College of Veterinary Medicine

Planned to open in Fall 2026, the College of Veterinary Medicine will offer students the opportunity to pursue their DVM degree right here in Arkansas, preparing skilled veterinarians to serve our state and region.

Fulfilling the Dreams of Numerous Arkansans

In a state currently without a vet school, the A-State CVM can fulfill the dreams of numerous Arkansans who wish to stay home for their education as well as attract students from out-of-state.

Why Arkansas State?

A-State is uniquely positioned for a successful College of Veterinary Medicine:

A Public Research Institution
A-State is a Carnegie Classification Research 2 national doctoral-granting university.

On-Campus Advantages
The A-State campus is home to a 240-acre University Farm, an Agricultural Teaching and Research Center, several existing animal facilities, a sizable equine center, the Arkansas Biosciences Institute and the NYIT College of Osteopathic Medicine.

History & Heritage
From A-State’s founding in 1909, the university has been an integral part of the agricultural fabric of the greater Delta region.

View our accreditation status

Pre-Vet students pose with a horse at this equine

Our goal is to prepare veterinarians who will serve Arkansas and beyond. With state-of-the-art facilities and strong clinical partnerships, A-State’s CVM will set a new standard for veterinary education.

Dean Heidi Banse, DVM, PhD, DACVIM (LA)

As part of the accreditation process with the American Veterinary Medical Association Council on Education (AVMA COE), a form is available to provide anonymous feedback to the A-State College of Veterinary Medicine.

Email VetMed@AState.edu Submit Anonymous Feedback

Welcome Prospective Veterinary Students Admissions

Our goal is to admit candidates who will succeed in their veterinary careers and reflect the community they will serve, meeting the veterinary needs of Arkansas, the region, and beyond.

Pre-Vet Students sign the final beam of the CVM Building

A drone shot of the A-State campus, highlighting the library clock tower and a sprawling campus

Get Started Here

CVM Admissions Academic Prereqs Nonacademic Prereqs How to Apply Process Overview Cost of Attendance Parents & Family Members Transferring

A-State offers two programs with a pre-veterinary emphasis that prepare students for admission into a veterinary medicine program.

Animal Science

College of Agriculture

An animal scientist applies principles of the biological, physical, and social sciences to the problems associated with livestock production, management and welfare.

Biological Sciences

Beck College of Science and Mathematics

A traditional science background coursework is included, in addition to essential upper-level courses designed to strengthen understanding of disease, organ-level anatomy/physiology and organismal biology.

The DVM program is a four-year, competency-based education designed to ensure students are prepared to enter primary care and other careers in the veterinary profession. The first three years includes training to prevent, control, diagnose, and treat diseases affecting the health of domestic and wild animals. The final year will consist of clinical rotations, with non-core (externship and elective) rotations tailored to each student’s professional interests.

Curriculum Overview

From your first day in the classroom to your final clinical rotation, A-State CVM offers the tools, support, and real-world experiences that help you build a successful veterinary career.

A student users her laptop in the Dean B Ellis Library

Student Resources

As a student in the College of Veterinary Medicine at Arkansas State University, you'll have access to a variety of campus and student resources to help guide you.

Our campus offers everything you need — housing, dining, financial aid, and counseling — plus specialized livestock facilities, advanced library and technology resources, and a community ready to help you succeed both in school and beyond graduation.

A student receives her diploma from Chancellor Todd Shields

Potential Dual Degree Options

A-State’s College of Veterinary Medicine is exploring dual-degree options that allow DVM students to pair their veterinary training with advanced study in business, science, public administration, or public health.

These programs give you the flexibility to combine veterinary training with business, science, health, or policy—equipping you with the skills and perspective to make a greater impact in the field of veterinary medicine.

A student studies in an animal biology lab

Research Meets Impact

At A-State’s College of Veterinary Medicine, you’ll have the opportunity to engage in meaningful, hands-on research that addresses real-world challenges in animal and human health.

The CVM’s areas of research excellence include equine and production animal health and welfare, ecosystem and public health, veterinary education and student success, and the use of big data and artificial intelligence in veterinary medicine. Working alongside experienced faculty and using state-of-the-art facilities, you’ll be part of a collaborative environment that values innovation and problem-solving.

We work closely with the Beck College of Sciences and Mathematics, the College of Agriculture, and the nearby Arkansas Biosciences Institute (ABI)—a world-class research hub located less than a quarter mile from the CVM building.

A student and teacher work on a dog in a clinic simulator

Licensure

To practice in the United States, veterinarians must be licensed. When students who are enrolled in Arkansas State University College of Veterinary Medicine (CVM) Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) program reach their fourth year, they may take the North American Veterinary Licensing Examination (NAVLE®).

Taking the NAVLE® is the first step towards becoming a licensed veterinarian. Each state establishes its own licensing rules, so students and graduates should review the requirements for the state or providence where they intend to practice.

An A-State student attends a career fair

Career Resources

At Arkansas State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine, your journey to becoming a licensed veterinarian is supported every step of the way. From your first semester through graduation, you’ll gain the knowledge and experience needed to enter the profession with confidence.

A-State helps you explore a wide range of career and advanced training opportunities. Through our “Becoming a Veterinary Professional” series, you’ll learn about different career paths in veterinary medicine—from private practice and research to public health and industry roles.

A student in a pre vet sweatshirt holds a dog's paw for examination

Information for Clinical Affiliates

Clinical affiliates are those select A-State partners that provide veterinary clinical experiences to fourth-year veterinary students. They play an important role in the professional training and education for veterinary students by providing an opportunity for them to work along side experienced veterinarians.

Review the requirements to become a clinical affiliate and submit your interest.