College of Veterinary Medicine Gets Full Accreditation

The University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine once again received full accreditation from the American Veterinary Medical Association Council on Education.

“The College of Veterinary Medicine is pleased that the (Council on Education) has reaffirmed our full accreditation,” said the college’s Dean Sheila W. Allen. “Accreditation by the COE is recognized internationally as the gold standard for veterinary medical education. Thanks to the work of many throughout the college, we have earned this well-deserved recognition.

The council evaluates veterinary medical education programs including facilities, clinical resources, curriculum, faculty and research programs. The standards are interpreted and applied by the council to each college in relation to its mission.

The accreditation process takes about a year and includes a comprehensive self study reviewed by the site team prior to a five-day visit to each college. After the visit, the site team files a report to the council, which then votes on whether to award full accreditation or limited accreditation.

The site team reviews everything in the college that relates to students’ education in the doctor of veterinary medicine program. “They conduct extensive interviews of faculty, staff and students and evaluate programs to determine that our students are receiving the best professional veterinary education possible,” Allen said.

The accreditation review occurs every seven years for fully accredited colleges of veterinary medicine. Currently, the American Veterinary Medical Association Council on Education has 28 schools accredited in the U.S.; another five accredited schools are located in Canada; and 13 more are located outside of North America. The council is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation as the accrediting agency for veterinary medicine.