RVT transfer program aims to meet increased demand

Tackling the nationwide shortage of registered veterinary technicians (RVTs) is the goal of a newly launched academic partnership.

The University of Missouri (MU) has joined forces with Jefferson College in Hillsboro, Mo., to create a new transfer opportunity for RVT students.

The “two plus two” agreement allows undergraduate students who have completed a two-year veterinary technology associate degree in at Jefferson College to be automatically admitted as juniors at MU and pursue bachelor’s degree in veterinary technology.

“Demand for veterinary technicians has grown in recent years, and we are proud to provide new educational opportunities that can keep vet techs engaged and remaining in the profession [for the] long term,” says Cindy Cravens, director of MU’s Bachelor of Science in Veterinary Technology (BSVT) program. “Our graduates will serve Missourians in both rural and urban parts of the state, helping fill the unmet needs in our state’s workforce.”

In addition to current and incoming Jefferson College students, the agreement also applies to previous graduates of the college’s veterinary technology program, dating back to 1978.

“Missouri is an agriculture state, and we are proud of the support we have received from state legislators and the Missouri Farm Bureau,” says Jefferson College president, Dena McCaffrey.

“As our population continues to grow, there has been an increased demand for food production, and, therefore, a greater need for more veterinarian technicians to help take care of farm animals,” adds Christopher DeGeare, vice president of instruction at Jefferson College. “[There has also] been an increase in the adoption of companion animals since the COVID pandemic began, resulting in more veterinarian appointments. This partnership will help meet the growing demand for veterinarian technicians.”