In an effort to help students finance their education in several fields of study, including veterinary science, the U.S. government has created various loan programs. These opportunities may provide future degree holders with valuable assistance assistance with their educational expenses.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture's National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) announced yesterday the publication of the final rule in the Veterinary Medicine Loan Repayment Program (VMLRP). The final rule outlines both the criteria for the shortage situation designations and eligibility requirements for the loan repayment program.
The VMLRP has been created to assist veterinary students with school payments who agree to serve in various areas that may impact animal or public health. First approved seven years ago, the program will have applications available to interested individuals by the end of April.
W. Ron DeHaven, CEO of the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), called the announcement "the culmination of years of effort by America's veterinarians and by the U.S. Department of Agriculture to help get this program launched." He added that the AVMA will "continue working with NIFA to ensure the program is successfully implemented, and will continue to advocate with Congress for annual funding for the program and to make the program tax exempt."
In the next eight years, employment of veterinarians is expected to grow by 33 percent, creating about 59,700 new jobs nationwide, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports.
