In the 2024 election, Colorado had a ballot question about adding a new position within veterinary medicine (Proposition 129). This would create a veterinary professional associate (VPA) and outline the proposed curriculum for the degree. This question was put to the public without much discussion with the field or regulating boards. Prop 129 passed with majority vote, causing much uproar among vets, techs and the regulating boards.
What is a VPA?
A VPA would receive a master’s degree in Veterinary Clinical Care or an equivalent degree. These VPAs would work under a veterinarian to provide care to patients. This care would include preventative care like vaccines, interpreting diagnostic results and surgeries like spays and neuters.
Why does this worry vets?
Colorado State University recently laid out its proposed curriculum for the master’s in Veterinary Clinical Care. Unfortunately, the program is deficient on the fundamentals of veterinary medicine such as anatomy and physiology, which all other knowledge is built upon. It is difficult to imagine a person with five semesters of schooling competent enough to perform surgeries without supervision. Earning degrees in veterinary medicine, whether a doctorate or certification as a technician, is hands-on. The VPA position has most of its curriculum online. Many Colorado vets have spoken against Prop 129 with no interest in having VPAs practice under their license.
What is AVMA’s Stance?
AVMA (American Veterinary Medical Association) has opposed this position since the beginning. They have concerns over the safety of the animals being treated by VPAs with such little education. The Colorado Veterinary Medical Association has also voiced strong opposition to this bill.
There are also major concerns over the increased liability and legal risk to the veterinarians under whom the VPAs would practice. There is no national exam for VPAs and so, if they graduate, they can practice. Currently for both veterinarians and certified technicians, there is a national exam. For veterinarians, if the national exam is failed, they cannot practice
This bill only affects Colorado and we hope other states do not try to create a VPA position as well. Graduates of the VPA program will likely have difficulty in securing a job after graduation, posing another problem. This new law is dangerous for vets, techs, new VPAs, owners and, most importantly, pets.