MSU Vet Tech program awarded $150k NIFA-USDA grant
Morehead State University's nationally ranked veterinary technology program was recently awarded significant financial support to help it maintain its place as the #1 program of its kind in Kentucky.
The National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA), part of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), awarded MSU's vet tech program a $150,000 NIFA-USDA grant for equipment to support small and large veterinary technology education and workforce competency at MSU.
In addition to helping meet standards for accreditation, which MSU recently received once again through the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) Committee on Veterinary Technician Education and Activities (CVTEA), the equipment obtained will be incorporated into multiple veterinary technology courses to provide an immersive learning experience where students will gain proficiency in common procedures.
Dr. Amy Staton (Class of 2003, 2004, 2005, 2013), director of the veterinary technology program, said Dr. Ahmad Zagari, dean of the College of Science & Engineering, and Chair for the Department of Agricultural Sciences, Dr. Kenneth Andries, alerted vet tech faculty to this grant opportunity. After a highly competitive selection involving a rigorous peer review of proposals, the quality and preparation of MSU's veterinary technology program led to its being awarded this prestigious grant.
"I immediately recognized its strong alignment with our program's needs and goals," Staton said. "Our faculty are genuinely excited and grateful to have secured this funding, which will allow us to further enhance the educational experiences and training opportunities we provide to our students."
Staton said the NIFA-USDA grant will fund the purchase of state-of-the-art equipment to enhance hands-on learning opportunities. Planned purchases include a companion animal laser unit, endoscopic equipment, and a platelet-rich plasma (PRP) centrifuge, among other advanced tools used in modern veterinary practice.
"In addition to gaining exposure to this equipment, students will also have the opportunity to earn certifications in its use, further strengthening their skills and career readiness upon graduation," Staton said.
"Equipment purchased with these funds will better equip our program with the technology needed to provide optimal care for our patients, while providing state-of-the-art training for our students," said Dr. Shannon Harr (Class of 1999, 2001), director of the Office of Research & Sponsored Programs. "In turn, veterinary patients in our service region receive superior care, while MSU vet tech graduates working in clinics across our service region are familiar with the latest technology in these practices."
Staton said that, since there is currently a shortage of both veterinarians and veterinary technicians throughout the United States, particularly in eastern Kentucky, students who can proficiently use common equipment will be extremely beneficial to veterinarians in terms of both cost and efficiency. The NIFA-USDA grant will help strengthen the MSU veterinary technology program's capabilities and ability to maintain its reputation as one of the premier programs in the country for vet tech education.
"This level of preparation is a key reason we remain one of the top programs in the nation," Staton said. "By ensuring students have access to current technologies and hands-on experience, we are equipping them with the tools and confidence needed to thrive in modern veterinary medicine."
Morehead State University offers both Associate of Applied Science (AAS) and Bachelor of Science (BS) degrees in veterinary technology, providing students with multiple pathways to advance their education and careers. With more than 650 hours of hands-on training embedded in the curriculum, graduates leave the program fully prepared to deliver high-quality care and support to veterinary teams across a wide range of settings.
Learn more about veterinary technology programs at MSU by emailing Staton at a.staton@moreheadstate.edu or calling 606-783-2328.
Find out more about MSU's veterinary technology program by calling 606-783-2662.
