Long Island University is planning to open next fall its new College of Veterinary Medicine, the first of its kind in the New York Metro area, officials announced Monday.
LIU recently received an assurance from the American Veterinary Medical Association’s Council on Education enabling LIU to begin accepting applications for students to begin the doctor of veterinary medicine program in fall 2020.
“We are extremely proud that LIU’s new College of Veterinary Medicine has met the high standards of the American Veterinary Medical Association’s Council on Education,” said LIU President Kimberly Cline.
The college will offer one of only four veterinary programs in the Northeast. The other three are at University of Pennsylvania, Cornell University, and Tufts University.
“The LIU College of Veterinary Medicine will fill a void in Nassau County and our region, while promoting animal health and world-class research,” Nassau County Executive Laura Curran said.
LIU College of Veterinary Medicine’s world-class faculty will offer hands-on learning experiences through a unique distributed education model featuring supervised clinical experiences throughout the four years of veterinary education, according to LIU. The college said it has secured partnerships with more than 50 affiliates, including primary care and specialty clinics, zoos, research laboratories, and shelters, where students will gain real-world experience in surgery, diagnostic support, intensive care, and other areas critical for successful veterinary practice.
Enrollment will officially commence following program registration with the New York State Education Department. At full enrollment, the veterinary school will serve 400 students, with 100 in each graduating class.
Dr. Carmen Fuentealba was named the dean of LIU’s new College of Veterinary Medicine.
“LIU College of Veterinary Medicine faculty, selected based on their strong reputation as scholars and educators, are prepared to offer the highest quality education to the next generation of globally competent, practice-ready and entrepreneurial veterinarians,” Dr. Fuentealba said.
