USDE Grants Approval for COE to Accredit Distance Education Programs

The U.S. Department of Education (USDE) has officially approved the AVMA Council on Education (COE) to include distance learning within its scope of accreditation. This decision follows a January 8 request from the COE and marks a significant step forward for veterinary education in the digital age.

The move comes as distance education has gained traction among veterinary colleges, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. Faced with the challenge of accommodating remote learning, the COE sought guidance from the USDE. The council identified two potential paths: either expand its scope of recognition to include distance learning or advise veterinary colleges to exclude it from their curricula to maintain accreditation.

“The COE determined that the best pathway forward, and the one that will support programs, student learning, and minimize disruption, was to request inclusion of distance education in its scope of recognition,” said Dr. Johanna Watson, COE chair, in a letter to stakeholders on January 15.

Policy Development Underway

With this new federal approval, the COE is working to establish comprehensive policies, procedures, and standards to guide the use of distance education in accredited veterinary programs. According to Dr. Watson, these developments will ensure that distance learning is delivered effectively and meets the rigorous standards of veterinary education.

The council has already begun laying the groundwork. From November 2024 through January, it conducted a survey of its accredited and provisionally accredited programs to assess the current use of distance education, available resources, and student outcomes. Additionally, the COE collected over 1,300 comments from faculty, students, and veterinarians on the role of distance education in veterinary training. These insights will inform the council’s policy framework.

To accelerate progress, the COE is consulting with leading experts in distance education and accreditation. The council aims to finalize and publish its new policies and procedures this spring, providing clear guidance to veterinary colleges nationwide.

A Mandate for Compliance

In November 2024, the COE’s recognition as an accreditor was renewed by the U.S. secretary of education. As part of the renewal, the COE is required to demonstrate its readiness to oversee distance education programs. A compliance report addressing this mandate is due later this year.

Meanwhile, the USDE has introduced new federal rules, published in the Federal Register on January 3, some of which pertain to distance education. These rules will likely shape the COE’s approach to accreditation and quality assurance for remote learning in veterinary programs.

Supporting the Transition

“The COE will continue to support the educational community during this time of transition,” Dr. Watson said. “The COE views this time of change as an opportunity to optimize the quality of a widely used learning modality for the benefit of students and the profession.”

As veterinary education evolves to include distance learning, the COE’s efforts aim to ensure that students receive a high-quality education regardless of the delivery method. This milestone underscores the growing acceptance and importance of digital tools in shaping the future of veterinary training.