Program information
CSU is working to create an educational option for veterinary professionals, equipping graduates to pursue licensing as veterinary professional associates (VPA) in the state of Colorado. The Master of Science in Veterinary Clinical Care will provide extensive training in clinical care, client communication, and leadership.
Mirroring the university’s long-standing dedication to academic rigor, CSU is leading the way in creating a strict, top-tier educational program for the master’s in veterinary critical care. This program was created in collaboration with CSU faculty, welfare organizations, community members, and other academic institutions.
Application requirements
To be admitted into the program, applicants would need to complete the proposed prerequisite courses and hold a bachelor’s degree. The proposed program requires five semesters (65 credits) of specialized training to receive a master’s degree in veterinary clinical care. The program will require a cumulative final examination that will eventually be replaced by a national credentialling examination.
Curriculum
Students would be trained to identify abnormal findings on physical examinations and medical tests, and to diagnose and treat routine medical and surgical conditions, such as perform spay and neuter operations – all for dogs and cats only. The curriculum will include similar technical and leadership skills presented in – as well as the full communications training from – the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (D.V.M.) Program. Students will also graduate with certifications from Fear Free and Companion Animal Euthanasia Training Academy.
Courses are being designed by national leaders in building and teaching online courses and include hands-on learning, discussion, interactive participation, and other methods of teaching that can boost student involvement when compared to in-person classes. The online portion of the program will utilize accessible and interactive technologies and techniques that mimic face-to-face laboratories and lectures. The program will also include in-person laboratory courses and clinical training with a community partner.
Program administrators will ensure education and training align with state board requirements for veterinary professional associate licensing eligibility.
What is a veterinary professional associate?
Established by the state of Colorado, the veterinary professional associate is a new role similar to a physician assistant in human medicine. This mid-level role fills a gap between veterinarians and veterinary technicians and – along with other institutional initiatives – helps address a national shortage of veterinary care.
Veterinary professional associates will work under the supervision of a veterinarian and are specially trained to work on only canine and feline cases to diagnose animal medical concerns, perform routine surgeries, and order and perform tests and procedures.
As a result of Proposition 129, Colorado’s Veterinary Practice Act will be amended to allow veterinary professional associates to work in veterinary clinics under the guidance of a veterinarian, in addition to educational, laboratory, and shelter settings.
The Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA) is responsible for determining the licensing and regulation requirements for the veterinary professional associate role, including rules for practice, professional and academic qualifications, and disciplinary measures. The state board may also determine the specific tasks and level of supervision required.
Part of a comprehensive approach to care
The master’s degree in veterinary clinical care equips students to fill a unique role that works alongside veterinarians and veterinary technicians, enhancing collaboration among veterinary professionals and providing a holistic team approach to care. With their unique skillset, VPAs will help relieve veterinarians from extra tasks, enhancing the efficiency of the veterinary care team as a whole. Veterinary professional associates will have knowledge and authority, under supervision of a licensed veterinarian, to diagnose and treat common illnesses and injuries, but veterinary care teams will still need the expertise of veterinary technicians to provide well-rounded care to patients.
Veterinary technicians who already have a bachelor’s degree are eligible to apply for the program, providing a career path to qualified veterinary technicians seeking additional training.