The Shreiber School of Veterinary Medicine at Rowan University, New Jersey's first veterinary school, has begun accepting applications for its inaugural class. This development follows the issuance of a Letter of Reasonable Assurance by the American Veterinary Medical Association’s Council on Education, marking an important step in the school's accreditation process.
Matthew Edson, DVM, founding dean of the Shreiber School, explained that the “Letter of Reasonable Assurance is a status awarded to developing schools and colleges in the U.S. and Canada that allows the school to pursue its plan for the veterinary program and to admit students." He further stated, "With this action, the Shreiber School of Veterinary Medicine is able to receive provisional accreditation when students matriculate next fall, allowing students to complete their training and be eligible to sit for the National Veterinary Licensing Examination."
Prospective students can apply through a Rowan-specific application portal on the school's website until December 31. A virtual workshop is scheduled for October 17 at 6 p.m. via Zoom. Kate Jackson, associate director for admissions at the school, said: “At the workshop, we’ll cover admissions requirements, policies to know, important deadlines, a step-by-step process for completing the application and answer any questions interested students may have up front.”
Rowan University will join an exclusive group of universities offering three medical degrees: DVM (Doctor of Veterinary Medicine), DO (Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine), and MD (Doctor of Medicine). The establishment of this veterinary school addresses a significant need for veterinary professionals both in New Jersey and nationwide.
The Shreiber School will be located alongside Virtua Health College Research Center in a $176.4 million facility on Rowan's West Campus. The 162,000-square-foot building will include classrooms, a teaching hospital with clinical services available to the community, as well as research and diagnostic labs.
The curriculum at Shreiber School aims to combine teaching with research and hands-on clinical training while focusing on evidence-based approaches to prepare veterinarians comprehensively. Dean Edson noted that "the health of animals, humans and the environment is the unifying theme for the school."
In April 2023 during its groundbreaking ceremony, Gerald B. Shreiber announced a $30 million gift supporting student scholarships. Earlier in 2021, funding amounting to $75 million was approved by legislation for constructing primary academic and clinical facilities.
