Navigating New Distance Education Policies in Veterinary Education
The AVMA Council on Education (COE) has taken a major step forward: veterinary colleges can now be accredited to deliver portions of their programs through distance education. Approved by the U.S. Department of Education, this policy shift reflects how digital tools are reshaping education—yet it also comes with clear guardrails.
For faculty, the message is simple: distance education can supplement, but never replace, the core of in-person veterinary training.
What the New Policies Say
The COE’s updated policies emphasize three key points:
Hands-on training is essential. No amount of online coursework can substitute for live clinical experience.
In-person instruction is still the majority. At least 85% of preclinical delivery and 50% of course instruction must remain face-to-face.
Colleges must demonstrate compliance. Any significant use of distance learning requires COE approval and ongoing reporting.
For faculty, this means navigating innovation with care—embracing new tools without risking accreditation status.
Why Supplemental Education Matters More Than Ever
These new policies inform us that supplemental education now plays a pivotal role in bridging the gap between accreditation requirements and the evolving needs of students. Supplemental tools give faculty support, and are flexibility, expand access to specialty knowledge, and provide structured practice opportunities—without reducing the hands-on experiences that remain central to veterinary training.
This is where VetEd Teaching Solutions (V.E.T.S.) is making an impact.
Our Packs are designed from the ground up to align with both clinical readiness goals and accreditation standards.
Specialty Packs (Radiology, Cardiology, Neurology, and other specialties) offer modular, scaffolded content that complements—not replaces—your existing teaching.
Case-Based Learning (CBL) and Problem-Based Learning (PBL) Packs weave together modalities and disciplines in ways that mirror real-world clinical complexity, while still respecting the in-person requirements set by COE.
Every Pack is structured to serve as supplemental teaching content. They save faculty time, reinforce core concepts, and create opportunities for students to practice reasoning—without jeopardizing accreditation thresholds.
Smart Integration for Accreditation Confidence
Adopting digital teaching tools doesn’t have to feel risky. With V.E.T.S., programs can:
Track use of distance education content to stay compliant with COE ratios.
Use our COE Alignment Briefs to document integration strategies for site visits.
Access faculty training on instructional design and digital pedagogy, helping ensure new approaches are both effective and compliant.
In short, V.E.T.S. doesn’t just deliver content—it delivers peace of mind.
Looking Ahead
Distance education is no longer a question of if but how. For veterinary faculty, the opportunity lies in strategic adoption: using digital resources to enhance learning while protecting the hands-on experiences that define our profession.
At V.E.T.S., we see this as a partnership. We’re committed to providing specialty-driven, evidence-based content that strengthens your teaching, supports your students, and fits seamlessly within accreditation requirements.
Let’s reimagine veterinary education—together.
