CSU Launches First-of-Its-Kind Master’s Program to Train Veterinary Professional Associates
Colorado State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences is now accepting applications for the first class of its new Master of Science in Veterinary Clinical Care (MS-VCC) program, an initiative designed to prepare graduates for a newly established mid-level clinical role in veterinary medicine.
The program will train students to become Veterinary Professional Associates (VPAs), a position created by the State of Colorado and modeled in some ways after physician assistants in human healthcare. Working under the supervision of a veterinarian, VPAs are expected to help expand access to care by supporting clinical caseloads and managing routine cases and procedures.
Related: What you need to know about VPAs
A New Pathway Into Clinical Practice
CSU’s MS-VCC program blends online coursework with in-person and hands-on clinical training. The curriculum was built using the same academic standards, delivery methods, and assessment structure as the university’s Doctor of Veterinary Medicine program. Students will learn from CSU faculty while developing skills focused on common infectious and physiologic conditions in dogs and cats, as well as foundational medical and surgical techniques.
The five-semester program is structured as follows:
Semesters 1–3: Online, synchronous coursework
Semester 4: 416 hours of in-person training on CSU’s campus
Semester 5: A 540-hour clinical internship at an approved shelter or veterinary practice
Students will complete much of their practical training at CSU’s Veterinary Hospital and Education Complex.
Program leaders emphasize that strong clinical reasoning, communication skills, and professional readiness are central to the curriculum. The goal is to prepare graduates to step into a collaborative clinical role that supports veterinary teams while maintaining high standards of patient care.
Who Should Apply?
CSU expects to enroll 20 to 30 students in its inaugural cohort. Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree, complete prerequisite coursework, and document at least 150 hours of veterinary-related work or volunteer experience after high school.
The program may appeal to individuals already working in veterinary settings who want to advance their careers, as well as students seeking an alternative pathway into clinical medicine that is shorter and potentially more affordable than a DVM program.
Applications are open through April 1, 2026.
Addressing Workforce Gaps
The MS-VCC program arrives at a time when practices and shelters across the country are struggling to meet demand. Heavy caseloads and staffing shortages often mean delayed appointments, redirected clients, and increased reliance on emergency clinics for non-emergency concerns. Rural communities, in particular, continue to face significant gaps in access to veterinary care.
Colorado voters approved the VPA role in 2024 as part of a broader effort to address these challenges. The Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies is responsible for establishing licensing and regulatory guidelines for the new position.
Under veterinary supervision, VPAs are expected to be trained to diagnose certain conditions, perform routine surgeries, and carry out diagnostic testing and procedures. The intention is to allow veterinarians to focus more time on complex cases while improving patient flow and access to care.
A Team-Based Model for Modern Practice
The introduction of the VPA role represents a shift toward more team-centered care models, redistributing responsibilities among veterinarians, technicians, assistants, and now mid-level providers. Supporters say this approach could improve efficiency, reduce burnout, and help practices see more patients without compromising care quality.
By creating a formal training pipeline for VPAs, CSU is positioning itself at the forefront of this evolving model. The program aims to produce graduates who can integrate into clinical teams and help practices adapt to the changing demands of the profession.
As veterinary medicine continues to evolve, initiatives like the MS-VCC program reflect ongoing efforts to strengthen care delivery, expand capacity, and support the long-term sustainability of the field.
