Arizona could have a public veterinary school as soon as Fall 2020. That is, if the University of Arizona receives approval from the American Veterinary Medical Association’s Council on Education.
This is an ongoing, years-long effort by the University of Arizona. Most recently, their accreditation request was shot down over financing concerns. However, this year, the school is much more confident. It received approval from the Arizona Board of Regents to create the UA College of Veterinary Medicine. As a result, it has been able to hire a dean. Furthermore, it is renovating a building in the Oro Valley to serve as the vet school campus.
A 2018 study shows there is a shortage of 140 rural vets in Arizona. The proposed vet school would have 100 to 110 students from both in and out of state. It would certainly be a less expensive veterinary education option for Arizona residents.
