First veterinary school in New Jersey now accepting applications

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The Shreiber School of Veterinary Medicine of Rowan University in Mullica Hill, New Jersey, is currently open for admission applications for its first-ever class of 70 students for its inaugural class in September 2025.

The American Veterinary Medical Association’s (AVMA) Council on Education recently issued a Letter of Reasonable Assurance to the Shreiber School, according to a university release.¹ This letter enables the school to start accepting applications for its first class of students that will begin next fall.

Matthew Edson, DVM, MBA, founding dean of the Shreiber School, explained that the Letter of Reasonable Assurance allows the school to move forward with its plans and welcome students. “[The] Letter of Reasonable Assurance is a status awarded to developing schools and colleges in the US and Canada that allows the school to pursue its plan for the veterinary program and to admit students,” he said in the release.¹ “With this action, the Shreiber School of Veterinary Medicine is able to receive provisional accreditation when students matriculate next fall, allowing students to complete their training and be eligible to sit for the National Veterinary Licensing Examination.”

Students looking to apply for the Shreiber School's first class can submit their applications through a dedicated Rowan application portal on the school's website. The application period will close on December 31, 2024.¹

According to a statement from the university, the school plans to eventually expand its annual class from 70 students to 90 students. Future applicants for the school's second class and beyond will use the Veterinary Medical College Application Service portal instead of a Rowan-specific site.

The new school aims to tackle the urgent need for veterinary professionals both in New Jersey and across the US. It will support local residents pursuing veterinary careers while also drawing in students from outside the state at one of the other 24 existing veterinary schools.¹

The building hosting Schreiber School is divided between the school and the Virtual Health College Research Center, which contains open, modular laboratories, collaboration spaces, and support facilities.²

Standing at 162,000 sq ft, Shreiber School is Rowan’s largest academic building and features classrooms, research and diagnostic laboratories, and a teaching hospital that offers clinical services to the community.^1,2

Students admitted into the school will follow an innovative curriculum, according to a news release.¹ This program will blend teaching, research, practical clinical training, and evidence-based approaches, equipping students with the skills necessary to meet the demands of the veterinary profession.

Moreover, the school will provide additional programs aimed at shaping the future of veterinary medicine and animal health care in New Jersey, alongside its Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Program, per a university release.¹

“We want our students to learn to be confident veterinarians with hands-on experience from day one, and leave feeling equipped to begin practicing,” said Edson in the release.¹ “Our teaching hospital is going to be a phenomenal resource for both these students and the community. We don’t have a lot of access here in South Jersey for emergency care, for specialty care, and we’re looking forward to filling these critical needs in our area.”

References

1. A first for N.J.: Applications now open for inaugural class at Shreiber School of Veterinary Medicine. News release. Rowan University. October 11, 2024. Accessed October 28, 2024. https://today.rowan.edu/news/2024/10/shreiber-school-applications.html
2. Littrell A. Shreiber School of Veterinary Medicine celebrates 50% completion. dvm360. September 11, 2024. Accessed October 28, 2024. https://www.dvm360.com/view/rowan-universitys-shreiber-school-of-veterinary-medicine-celebrates-50-percent-completion