American Veterinary Medical Association, Council on Education AVMA-COE

Overview

The American Veterinary Medical Association Council on Education (AVMA COE) is the sole accrediting body for veterinary medical education programs in the United States and Canada. Established to ensure the quality and effectiveness of veterinary education, the AVMA COE accredits institutions offering the professional Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree or its equivalent. Its mission is to promote excellence in veterinary education through a rigorous and transparent accreditation process, thereby ensuring that graduates are well-prepared to meet the demands of the veterinary profession.

1. Historical and Legal Framework

Founded in 1906, the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) established the Council on Education to oversee the accreditation of veterinary medical programs. The AVMA COE operates as a non-profit organization and is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) as the accrediting agency for veterinary colleges and schools. This recognition underscores the council's commitment to maintaining high standards in veterinary education and its role in shaping the future of the profession.

2. Mission, Vision and Objectives

Mission: The AVMA COE aims to promote excellence in veterinary medical education through the accreditation of programs that meet or exceed established standards, ensuring the preparation of competent and ethical veterinary professionals.

Vision: To be the recognized leader in accrediting veterinary medical education programs, fostering continuous improvement and innovation in the field.

Objectives:

• Accredit veterinary medical programs that adhere to rigorous standards of quality and effectiveness.
• Ensure that accredited programs prepare students to meet the competencies required for professional practice.
• Support continuous improvement in veterinary education through regular evaluations and updates to accreditation standards.
• Foster collaboration among educational institutions, professional organizations and regulatory bodies to enhance the quality of veterinary education.

3. Governance, Structure and Independence

The AVMA COE operates under the governance of a council comprising members appointed by the AVMA and the American Association of Veterinary Medical Colleges (AAVMC). Council members serve three- or six-year terms and represent various areas of veterinary medicine, including basic science, clinical practice and veterinary medical research. The council's structure ensures a broad perspective in decision-making and maintains the integrity of the accreditation process. The AVMA COE is administratively housed within the AVMA headquarters in Schaumburg, Illinois, but operates with a degree of independence to uphold the objectivity and credibility of its accreditation decisions.

4. Accreditation and Quality Evaluation Role in Higher Education

As the accrediting body for veterinary medical programs, the AVMA COE plays a critical role in ensuring the quality and effectiveness of veterinary education. The council's accreditation process involves a comprehensive evaluation of programs based on established standards, including curriculum, faculty qualifications, facilities and student outcomes. Programs seeking accreditation undergo a rigorous review process, which may include site visits, self-assessments and peer evaluations. The AVMA COE's role in accreditation ensures that graduates are well-prepared to meet the demands of the veterinary profession and provide high-quality care to animals and communities.

5. International Cooperation and Network Memberships

The AVMA COE engages in international cooperation to promote global standards in veterinary education. Through partnerships with organizations such as the World Health Organization and the Panamerican Federation of Colleges of Veterinary Medicine, the council collaborates on initiatives aimed at enhancing the quality of veterinary education worldwide. These collaborations facilitate the exchange of best practices, development of international educational standards and support for veterinary education programs in various countries. Additionally, the AVMA COE's recognition by the U.S. Department of Education and CHEA underscores its alignment with international accreditation standards and its commitment to maintaining high-quality education.

6. Current or Future Impact on Higher Education

The AVMA COE's impact on higher education is evident in its role in shaping the curriculum and structure of veterinary medical programs. By setting and enforcing accreditation standards, the council influences the quality of education and training that students receive, ensuring that they are equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge for professional practice. Looking forward, the AVMA COE continues to adapt its standards to address emerging trends in veterinary medicine and education, such as the integration of technology in clinical practice, the expansion of interprofessional education and the incorporation of distance learning modalities. These efforts aim to enhance the accessibility and effectiveness of veterinary education, preparing graduates to meet the evolving needs of the profession and society.

7. Summary

The American Veterinary Medical Association Council on Education is a pivotal organization in the field of veterinary medical education, ensuring that programs meet high standards of quality and effectiveness. Through its rigorous accreditation process, the AVMA COE plays a crucial role in preparing competent and ethical veterinary professionals who are capable of providing high-quality care to animals and communities. Its commitment to continuous improvement and collaboration with international organizations underscores its dedication to advancing the field of veterinary medicine.

8. Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the AVMA COE?
  The AVMA COE is the sole accrediting body for veterinary medical education programs in the United States and Canada, ensuring that programs meet established standards of quality and effectiveness.
• When was the AVMA COE established?
  The AVMA COE was established in 1906 as a part of the American Veterinary Medical Association.
• What programs does the AVMA COE accredit?
  The AVMA COE accredits programs offering the professional Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree or its equivalent, as well as veterinary technician programs.
• Is the AVMA COE recognized by any accrediting bodies?
  Yes, the AVMA COE is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).
• How can I find accredited veterinary programs?
  Accredited programs can be found through the AVMA COE's official website or through directories provided by the American Association of Veterinary Medical Colleges (AAVMC).

Organization Name

American Veterinary Medical Association, Council on Education

Acronym

AVMA-COE

Year of Establishment

1/01/1906

Control Type

Private

Entity Type

Non-Profit

Geo Focus and Coverage

National

Recognized by

Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA); U.S. Department of Education (USDE)

Affiliations or Memberships

Association for Specialized and Professional Accreditors (ASPA)

Number of Member Universities or Accredited Institutions

38

Address

1931 North Meacham Road, Suite 100
Schaumburg
60173 Illinois United States

Phone

+1 (847) 925 8070

Fax

+1 (847) 925 1329

List of universities offering programs accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association, Council on Education (AVMA-COE):

Alabama
AUBURN UNIVERSITY
Auburn, Alabama 36849
Phone: 334-844-4546
Status: Accredited
Last Evaluation: 2019
Next Evaluation: 2026
SAVMA Chapter: Yes
http://www.vetmed.auburn.edu

TUSKEGEE UNIVERSITY
Tuskegee, Alabama 36088
Phone: 334-727-8174
Status: Accredited
Last Evaluation: 2016
Next Evaluation: 2020
SAVMA Chapter: Yes
http://tuskegee.edu

Arizona
MIDWESTERN UNIVERSITY
Glendale, Arizona 85308
Phone: 623-572-3215
Status: Accredited
Last Evaluation: 2018
Next Evaluation: 2025
SAVMA Chapter: No
http://www.midwestern.edu

UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA
Tucson, AZ 85721
Phone: 520-621-2355
Status: Provisional Accreditation
Last Evaluation: 2019
Next Evaluation: 2021
SAVMA Chapter: No
http://www.arizona.edu

California
UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA
Davis, California 95616-8734
Phone: 530-752-1360
Status: Accredited
Last Evaluation: 2018
Next Evaluation: 2025
SAVMA Chapter: Yes
http://www.vetmed.ucdavis.edu

WESTERN UNIVERSITY OF HEALTH SCIENCES
Pomona, California 91766-1862
Phone: 909-469-5628
Status: Accredited (minor deficiency in Standard 2, Finances, Standard 3, Physical Facilities & Equipment, and Standard 6, Students)
Last Evaluation: 2019
Next Evaluation: 2026
SAVMA Chapter: Yes
http://www.westernu.edu/veterinary/

Colorado
COLORADO STATE UNIVERSITY
Fort Collins, Colorado 80523-1601
Phone: 970-491-7051
Status: Accredited
Last Evaluation: 2015
Next Evaluation: 2022
SAVMA Chapter: Yes
http://csu-cvmbs.colostate.edu

Florida
UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA
Gainesville, Florida 32610-0125
Phone: 352-392-4202
Status: Accredited
Last Evaluation: 2015
Next Evaluation: 2022
SAVMA Chapter: Yes
http://www.vetmed.ufl.edu

Georgia
UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA
Athens, Georgia 30602-7371
Phone: 706-542-3000
Status: Accredited
Last Evaluation: 2013
Next Evaluation: 2020
SAVMA Chapter: Yes
http://www.vet.uga.edu

Illinois
UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS
Urbana, Illinois 61801
Phone: 217-333-2760
Status: Accredited
Last Evaluation: 2013
Next Evaluation: 2020
SAVMA Chapter: Yes
http://www.vetmed.illinois.edu

Indiana
PURDUE UNIVERSITY
West Lafayette, Indiana 47907-1240
Phone: 765-494-7607
Status: Probationary Accreditation (w/major deficiency in Standard 3, Physical Facilities & Equipment)
Last Evaluation: 2018
Next Evaluation: 2025
SAVMA Chapter: Yes
http://www.vet.purdue.edu

Iowa
IOWA STATE UNIVERSITY
Ames, Iowa 50011
Phone: 515-294-1242
Status: Accredited
Last Evaluation: 2017
Next Evaluation: 2024
SAVMA Chapter: Yes
http://www.vetmed.iastate.edu

Kansas
KANSAS STATE UNIVERSITY
Manhattan, Kansas 66506
Phone: 785-532-5660
Status: Accredited
Last Evaluation: 2017
Next Evaluation: 2024
SAVMA Chapter: Yes
http://www.vet.k-state.edu

Louisiana
LOUISIANA STATE UNIVERSITY
Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70803
Phone: 225-578-9900
Status: Accredited (w/ minor deficiency in Standard 3, Physical Facilities & Equipment)
Last Evaluation: 2019
Next Evaluation: 2026
SAVMA Chapter: Yes
http://lsu.edu/vetmed/


Massachusetts
TUFTS UNIVERSITY
North Grafton, Massachusetts 01536
Phone: 508-839-5302
Status: Accredited
Last Evaluation: 2018
Next Evaluation: 2025
SAVMA Chapter: Yes
http://www.tufts.edu/vet

Michigan
MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY
East Lansing, Michigan 48824-1314
Phone: 517-353-9793
Status: Accredited (w/ minor deficiency in Standard 11, Outcomes Assessment)
Last Evaluation: 2019
Next Evaluation: 2026
SAVMA Chapter: Yes
http://www.cvm.msu.edu

Minnesota
UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA
Saint Paul, Minnesota 55108
Phone: 612-625-5000
Status: Accredited
Last Evaluation: 2014
Next Evaluation: 2021
SAVMA Chapter: Yes
http://www.cvm.umn.edu

Mississippi
MISSISSIPPI STATE UNIVERSITY
Mississippi State, Mississippi 39762
Phone: 662-325-3432
Status: Accredited
Last Evaluation: 2014
Next Evaluation: 2021
SAVMA Chapter: Yes
http://www.cvm.msstate.edu

Missouri
UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI-COLUMBIA
Columbia, Missouri 65211
Phone: 573-882-3877
Status: Accredited
Last Evaluation: 2013
Next Evaluation: 2020
SAVMA Chapter: Yes
http://www.cvm.missouri.edu

New York
CORNELL UNIVERSITY
Ithaca, New York 14853-6401
Phone: 607-253-3700
Status: Accredited
Last Evaluation: 2017
Next Evaluation: 2024
SAVMA Chapter: Yes
https://www2.vet.cornell.edu/

LONG ISLAND UNIVERSITY
Brookville, NY 11548-1300
Phone: 516-299-3679
Status: Provisional Accreditation
Last Evaluation: 2019
Next Evaluation: 2021
SAVMA Chapter: No
https://liu.edu/vetmed

North Carolina
NORTH CAROLINA STATE UNIVERSITY
Raleigh, North Carolina 27606
Phone: 919-513-6200
Status: Accredited
Last Evaluation: 2014
Next Evaluation: 2021
SAVMA Chapter: Yes
http://www.cvm.ncsu.edu

Ohio
THE OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY
Columbus, Ohio 43210
Phone: 614-292-1171
Status: Accredited
Last Evaluation: 2013
Next Evaluation: 2020
SAVMA Chapter: Yes
http://vet.osu.edu/

Oklahoma
OKLAHOMA STATE UNIVERSITY
Stillwater, Oklahoma 74078
Phone: 405-744-6961
Status: Accredited
Last Evaluation: 2017
Next Evaluation: 2024
SAVMA Chapter: Yes
http://www.cvm.okstate.edu

Oregon
OREGON STATE UNIVERSITY
Corvallis, Oregon 97331
Phone: 541-737-2098
Status: Accredited
Last Evaluation: 2014
Next Evaluation: 2021
SAVMA Chapter: Yes
http://www.oregonstate.edu/vetmed

Pennsylvania
UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104-6044
Phone: 215-898-5438
Status: Accredited
Last Evaluation: 2016
Next Evaluation: 2023
SAVMA Chapter: Yes
http://www.vet.upenn.edu

Tennessee
UNIVERSITY OF TENNESSEE
Knoxville, Tennessee 37996
Phone: 865-974-7262
Status: Accredited
Last Evaluation: 2015
Next Evaluation: 2022
SAVMA Chapter: Yes
http://www.vet.utk.edu

LINCOLN MEMORIAL UNIVERSITY
Harrogate, TN 37752
Phone: 423-869-7150
Status: Accredited
Last Evaluation: 2019
Next Evaluation: 2026
SAVMA Chapter: No
http://www.lmunet.edu/

Texas
TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY
College Station, Texas 77843-4461
Phone: 409-845-5051
Status: Accredited
Last Evaluation: 2015
Next Evaluation: 2022
SAVMA Chapter: Yes
http://www.vetmed.tamu.edu

Virginia
VIRGINIA TECH
Blacksburg, Virginia 24061-0442
Phone: 540-231-7666
Status: Accredited
Last Evaluation: 2014
Next Evaluation: 2021
SAVMA Chapter: Yes
http://www.vetmed.vt.edu

Washington
WASHINGTON STATE UNIVERSITY
Pullman, Washington 99164-7010
Phone: 509-335-9515
Status: Accredited
Last Evaluation: 2017
Next Evaluation: 2024
SAVMA Chapter: Yes
http://www.vetmed.wsu.edu

Wisconsin
UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN-MADISON
Madison, Wisconsin 53706
Phone: 608-263-6716
Status: Accredited
Last Evaluation: 2015
Next Evaluation: 2022
SAVMA Chapter: Yes
http://www.vetmed.wisc.edu

Quebec
UNIVERSITÉ DE MONTRÉAL
Saint Hyacinthe, Quebec, Canada J2S 7C6
Phone: 450-773-8521
Status: Accredited (w/ minor deficiency in Standard 3, Physical Facilities & Equipment)
Last Evaluation: 2019
Next Evaluation: 2026
SAVMA Chapter: No
http://www.medvet.umontreal.ca

Alberta
UNIVERSITY OF CALGARY
Calgary, Alberta, Canada T2N 4N1
Phone: 403-210-3961
Status: Accredited (minor in Standard 3, Physical Facilities & Equipment)
Last Evaluation: 2019
Next Evaluation: 2026
SAVMA Chapter: No
http://www.vet.ucalgary.ca

Ontario
UNIVERSITY OF GUELPH
Guelph, Ontario, Canada N1G 2W1
Phone: 519-824-4120
Status: Accredited
Last Evaluation: 2015
Next Evaluation: 2022
SAVMA Chapter: No
http://www.ovc.uoguelph.ca

Prince Edward Island
UNIVERSITY OF PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND
Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, Canada C1A 4P3
Phone: 902-566-0882
Status: Accredited
Last Evaluation: 2017
Next Evaluation: 2024
SAVMA Chapter: Yes
http://www.upei.ca/avc

Saskatchewan
UNIVERSITY OF SASKATCHEWAN
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada S7N 5B4
Phone: 306-966-7447
Status: Accredited
Last Evaluation: 2017
Next Evaluation: 2024
SAVMA Chapter: No
http://www.usask.ca/wcvm

United Kingdom
UNIVERSITY OF BRISTOL
Langford, Bristol BS40 5DU
Phone: 44 (0)117 394 1649
Status: Accredited
Last Evaluation: 2019
Next Evaluation: 2026
SAVMA Chapter: No
http://www.bristol.ac.uk/vetscience

Australia
MURDOCH UNIVERSITY
Murdoch, Western Australia
Phone: 61 8 9360 2566
Status: Accredited
Last Evaluation: 2016
Next Evaluation: 2023
SAVMA Chapter: No
http://www.murdoch.edu.au/School-of-Veterinary-and-Life-Sciences/

UNIVERSITY OF MELBOURNE
Werribee, VIC Australia
Phone: 61 3 9731 2261
Status: Accredited
Last Evaluation: 2013
Next Evaluation: 2020
SAVMA Chapter: No
http://www.vet.unimelb.edu.au

UNIVERSITY OF SYDNEY
Sydney, NSW, Australia
Phone: 61 2 9351 3100
Status: Accredited (minor deficiency in Standard 3, Physical Facilities & Equipment)
Last Evaluation: 2019
Next Evaluation: 2026
SAVMA Chapter: No
http://sydney.edu.au/vetscience

UNIVERSITY OF QUEENSLAND
Gatton, QLD, Australia
Phone: 61 7 5460 1967
Status: Accredited
Last Evaluation: 2018
Next Evaluation: 2025
SAVMA Chapter: No
http://www.uq.edu.au/vetschool/

England
ROYAL VETERINARY COLLEGE
London, England NW1 0TU
Phone: 44 (0)20 7468-5000
Status: Accredited
Last Evaluation: 2018
Next Evaluation: 2025
SAVMA Chapter: Yes
http://www.rvc.ac.uk

France
VETAGRO SUP
F-69280 Marcy l'Etoile
Phone: 33 4 78 87 25 02
Status: Accredited
Last Evaluation: 2013
Next Evaluation: 2020
SAVMA Chapter: No
http://www.vetagro-sup.fr

Ireland
UNIVERSITY COLLEGE DUBLIN
Belfield, Dublin 4 Ireland
Phone: 353 1 716 6100
Status: Accredited
Last Evaluation: 2014
Next Evaluation: 2020
SAVMA Chapter: No
http://www.ucd.ie/vetmed

Korea
SEOUL NATIONAL UNIVERSITY
1 Gwanak-ro, Gwanak-gu, Seoul, Korea 151-742
Phone: 82-2-8805114
Status: Accredited
Last Evaluation: 2018
Next Evaluation: 2025
SAVMA Chapter: No
http://vet.snu.ac.kr/en

Mexico
UNIVERSIDAD NACIONAL AUTONOMA DE MÉXICO
Coyoacan, Mexico, D.F.
Phone: 52 (55) 5622 5855
Status: Accredited
Last Evaluation: 2018
Next Evaluation: 2025
SAVMA Chapter: No
http://www.fmvz.unam.mx

New Zealand
MASSEY UNIVERSITY
Palmerston North, New Zealand
Phone: 64 6 350 5714
Status: Accredited
Last Evaluation: 2014
Next Evaluation: 2021
SAVMA Chapter: No
http://ivabs.massey.ac.nz

Scotland
THE UNIVERSITY OF EDINBURGH
Edinburgh, EH9 1QH Scotland
Phone: 44 (0)131 650 1000
Status: Accredited
Last Evaluation: 2015
Next Evaluation: 2022
SAVMA Chapter: Yes
http://www.ed.ac.uk/schools-departments/vet

UNIVERSITY OF GLASGOW
Glasgow, Scotland G61 1QH
Phone: 44 (0)141 330 5700
Status: Accredited
Last Evaluation: 2013
Next Evaluation: 2020
SAVMA Chapter: Yes
http://www.gla.ac.uk/schools/vet

The Netherlands
STATE UNIVERSITY OF UTRECHT
3508 TD Utrecht, The Netherlands
Phone: 31 30 253 4851
Status: Accredited
Last Evaluation: 2014
Next Evaluation: 2021
SAVMA Chapter: No http://www.uu.nl/NL/faculteiten/diergeneeskunde/Pages/default.aspx

West Indies
ROSS UNIVERSITY
Basseterre, St Kitts, West Indies
Phone: 869-465-1080
Status: Accredited
Last Evaluation: 2018
Next Evaluation: 2025
SAVMA Chapter: Yes
http://www.rossu.edu/veterinary-school/

ST. GEORGE'S UNIVERSITY
Grenada, West Indies
Phone: 800-899-6337
Status: Accredited
Last Evaluation: 2018
Next Evaluation: 2025
SAVMA Chapter: Yes
http://www.sgu.edu/school-of-veterinary-medicine/index.html

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