Morehead State University Veterinary Technology Program Earns Renewed AVMA-CVTEA Accreditation
Morehead State University's nationally ranked veterinary technology program will continue to produce some of the most capable veterinary technologists in the country.
MSU's vet tech program has once again received renewed accreditation from the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) Committee on Veterinary Technician Education and Activities (CVTEA). This latest accreditation review continues the program's distinguished legacy, which has been continuously accredited since 1977. This makes Morehead State's program one of the longest-standing accredited veterinary technology programs in the United States.
MSU's initial accreditation came just a few years after the AVMA first established formal accreditation standards in 1972, placing MSU among the early generation of accredited programs that helped shape the profession. Over the decades, the program has built a strong reputation for hands-on learning and innovation, where students gain extensive clinical experience at the University Farm and animal care facilities, preparing them for careers in companion animal practice, large animal medicine, research, and specialized veterinary fields. This commitment to practical, immersive training ensures graduates enter the workforce with the technical skills and confidence required in today's veterinary settings.
"Seeing our program earn continued accreditation is incredibly meaningful, not only as an educator but as a proud alumna of Morehead State's Veterinary Technology Program," said Dr. Amy Staton (Class of 2003, 2004, 2005, 2013), director of the veterinary technology program. "I was once in the same classrooms and clinical settings as our students today, and it's inspiring to see how the program has grown while maintaining the same commitment to excellence that shaped my own career. The veterinary technology program faculty are among the best in the nation, and their commitment to student success is unparalleled."
Accreditation by the AVMA CVTEA represents the gold standard in veterinary technology education, requiring programs to meet rigorous national benchmarks for curriculum quality, faculty qualifications, facilities, and student outcomes. The process is comprehensive, occurs on a regular cycle (typically every six years), and includes an extensive self-study, peer-reviewed site visits, and ongoing evaluation of program performance. Renewed accreditation confirms that MSU continues to meet and exceed these standards, ensuring graduates remain eligible to sit for the Veterinary Technician National Examination (VTNE) and pursue licensure across the country.
MSU's veterinary technology program is consistently recognized for its excellence and outcomes, ranking among the top programs in the nation and #1 in Kentucky. In 2025, the program received national recognition as the Association of Veterinary Technician Educators (AVTE) Program of the Year, highlighting its quality, innovation, and impact on the profession.
Graduates of the program experience exceptional success in the workforce, with 100% job placement rates in recent years. Employers across the veterinary industry actively recruit MSU students, often extending job offers before graduation. This strong demand reflects both the quality of the program and the broader national need for credentialed veterinary technicians. As the veterinary field continues to grow, career opportunities for graduates remain robust and expanding at a faster rate than in many other professions.
"Renewed accreditation not only affirms the strength of the curriculum and faculty but also reflects the ongoing success of students and alumni who are making meaningful contributions in clinics, hospitals, research institutions, and beyond," said Dr. Chris Schroeder, vice president for Academic Affairs.
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.
