The Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences Announces Accreditation Renewal
COLLEGE STATION, Texas – The College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences (CVM), at Texas A&M University, has again received full accreditation for the next seven years by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) Council on Education (COE). Dr. Eleanor M. Green, the Carl B. King dean of veterinary medicine, announced the accreditation to the college on April 19, 2016.
The AVMA COE is recognized by the United States Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation and is responsible for accrediting programs that offer a professional doctor of veterinary medicine (DVM) degree in the United States, Canada, and other nations. It is recognized internationally as the benchmark for quality in veterinary education.
The AVMA COE’s decision to grant the CVM accreditation reflects the high educational standard of the college. The CVM is one of the largest colleges of veterinary medicine nationally, with over 527 DVM students. As of May 2015, the CVM has graduated 7,697 DVMs. In addition, the CVM was ranked sixth in the world and third in the nation by Quacquarelli Symonds in 2015.
“Achieving this benchmark in a college with a rich 100-year history during its centennial is especially meaningful,” said Green. “This designation speaks to the superb quality of the only college of veterinary medicine in the state of Texas, constantly striving for excellence. This is a resounding endorsement of the quality of the faculty, staff, and students upon which all programs depend, as well as the leadership of Texas A&M; University, the Texas A&M; University System, and the Board of Regents. The knowledge of the CVM and support by the leadership has been essential.”
Green noted that during the AVMA COE accreditation site visit exit interview in December the accreditation team commented on the CVM’s positive learning and working environment and complimented the faculty, staff, and students. The team also noted the strong research program and success in engaging students in research. Further, the accreditation team commended the CVM on robust educational opportunities at the Houston SPCA, the Veterinary Emergency Team, the noticeable dedication to diversity and an inclusive environment, professional development opportunities, outcomes assessment initiatives, and the Center for Education Technologies with its support in the curricular review process.
After the exit interview, Texas A&M; President Michael Young, Provost Karan Watson, and Vice President Christine Stanley congratulated the CVM on this positive review.
The AVMA COE reviews each program every seven years to determine if renewing accreditation is appropriate and if the program meets the standards necessary for a veterinary medical program. The COE measures veterinary programs according to eleven standards, including curriculum, facilities, clinical resources, and research. These standards are reviewed regularly by a number of parties, including the AVMA House of Delegates, veterinary practitioners, faculty, deans of colleges of veterinary medicine, veterinary students, and the public.
“Full accreditation status ensures that graduates are prepared to serve society in diverse careers including clinical practice, public health, conservation, biomedical research, public policy, global health, and much more,” said Dr. Kenita Rogers, executive associate dean. “The CVM has a 100-year history of education, research, and service to the state of Texas and is proud to again be recognized by the AVMA COE.”
The COE accreditation process is rigorous and ensures that DVM students receive a high-quality education.
