FAQs
What is a 2+2 veterinary medicine program?
It is a collaborative Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree program between an existing accredited veterinary college and another university. In brief, students complete the first two years of their education here on the UAF campus, then move to Fort Collins, CO to complete their third and fourth years with access to board-certified professionals representing several different specialties and the world-class teaching hospital at CSU.
This type of program allows Alaska residents interested in becoming veterinarians to stay in Alaska and pay in-state tuition to complete prerequisites for the DVM program and receive an AK-resident tuition discount for the first two years of the DVM program. This reduces financial and logistical burdens on Alaskan students and their families. Ultimately we hope to see many students return to AK to work professionally after graduation.
Why does Alaska need to train veterinarians?
UAF conducted a Veterinary Needs Assessment in June-August 2010. There is strong support for and a recognized need from the Alaska-based veterinarians as well as the general public.
Veterinarians are engaged in a broad spectrum of health disciplines such as clinical practice, teaching and research, regulatory medicine, public health, military service, and wildlife medicine to name a few. Veterinarians are involved in local, state and federal governments, working with legislators to shape laws that protect the health, welfare and well-being of animals and people.
At present there is a nationwide shortage of veterinarians. In Alaska, this is particularly apparent in rural veterinary medicine, public health, food safety, and in biomedical research. At UAF we are uniquely positioned to address all of these areas.
How can a local program benefit Alaskans pursuing their DVM?
Families with members interested in obtaining a degree in veterinary medicine previously faced barriers that residents of other states do not. First, being a resident of Alaska currently did not allow a level playing field for admission as they were all placed in a pool of 鈥淥ut of State鈥 applicants that only accepts very few students from 100s of applicants per year. Second, the families or student faced 鈥淥ut of State鈥 tuition costs that can be many-fold higher than for the other students who are considered 鈥淚n State,鈥 or residents, of the state where the program exists. This 2+2 program eliminates these two barriers and allows the student to remain in Alaska for 75% or more of the time required to obtain pre-requisites and the first two years of professional DVM school.
For existing veterinarians, this department will offer opportunities to work within the UAF workshops, continuing education courses, and facilities and services to enhance their practice (animal care), and many other facets. This will also improve the veterinary work at the UAF as many of our private sector veterinarians have skills that will enhance our educational and research endeavors.
What is the cost of attending the UAF/CSU Veterinary Medicine Program?
Students in the UAF/CSU Veterinary Medicine program pay tuition and a small vet med facilities fee covering expenses (such as technology costs) directly to Colorado State University. In addition to CSU tuition/fees, UAF students pay an average of about $4,000 annually in UAF fees (, and minimal course fees).
The current cost of attendance can be found .
Alaska-resident students who start out the DVM program here at 汤姆视频 pay the "Veterinary Medicine, Sponsored" tuition rate for the first two years (while on UAF campus), then pay "Veterinary Medicine, Non-Sponsored" tuition for the final two years (while on CSU's campus).
Non-AK resident students pay "Veterinary Medicine, Non-Sponsored" tuition for all 4 years.
For more information and resources on financing your veterinary medicine education, check out the page.
How do I apply?
After spending the final two years of their education at Colorado State University, students will ultimately graduate with their Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) from CSU. Because of this, the application and admissions processes also go through them.
In short, first you will need to complete the Veterinary Medical Application Service (VMCAS) application, which is a centralized application service for thirty-one US veterinary medical colleges, two Canadian, and twelve international colleges of veterinary medicine. Through VMCAS you can complete one application and send all your required materials through this service. Your application is then processed, verified for accuracy, and sent to the veterinary medical schools you designate.
After completing the VMCAS, the Colorado Supplemental Application (CSA) will also need to be submitted. There is a section within the CSA where you will mark your interest in the UAF/CSU collaborative program.
For a more detailed outline of the application process, see our Prospective Students page.