School of Veterinary Medicine again accredited by American professional organisation

The School of Veterinary Medicine has once again received a positive accreditation from the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). However, the commission did observe four minor deficiencies; issues that the AVMA feels should be addressed in the near future, but that have “minimal or no effect on the quality of the study programme and/or the safety of the students”.

Wim Kremer, Head of School and Vice-Dean of Education of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine: “I am proud that we have once again received this accreditation. We place a high value on ensuring the quality of our study programme. Obtaining accreditation is a confirmation that our international colleagues feel that our study programme meets the high standards that the AVMA (and the EAEVE) place on study programmes, facilities, organisations and the qualifications of our graduates”.

Based on the minor deficiencies described in the AVMA report, the faculty will have to work on or improve certain supplemental issues. For example, the AVMA would like the faculty to form an ‘admissions committee’, perform a thorough alumni survey and pay more attention to hands-on surgical skills training in the curriculum. The commission would also appreciate more detailed information about our organisational structure. “These are issues that we are already actively working on, but the fact that they have been identified as minor discrepancies keeps us focused on ensuring that progress is made”, according to Wim Kremer. Wouter Dhert, Dean: “Our organisational structure differs somewhat to that common in the United States, so we have to explain how we ensure the quality of our study programme. Several other leading European universities face the same issue, and that will probably remain a point of concern for the coming years.”

“NVAO accreditation is essential for us, because it entitles us to issue diplomas. But it is also important that we undergo regular reviews by expert international colleagues such as the AVMA, and to continue to improve our study programme as necessary based on their feedback. It also makes it easier for our graduates to find work abroad, whether in America, Australia or New Zealand. We belong to the global leaders in our field, and we have to work hard to keep it that way”, says an enthusiastic Wim Kremer.

Combined inspection

This year was the first time that the inspections by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) and the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA) were combined with the inspection by the European Association of Establishments for Veterinary Education (EAEVE) and the Netherlands-Flemish Accreditation Organisation (NVAO). The AVMA inspection is an educational inspection that takes place once every seven years. The AVMA/CVMA’s evaluation is in turn taken into consideration by the EAEVE and NVAO in their accreditation process. Now that the results of the AVMA/CVMA inspection have been announced, the NVAO evaluation results will soon follow.”