SOLUTIONS

CREATE A MID-LEVEL VETERINARY POSITION

A mid-level veterinary position is an advanced degree that would allow veterinary practitioners to serve farmers and livestock with fewer years of education and less debt, similar to a Nurse Practitioner (NP) in human medicine. A mid-level professional would be qualified to diagnose and treat common illnesses in livestock.

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The first program issuing such a degree was started at Lincoln Memorial College of Veterinary Medicine in Tennessee. Colorado State University College of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences is scheduled to begin a similar program in 2025. However, a change to federal law is required to allow such graduates to prescribe medication. 

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If Nurse Practitioners (NPs) and Physician's Assistants (PAs) meet the standard of care for humans, a veterinary equivalent would meet the standard of care for our livestock. Remember: James Herriot only had six years of veterinary education prior to his successful, rewarding career as a large animal veterinarian. 

LICENSE VETERINARY TECHNICIANS

Thanks to the work of the Minnesota Veterinary Medical Association (MVMA), the Minnesota Association of Veterinary Technicians (MAVT), and the Minnesota Farmers Union, veterinary technician licensure passed in 2024!

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Most states across the country credential and oversee their own Veterinary Technician programs. Minnesota is one of the few states that does not, which causes underutilization of technicians, low wages, and low retention across the industry. Licensing Veterinary Technicians and expanding their scope of work would increase the availability of services and lower the cost at which they are provided.

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A September 2021 survey by the Minnesota Veterinary Medical Association showed that 70% of the respondents support such an initiative. 

ALLOW FOR VIRTUAL ESTABLISHMENT OF VCPR

Veterinarians in rural areas of the state oftentimes have to travel long distances to establish a Veterinary Client Patient Relationship. Improving access to telemedicine could increase the availability of services in rural areas and improve quality of life for Veterinarians. Secondary benefits include improved biosecurity and better access to species specific care.

SUPPORT VETFAST PROGRAMS

VetFAST programs attract students interested in large animal veterinary work. In some cases, it allows them to graduate in seven years instead of eight, saving time and money. Reserving seats in the Veterinary School for these programs is important.