Current student here, we have lost a lot of EXCELLENT clinicians in the last few years to private practice, but I don't feel that its a reflection on the school as much as it is the well-known fact that pay in academia is s**t compared to private practice for boarded veterinarians. That being said, the clinicians that remain and the ones that have come on to fill empty spots are WONDERFUL. Seriously, every single rotation (and lecture back in pre-clinic years) has excellent clinicians. During studying for NAVLE I've been wandering around the hospital asking for clarification of stuff and even if the clinician is obviously very busy, they will ALWAYS stop to answer questions or help however they can. I really can't say enough good things about the staff there. >> This goes for residents as well. There is only one clinician that has a bad reputation, even then this person is manageable as long as you aren't stupid.
In my experience, the technicians on MOST services are very helpful as well. I think LSU actually has a really good culture in the vet school, its very team-oriented. The new hospital directors (and the old one) are amazing and so passionate and helpful.
As far as the facilities, it is an old school. It was built in the 70s and the architecture reflects that, nothing to do about it though. They are building a new small animal clinic that hopefully will be done in a few years (they literally just broke ground this week). The issues during accreditation as far as I know had to do with asbestos (now removed) and leaking in the junior surgery suite (where students get their hands-on surgery practice). The school is right next to the levee with the Mississippi River on the other side and usually from like January to March the water is right up to the top of the levee and so the school is technically under the water level, which is why water was coming up from the floor in the junior surgery suite. When my class was in there we had to wear non-slip boots
Junior surgery issues have been corrected with additional water pumps and brand new flooring. Please don't let the accreditation rumors make you think we're in the OR with gas lanterns or something.
As far as funding, Louisiana is one of the most poorly funded public school systems in the United States. I do not feel like this has negatively impacted my education. The dean sends regular updates on funding status and since I started the vet school has never been short of their funding goals. The football team is self-sustaining. They don't take any funds from the school itself and is completely supported by donors, vendors, tickets, etc - so I would be shocked if no football season had any effect on the school whatsoever.
Feel free to DM me if you want any more info!
