It's no surprise Charles Sturt University (CSU) student Mrs Rosemary McKean has trained to become a vet - she grew up surrounded by animals and watched both her parents work in the profession.

"We had 40 acres in the Yarra Valley filled with horses, dogs, ducks, geese, chickens, a few crazy sheep and some goats as well as the odd injured possum, magpie or kangaroo," Mrs McKean said.

"With all the animals and Dad working as a veterinarian and Mum as a vet nurse I think I was about three when I decided I was going to become a vet, too."

Mrs McKean, who will graduate from CSU in December, has been awarded the VetPrac Aesculap Academy Prize worth $3 000 for performance in small animal clinical work.

"This award will help me to further develop my clinical skills" she said. "I'd like to thank VetPrac for the very generous sponsorship of the award as the gift of practical knowledge is the best award for a vet starting out."

Lecturer in Small Animal Medicine Dr Jane Lord said the award recognises Mrs McKean's work in the small animal clinical rotation at the CSU Veterinary Teaching Hospital.

"Rose's academic ability was demonstrated through excellent knowledge and skills integrated into clinical application," said Dr Lord. "Her professional manner in the hospital environment with peers, staff and clients, her dedication to patient care and genuine concern for the patient-client bond, all topped up with a smile and zest for practice, consolidated her place and nomination for the award."

Ms McKean has completed her studies while raising two young children with husband Tim.

"Studying with kids is challenging but very rewarding," she said. "It's hard work but I think it is good to show your kids by example that if they want to do something they must be prepared to work hard to get it."

The couple moved from Alice Springs to Wagga Wagga in NSW so Mrs McKean could study at CSU's School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences.

"What convinced me that Charles Sturt University would be a great place to study was my campus tour. I was very impressed with the facilities, but more than that I was amazed by the friendliness, approachability and helpfulness of the staff," she said.

"I was very keen on the rural focus of the course and that critical skills such as communication and business were included in the curriculum,

"I also really liked the practical approach to learning with a firm emphasis on gaining useful, job ready, practical skills so that we can enter the workforce and be able to confidently and competently deal with clients and their animals."

"I have thoroughly enjoyed my time studying at Charles Sturt University but am even more excited to graduate and get a job and to start putting into practice everything we have learned over the last five and a half years."

Mrs McKean is working at the Moorong Veterinary Clinic in Wagga Wagga.