JONESBORO, Ark. (RFD News) — Arkansas is welcoming its first veterinary school as the state works to address a shortage of veterinarians, particularly in rural communities.
Arkansas State University’s inaugural class will begin this fall, with a focus on preparing students for mixed-animal practices. School officials say about 10 counties in the state have no veterinarians, while 18 are considered underserved for public health and food-animal veterinary services.
The first class is expected to graduate in May 2030, with the goal of keeping more veterinarians in Arkansas and expanding access to care across the state.
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