Texas Tech veterinary school receives accreditation from AVMA

The Texas Tech University School of Veterinary Medicine in Amarillo has officially received full accreditation from the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), completing a process that began nearly a decade ago.

Accreditation from the AVMA Council on Education signifies that the school meets national standards for veterinary education, including curriculum quality, faculty qualifications, clinical training, and student outcomes. The status allows graduates to qualify for licensure to practice veterinary medicine in the United States and abroad.

The Texas Tech veterinary school was established to address the growing need for veterinarians in rural and regional areas. Planning for the program began in 2015, and the first class of students was admitted in 2021.

“From our first meeting in 2015 to this announcement today, it has taken a sustained team effort to reach this milestone,” said Dr. Tedd Mitchell, chancellor of the Texas Tech University System.

Dean Guy Loneragan noted that the accreditation reflects the collective work of the school’s faculty, staff, and students. “It took everyone — every student, staff member, and faculty member — working toward a common goal,” he said.

Local officials, including Amarillo Mayor Cole Stanley, recognized the achievement as an important moment for both the university and the region.

The AVMA Council on Education also issued commendations recognizing the school’s collaboration with local practitioners and its systems for measuring educational outcomes.

University representatives said that while accreditation marks a major milestone, they plan to continue refining the program to meet evolving standards in veterinary education.

With full accreditation now in place, Texas Tech joins the list of accredited veterinary schools in the United States, allowing its graduates to pursue professional licensure upon completion of their degrees.