeking to improve their chances of admission to veterinary school or PhD programs, our Master of Science in Veterinary Biomedical Science program (MS VBMS) is a 1-year bridge curriculum dedicated to providing advanced academic learning in the life sciences. This MS degree can enhance the competitiveness of students seeking admission into doctorate-level professional programs, such as our Doctor of Veterinary Medicine program. Find out more about our MS VBMS program here.
How should I keep track of my veterinary and animal experience hours?
The best way to keep track of your veterinary and animal experience hours is to keep a journal. This will provide you with a reliable record of your experience and help you remember particular experiences for inclusion in your personal statement.
How important are my letters of recommendation?
Your letters of recommendation are especially important for the Admissions Committee to appreciate your intangible characteristics and potential for academic and professional success. It is important that you choose your references carefully so they can provide a balanced image of who you are, your passion for veterinary medicine, and potential for success.
How many letters of recommendation do I need?
We require a total of three (3) letters of recommendation from: a veterinarian, a professor, and a current or previous employer. All letters of recommendation must be submitted via VMCAS. We do not recommend submitting more than four (4) letters of recommendation.
Does it matter how long ago my coursework was completed?
Yes, all science prerequisite courses must have been taken within the past 10 years.
Do I have to complete all prerequisite courses prior to submitting my application?
No, while it is advantageous to have the majority of prerequisites completed, particularly those in Organic Chemistry, Biochemistry, and Advanced Biology at the time of their application, you do not have to have all of your prerequisite courses completed prior to submitting your application. You will need to show a clear plan for successfully completing your prerequisite courses by the end of the semester/quarter before the program start date. Prerequisite courses required for admission to the LMU-CVM program are listed here.
Do I need to have a bachelor’s degree to be admitted?
No, completing a bachelor’s degree is not a requirement for admission. However, you must fulfill all prerequisite requirements by the end of the semester/quarter before the program start date.
What types of scholarships are available for Veterinary students?
LMU-CVM scholarships are available for current LMU-CVM students to apply for each year. Details regarding the size of the monetary award, application process, and selection criteria will be available online as they become available.
A scholarship of up to $20,000 is available for Appalachian students from counties designated by the Appalachian Regional Commission, over the course of the DVM program. This award is granted to the top 20 eligible Appalachian students and provides $2,500 per semester. No application is required, and eligibility is determined based on income and GPA. Recipients must maintain a 2.75 GPA throughout the program to remain eligible.This scholarship is available to students in both the fall and spring cohorts. Accepted students will be notified of their eligibility after they have been accepted into the program and before their designated program start date.
Important: An offer of admission is contingent upon the applicant’s ability to secure and maintain adequate financial arrangements to cover all educational and associated costs for the duration of the program. For additional financial aid resources, visit LMU's Student Financial Services page.
What are the prerequisite course requirements?
Prerequisite courses required for admission to the LMU-CVM program are listed here.
Do you accept online courses?
Yes, prerequisite coursework can be satisfied by classes offered on-line through various institutions of higher education that are fully accredited and recognized by the US Department of Education. All prerequisite coursework must be documented by official transcripts. The database of US Dept. of Education recognized colleges can be accessed by clicking here.
How much Veterinary/Animal experience is required?
The LMU-CVM program does not specify how much Veterinary/Animal experience is required for admission to the CVM program. However, all applicants are expected to have sufficient veterinary and animal experience necessary to support their informed decision to seek the education and training required for entry into the profession.
Can Advanced Placement (AP) courses be used to fulfill prerequisites?
Yes, if the AP course(s) appear to be on an official college transcript with the AP test subject and number of credits listed and is equivalent to the appropriate college-level coursework, it can be used as a prerequisite.
What is your GPA minimum requirement?
All applicants are expected to have a minimum GPA of 2.8 on a 4.0 scale to have their application considered by the Admissions Committee. We use your VMCAS calculated GPA. Click here to learn more about calculating your VMCAS GPA.
Is there a preferred undergraduate major?
Successful graduates of veterinary education programs come from a variety of academic backgrounds.
When is the VMCAS Deadline? What is the deadline for your supplemental application?
The deadline for both the VMCAS application and the LMU-CVM supplemental application is September 15.
Does LMU-CVM show favoritism to state residents?
No. As a private, non-profit university, LMU-CVM does not differentiate in the tuition fee or the number of seats available based on your state of residency.
When are admissions decisions made?
Offers of admission will be made to interviewed applicants on a rolling basis beginning as early as September for the Spring cohort and December for the Fall cohort, continuing until the cohorts are filled. An offer of admission is contingent upon the applicant’s ability to secure and maintain adequate financial arrangements to cover all educational and associated costs for the duration of the program.
What does the Admission Committee use as criteria in the selection of students to admit to the DVM program?
All applicants to the LMU-CVM are evaluated based on a holistic review of their academic and non-cognitive characteristics. Additional information can be found here.
Do you require an admissions interview?
Yes, based on the decision of the Admission committee, competitive applicants are asked for an interview. Find out more about our interview process on our Admissions webpage under "Applicant Review Process".
Do you have any dual degree opportunities?
Yes. The LMU-CVM offers a Dual-Degree program to obtain a Master of Business Administration or a Master of Public Administration degree while enrolled in the DVM program. To learn more about these Dual-Degree Programs, click here.
Are wildlife, zoo, and exotic animals part of your curriculum?
Veterinary health issues of all animal species are covered in the curricular content of the educational program. Students with an interest in wildlife, zoo, and exotic animals will have opportunities during the first clinical year to gain clinical experiences in this area.
How much hands-on experience will I get during my education?
Students in the clinical and professional skills program begin learning and practicing key veterinary skills starting in the 1st semester of the curriculum and continuing through all pre-clinical semesters. Students practice their animal handling and physical examination skills on horses, cows, sheep, and dogs. Students work with LMU-CVM-created models to practice large and small animal techniques such as drawing blood, giving injections, and learning surgical skills such as ligation and suturing prior to performing these tasks on live animals. Students also participate in interactive sessions with simulated clients and patients designed to build their communication skills before embarking on the final year of clinical rotations.
Does LMU-CVM help me find employment when I graduate?
We are committed to supporting our students and graduates seeking employment. Please contact Dr. Randy Evans, Associate Dean of Career Services and Professional Development, for more information.
How much opportunity will I have to focus on areas of most interest to me during the clinical year?
LMU-CVM’s Clinical Year Curriculum is flexible to meet the career needs of individual students. LMU-CVM students in their clinical year are given the opportunity to pursue areas of personal interest within the customizable clinical rotation schedule. For more details on the clinical rotations schedule, review the clinical year curriculum.
Can I reapply if I don’t get accepted on my first application?
Yes, you may apply for admission to the DVM program in subsequent application cycles. A member of the Admissions staff will be available to provide feedback and guidance for developing a more competitive application.
Do I need to submit a new application each year I apply?
Yes, you must submit a new application each year. It is important that each updated application reflect an effort to improve its competitiveness, rather than “re-cycle” the previously submitted document.
Do I need to retake the Casper each year I apply?
Yes, you must retake the Casper Assessment each application cycle.
For more information about codes of conduct, policies, and other guidelines, please refer to the CVM Student Handbook & Catalog.
