Call for comments: Distance education in veterinary colleges

The AVMA Council on Education® (COE®) is seeking comment on the potential use of distance education in veterinary educational programs that lead to a DVM, VMD, or equivalent degree.

Distance education, as defined by the federal government, uses technology "to deliver instruction to students who are separated from the instructor or instructors and to support regular and substantive interaction between the students and the instructor or instructors, either synchronously or asynchronously."

Allowing distance education to any degree in veterinary colleges accredited by the AVMA COE would require a substantive change to the COE's scope of recognition as a programmatic accreditor recognized by the United States Department of Education. This would require the development and federal approval of policies, procedures, and accreditation standards to include evaluation and assessment of veterinary medical education delivered through technology.

The COE believes consideration of such a change requires broad input from across the veterinary community. The council is committed to ensuring the highest-quality education for students, and to engaging with those who share this goal.

The council is seeking comments on the potential use of distance education to deliver instruction, in whole or in part, to veterinary students seeking a DVM, VMD, or equivalent degree.

To comment, fill out and submit this survey no later than 11:59 p.m. on January 13, 2025. Given the large number of comments expected, please note that there is a 350-word limit.