Did you know around a dozen new veterinary schools are sprouting up across the U.S., promising faster paths to graduation and innovative training models?
As the demand for animal care professionals skyrockets, these schools are rewriting the script of veterinary education - but where will they find the faculty to teach tomorrow’s vets?
In recent years, the United States has witnessed a significant expansion in veterinary education, with numerous new veterinary colleges proposed across the country. This surge aims to address the growing demand for veterinary professionals and to enhance access to veterinary services nationwide.
Emerging Veterinary Colleges Across the U.S.
The American Veterinary Medical Association Council of Education (AVMA COE) has reported that approximately 13 universities are in various stages of planning or establishing new veterinary programs.
Ana G. Méndez University in Puerto Rico
Arkansas State University
Chamberlain University in Georgia
Clemson University in South Carolina
Hanover College, Indiana
Lincoln Memorial University in Florida
Lyon College in Arkansas
Murray State University in Kentucky
Rocky Vista University in Montana
Rowan University in New Jersey
University of Arizona
University of Maryland Eastern Shore
Utah State University
Adoption of Accelerated Three-Year Curricula
Traditionally, veterinary programs in the U.S. span four years. However, several institutions are now adopting accelerated three-year curricula to expedite the training process and meet the increasing demand for veterinarians. For instance, the University of Arizona's College of Veterinary Medicine offers a three-year, nine-semester continuous curriculum that emphasizes hands-on, experiential learning. This approach allows students to enter the workforce sooner while maintaining comprehensive training standards.
Will the new veterinary schools have onsite teaching hospitals?
Most proposed new veterinary schools in the US are expected to have teaching hospitals, although some may utilize a more distributed model with clinical experiences happening in partner veterinary practices. However, it seems the majority will include a dedicated on-campus facility for hands-on student training and patient care, considered by some to be essential for a comprehensive veterinary education
Sourcing Qualified Faculty for New Programs
The rapid expansion of veterinary schools necessitates a corresponding increase in qualified faculty to ensure high-quality education. Institutions are addressing this challenge through several strategies:
Recruitment of Experienced Practitioners: Universities are attracting seasoned veterinarians from clinical practice who bring practical insights and expertise to the academic environment.
Collaborations with Established Schools: New programs are forming partnerships with existing veterinary colleges to share resources, faculty, and best practices, thereby enriching the educational experience.
Development of Graduate Programs: By establishing robust graduate and residency programs, institutions can cultivate future educators and researchers from within their own ranks.
International Faculty Recruitment: To diversify and strengthen their teaching staff, some universities are hiring qualified veterinary educators from abroad.
The expansion of veterinary education through the establishment of new colleges and the adoption of innovative curricula reflects a proactive response to the evolving needs of animal health care. By implementing accelerated programs and strategically sourcing faculty, these institutions aim to produce competent veterinarians ready to meet the challenges of modern veterinary medicine.
Whether this goal can be achieved remains to be seen.
Addendum - Conclusions & Actions
An imminent need for veterinary medical educators: are we facing a crisis?
"In our opinion, the impending crisis of a shortage of veterinary medical educators requires a sustained and comprehensive understanding of the factors that are contributing and will exacerbate the problem. Partnerships of leading veterinary professional organizations are required to collaboratively put forth efforts to identify specific issues that deter veterinarians to seek careers in education and ways to counteract these deterrents. Through joint advocacy, exploring new models of educational delivery, promoting education as a career path for students, and programmatic changes that facilitate recruitment and retention of veterinary specialists and professional educators, the veterinary profession can meet these challenges and enhance our ability to educate the next generation of veterinarians and serve society. We feel that failure to act promptly will further exacerbate the current specialist shortage and reduce the veterinary educators available to train the next generation of veterinarians.
Recommended Reading
· Educational council schedules site visits — July 2024. News release. American Veterinary Medical Association. July 9, 2024. Accessed July 10, 2024. https://www.avma.org/news/education-council-schedules-site-visits-july-2024
· AVMA Council on Education. American Veterinary Medical Association. Accessed July 10, 2024. https://www.avma.org/education/center-for-veterinary-accreditation/accreditation-veterinary-colleges
· Education and the COE: FAQ. American Veterinary Medical Association. Accessed July 10, 2024. https://www.avma.org/education/accreditation/colleges/education-and-coe-faq
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