American accreditation renewed for Veterinary Medicine study programme

Good news for the Veterinary Medicine study programme. The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) has once again granted accreditation to the School of Veterinary Medicine at Utrecht University. The AVMA announced its decision on 23 October 2017.

The AVMA generally grants accreditation for a period of seven years. In 2015, Utrecht University received accreditation for a six-year period from the Nederlands Vlaamse Accreditatieorganisatie (NVAO), and for a 10-year period from the European Association of Establishments for Veterinary Education (EAEVE).

Although the accreditation issued by the NVAO is most essential for our faculty, as it entitles us to issue degrees, Dean Wouter Dhert and Vice-Dean Wim Kremer DVM PhD are very proud that the study programme has retained its accreditation from the AVMA. Wouter Dhert explains: “We have been accredited since 1973, and we have worked hard over the past few years to maintain it. That hard work has paid off. Accreditation gives us a strong position as a veterinary knowledge centre in the international arena, something that should inspire students and employees alike, and give them energy.”

Wim Kremer, Head of School and Vice-Dean of Education of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, also believes in the relevance of the review: “Since we are constantly tested by our expert international colleagues at the EAEVE and the AVMA, we can continue to improve our study programme.” The accreditation was granted specifically to the School of Veterinary Medicine. “This will make it easier for our graduates to work abroad, in countries such as America, Australia or New Zealand.”