First Kentucky University Approved for Veterinary Doctoral Program

Murray State University Approved for New Veterinary Doctoral Program

If you have a pet and have taken it to a veterinarian in the past year, count yourself lucky. Even with those big bills that come along with veterinary care, access is something many rural communities simply do not have.

Across Kentucky and surrounding states, especially in farming communities, there just are not enough veterinarians. Livestock owners often struggle to find care. But Murray State University is hoping to change that.

At the end of January, the Council on Postsecondary Education board officially approved a new doctoral program in veterinary medicine at Murray State University. The school will now seek provisional accreditation from the American Veterinary Medical Association Council on Education. If that process moves forward as planned, the program could admit its first class as early as fall 2028.

Currently, Murray State offers bechelor degrees in Animal Science, Animal and Equine Science (animal track), Animal Health (pre-vet), Animal Health (veterinary technology), Animal and Equine Science (business track), Animal and Equine Science (equine track), Animal and Equine Science (food and nutrition track), Animal and Equine Science (pre-chiropractor track) and a Masters in Agriculture.

Kentucky Currently Has No Veterinary Doctorate Program

Right now, there are only 31 accredited veterinary doctorate programs and five provisionally accredited programs in the United States. None of them are in Kentucky.

That means students who want to become veterinarians have to leave the state to earn their degree.

“This program will help address Kentucky’s veterinarian shortage and create more opportunities for our students who want to enter this field," said CPE President Dr. Aaron Thompson. "In 2023, 160 Kentucky residents applied to DVM programs, but only 67 were admitted.”

Those numbers tell the story. There is interest. There just are not enough seats.

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The Ongoing Veterinarian Shortage in Rural Communities

Veterinarians have also been vocal about the challenges of the profession. The job can be physically demanding and financially draining. But many say the bigger issue is the lack of work-life balance and the emotional toll the career can take.

When students are already struggling to get into programs and current professionals are feeling burned out, the shortage only gets worse.

Adding a veterinary doctoral program in Kentucky could be a major step toward keeping students in state, supporting rural communities, and strengthening access to animal care across the region.