# How A Potential Veterinary Medical College in Nevada Could be a Game Changer Source: https://dogfriendlylasvegas.com/tips/how-a-potential-veterinary-medical-college-in-nevada-could-be-a-game-changer/ Published: 2025-06-27 --- [Roseman University of Health Sciences](https://www.roseman.edu/academic-programs/college-of-veterinary-medicine/) in Henderson recently submitted a Letter of Intent to AVMA Council on Education to develop Nevada’s first-ever Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) program. Despite there being no formal launch date announcement, this marks a major step in addressing the state’s urgent veterinarian shortage. --- **Why Would Nevada Need Its Own Vet School?** Animal welfare is a top priority for pet owners, but also a challenge for the state at large.  With immense numbers of animal abandonment, unique health challenges and mid-ranking in vets-per-capita this school could be an improvement in state animal welfare as well as a resource and for local prospective students, rescues and the business community. **A Deepening Shortage** - As of 2025, Nevada had fewer than [21 Veterinarians](https://total.vet/vet-near-me/?srsltid=AfmBOoqO4pBB88W2rJFG8qHCoGbxfvSKoul6ZGWx5Vk6G1e8b7JkaUBv) per 100,000 people. - USDA-designated [high‑priority shortage zones](https://www.myvetcandy.com/blog/2025/6/19/roseman-university-plans-to-launch-new-veterinary-college-in-nevada-to-combat-statewide-care-shortages#:~:text=Roseman's%20announcement%20comes%20at%20a,stability%20of%20local%20food%20systems.) include Douglas, Nye, Lincoln, Pershing, and Lander counties - Nevada suffers from roughly a [400‑vet shortfall,](https://www.fox5vegas.com/2025/06/20/roseman-universitys-plans-veterinary-college-promise-help-solve-las-vegas-valley-problem/?utm_source=chatgpt.com) with national projections showing a nationwide deficit of 15,000–40,000 vets by 2030. **2. Impact on Communities** - Rural residents and livestock owners often wait days for on-call vets, risking food safety and public health. - Urban shelters and veterinarians struggle with long waitlists and rising costs; some pet owners are forced to surrender pets due to inaccessibility. - [Governor-supported initiatives](https://www.ktnv.com/news/effects-of-veterinary-shortage-seen-across-nevada) (e.g., SB 342) offer funding through Utah State University to offset vet school costs, aiming to bring graduates back into Nevada. --- **What does Roseman’s Program Offer?** Under founding Dean Dr. Katherine Fogelberg, Roseman’s program promises: - [Four‑year DVM curriculum](https://www.reviewjournal.com/business/nevada-could-be-getting-its-1st-veterinary-school-3385900/) with hybrid classroom learning at Henderson, supplemented by distributed clinical rotations in urban companion‑animal and rural large‑animal settings — across Nevada and nearby states. - Strong emphasis on **underserved communities**, including public health, food safety, and rural veterinary medicine. - The letter of intent triggers AVMA reviews, accreditation steps, and partnerships, with no new buildings required (just upgrades). --- **Potential Benefits for Nevada** **1. Build a Local Talent Pipeline** Nevada-grown veterinarians are more likely to stay, reducing reliance on out-of-state professionals and shrinking service deserts, especially in rural counties. **2. Strengthen Public Health & Food Security** Timely animal care ensures disease control and secure food supplies in farming communities. **3. Support Shelters & Affordable Care** More vets means better access to affordable veterinary services, reducing pet surrender rates and easing pressure on shelters. **4. Economic & Academic Growth** New vet programs boost job creation, attract researchers, and fortify Roseman’s reputation as a health‑sciences leader. **5. Expanded Collaboration** Through partnership programs, local dog-centric businesses and rescues will define opportunity to further support student journeys while the program’s involvement in the community can bolster support for strong economics in the future. --- **Current Veterinary Programs in Nevada** While Roseman’s DVM remains in the planning stages, aspiring vets and techs currently have five in‑state options: 1. **University of Nevada, Reno** - Offers a [Bachelor of Science in Veterinary Science](https://www.unr.edu/degrees/majors/veterinary-science), a strong pre‑vet foundation for further schooling out of state. 2. **College of Southern Nevada (CSN), Las Vegas** - Provides veterinary [nursing and technician programs](https://www.csn.edu/schools/school-of-health-sciences/department-of-health-related-professions/veterinary-nursing-program), offering hands‑on clinical training. 3. **University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV)** - Hosts a [pre‑veterinary advising council](https://www.unlv.edu/advising/ppac/pre-veterinary), guiding students on vet school prerequisites and application processes. 4. **Truckee Meadows Community College, Reno (TMCC)** - Offers both a [Veterinary Nursing & Assistant Program](https://www.tmcc.edu/veterinary-programs), building the foundation for skills required in the respective roles with two-year or certificates upon completion. 5. **Western Nevada College (WNC)** - Offers an on-line [Veterinary Assistant](https://careertraining.wnc.edu/training-programs/veterinary-assistant/) program providing fundamental skills for the role. Additionally, many students travel out-of-state, often to UC Davis, Colorado State, or Utah State University to complete their DVMs, leading to financial and geographic challenges. Nevada stands at a crossroad: could this be just what the state needs to further support recent wins in animal welfare?