FORT COLLINS, Colo. — Colorado State University’s newly launched Veterinary Professional Associate (VPA) program is facing scrutiny from a retired veterinarian who claims the institution is not fulfilling commitments made to voters regarding Proposition 129, passed in 2024. CSU opened a state-of-the-art facility last month, and as of now, the VPA program has enrolled 14 students. This program was designed to create a new animal care role aimed at addressing the veterinarian shortage in Colorado.
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Dr. Gretchen Norton, the retired veterinarian, expressed concerns about whether students are receiving proper preparation while the Colorado State Board of Veterinary Medicine is still working on regulations for the new profession. She stated, "We love animals. We want to help them. We want to make things better," but believes the implementation of the program lacked sufficient groundwork. Norton stated, "I feel like the VPA program was rushed through a vote, and now that it's trying to get into practice, it's not doing the things that were promised to the voters to do."
Questions were raised to CSU regarding how the VPA students are being trained amid the development of state rules. CSU responded in writing, explaining that the curriculum includes essential topics in veterinary medicine, covering anatomy and physiology, disease processes, and treatments, alongside skills in communication and ethics. Currently, the focus is primarily on dogs and cats, with training in large animals still under development. Additionally, students receive surgical training pertinent to small-animal practice and shelter medicine.
Dr. Sherry Lanning, director of CSU’s Master of Science in Veterinary Clinical Care program, noted that the program's curriculum was in development prior to the passage of Proposition 129. "We already had a setting for them with competencies that established a clear relationship with a veterinarian, detailing their skill set within that framework," Lanning explained.
Norton raised further concerns regarding the uncertainty surrounding job prospects and responsibilities for VPA graduates, stating, "My main concern is that the position was not clarified before they've started accepting students, so we don't know what they're going to be able to do. But it's going to cost them a master's degree debt, and we don't know if there will be any jobs for them."
In response, CSU mentioned that they have received interest from animal shelters and private practices looking to hire VPA graduates to work under veterinarians. The university also noted that some students are particularly focused on shelter medicine and enhancing access to care.
Licensing issues are still being addressed, with Lanning revealing that discussions about who will administer the licensing exam are ongoing. "There was a sense of urgency in that meeting today," she added. The ongoing rulemaking by the state board will play a significant role in establishing how the new veterinary profession will operate in Colorado, including defining the scope of practice and credentials required.
The first cohort of CSU's Veterinary Professional Associate program is set to graduate in May 2028.