Veterinary Crisis: Emerging Shortage of Educators Threatens Future of Animal Healthcare

Jun 2

The veterinary profession is facing a critical challenge: an emerging shortage of veterinary medical educators. As class sizes increase and new veterinary programs seek accreditation, the need for qualified educators is growing rapidly. This shortage, if not addressed, could hinder the education of future veterinarians and, by extension, impact the quality of animal healthcare.

Understanding the shortage of veterinary medical educators requires an examination of several contributing factors. Expanding class sizes within existing veterinary schools and the creation of new programs have heightened the demand for educators. However, attracting and retaining these professionals is becoming increasingly difficult. The number of veterinary programs is expanding, with nearly a dozen new colleges proposed in the last two years alone. This increase exacerbates the demand for educators.

There are significant disincentives for students and post-DVM trainees to pursue careers in education. Financial constraints, coupled with the demanding nature of academic positions, deter many from entering the field. Moreover, effective teaching methods and educational delivery innovations are essential to meet the growing demands, but they require collaboration and investment. Developing new pedagogical approaches is critical to keep pace with the expanding curriculum and the increasing complexity of veterinary medicine.

To address this shortage, the veterinary profession must take a multi-faceted approach. Collaboration across various organizations can help develop innovative teaching methods and better educational delivery. By working together, these entities can create a more supportive environment for veterinary educators. Identifying and mitigating the barriers that deter individuals from pursuing academic careers is also crucial. This could involve providing more robust financial support, improving work-life balance, and offering professional development opportunities for aspiring educators.

Advocacy at the state and federal levels for financial support and incentives can help expand the veterinary educator workforce. Legislative efforts to secure funding for veterinary education and research can provide the necessary resources to attract and retain talented educators. Such support is essential for maintaining the high standards of veterinary care and ensuring that future veterinarians receive the best possible training.

Numerous institutions are planning to open new veterinary colleges, adding to the need for educators. Ana G. Méndez University has developed the first School of Veterinary Medicine in Puerto Rico and is pursuing AVMA accreditation. Arkansas State University has approved plans for a new College of Veterinary Medicine, aiming to open by 2025 or 2026. Chamberlain University is proposing a veterinary program in Stockbridge, Georgia, while Clemson University plans to create South Carolina’s first veterinary program, with students starting in 2026. Lincoln Memorial University is pursuing a second veterinary college in Orange Park, Florida, and Lyon College is establishing a veterinary program in Little Rock, Arkansas, with a focus on health sciences. Rowan University is developing New Jersey’s first veterinary school, the Shreiber School of Veterinary Medicine, and Utah State University is transitioning from a partnership program to a full four-year veterinary program.

Addressing the shortage of veterinary medical educators is imperative for the future of veterinary education and animal healthcare. Through collaboration, reducing educational disincentives, and securing government support, the veterinary profession can strengthen its educator workforce and ensure the training of the next generation of veterinarians. This collective effort will help meet societal needs and maintain the high standards of veterinary care. The time to act is now, and with concerted efforts, the veterinary community can overcome this challenge and continue to thrive.

New Veterinary Programs on the Horizon

Numerous institutions are planning to open new veterinary colleges, adding to the need for educators:

Ana G. Méndez University: The first School of Veterinary Medicine in Puerto Rico, pursuing AVMA accreditation.
Arkansas State University: Approved plans for a new College of Veterinary Medicine, aiming to open by 2025 or 2026.
Chamberlain University: Proposing a veterinary program in Stockbridge, Georgia.
Clemson University: Plans to create South Carolina’s first veterinary program, with students starting in 2026.
Lincoln Memorial University: Pursuing a second veterinary college in Orange Park, Florida.
Lyon College: Establishing a veterinary program in Little Rock, Arkansas, with a focus on health sciences.
Rowan University: Developing New Jersey’s first veterinary school, the Shreiber School of Veterinary Medicine.
Utah State University: Transitioning from a partnership program to a full four-year veterinary program.