Veterinary student debt-relief program officially underway

Washington

-- The final rule for a veterinary student loan repayment program, first approved in 2003, has been published, and the first awards under the new program may not be far off.

The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) just publicized the release of a final rule governing applicant eligibility by the United States Department of Agriculture's National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA).

The program was authorized years ago to provide student debt relief to veterinarians who serve in certain areas that impact animal or public health.

Applications should be available to interested veterinarians by the end of the month, with funds available by the end of the fiscal year, Sept. 30, according to NIFA.

The AVMA will continue to lobby for annual funding for the program, says AVMA Chief Executive Officer Ron DeHaven, DVM.