College of

Veterinary Medicine

AMERICAN VETERINARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION ACCREDITATION

The OSU-CVM remains fully accredited. However, after its scheduled review in September, the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) placed the college on probationary accreditation until certain deficiencies are addressed.

Probationary status enables the college to retain its accreditation while addressing specific concerns raised by the AVMA. The status does not adversely impact the quality of OSU-CVM’s educational programs, as evidenced by CVM graduates’ recent performance in national licensing testing, with passing rates of 96% and 94% in 2023 and 2024, respectively. 

The OSU-CVM is taking immediate action to address the deficiencies identified and is committed to continuing to enhance its programs, facilities and services. 

 

OSU-CVM LEADERSHIP TRANSITION

Dr. Carlos Risco stepped down in his role as dean on Oct. 31, and Dr. Jerry Ritchey has been appointed interim dean. A leadership transition team from across the OSU System is directing efforts to ensure swift action is taken to address deficiencies identified by the AVMA.   

This leadership transition brings new opportunities to build on the momentum created by the OSU Veterinary Medicine Authority and Trust (see below), which was established to bring enhanced clinical facilities, new construction and additional resources for clinical faculty and staff that will enrich the student experience and place OSU in a very competitive position among other veterinary medical schools and teaching hospitals.

 

OSU CVM GRADUATES: STRONG PERFORMANCE NATIONALLY

• The North American Veterinary Licensing Examination (NAVLE), administered by the ICVA since 2000, is a requirement for licensure to practice veterinary medicine in all licensing jurisdictions in the US and Canada.
• In 2023 and 2024, 96% and 94%, respectively, of CVM graduates passed the NAVLE licensing examinations — well above the national average passing rate of 88% in 2024. 

 

RECENT HIGHLIGHTS AND PROGRESS

• Historically, funding has been a challenge for the CVM, but the creation of the Oklahoma Veterinary Medicine Authority has put the CVM in an excellent position to address short and long-term needs, and we’re excited to continue to build on the momentum we’ve developed over the last few years. 
• The CVM has significantly lowered its student attrition rate — from 14% in 2018 to around 2% for the current student population. 
• In the past year alone (2023-2024 academic year), the CVM added 20 new faculty members, including additional faculty positions in large animal emergency, food animal, theriogenology, shelter medicine, and new behavioral services. The CVM has also expanded primary care services offered at the hospital to better serve the surrounding community. 
• In 2023, a new director was hired for the veterinary medical teaching hospital, Dr. Kelly Black, who formerly served as the chair of the American Veterinary Medical Association Committee for Veterinary Technician Education and Activities, overseeing the accreditation of veterinary technician programs. Board certified by the American College of Veterinary Preventive Medicine, Dr. Black previously served as department head at the Veterinary Technology Program at Dallas College.  
• In 2023, the annual data report from the American Association of Veterinary Medical Colleges ranked OSU in the top 12 for research expenditures nationally. The report, which analyzes factors such as graduate student enrollment, academic publications and citations, is indicative of the impactful work that our faculty is engaged in to improve animal and human health and advance discovery through a One Health lens. 
• This spring, OSU was awarded a 5 Star Rating from QS Stars for veterinary science in the specialist category. The assessment focuses on excellence within the subject area and recognizes international or national accreditations.