The new veterinary science program at Charles Sturt University (CSU) has received resounding praise for its staff, students and facilities as the course received full accreditation in Australia and New Zealand.

 

In its final report on the Bachelor of Veterinary Science program, the Australasian Veterinary Boards Council Inc. (AVBC) found the School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences at CSU in Wagga Wagga ‘will produce outstanding veterinary graduates, selected and trained for roles in rural Australia‘.

 

The regulatory body found the ‘six-year program, problem based curriculum and strong focus on production animals are unique and important features of the degree’.

 

CSU Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Ian Goulter said, “This glowing score-card from the AVBC is a testament to what Charles Sturt University set out to achieve when our first student intake started in 2005.”

 

On veterinary science students, the AVBC reports that,’The veterinary profession in rural Australia has embraced the CSU students and finds them committed, capable and well prepared for life in mixed practice. The students themselves are confident, understand their strengths and limitations and will be a great resource for rural communities as they move into their jobs’.

 

While the program boasts purpose-built facilities such as the Veterinary Clinic Centre (2008), Veterinary Diagnostic Centre (2009) and the Kay Hull Veterinary Teaching Hospital (2010), the AVBC found, ‘The facilities that have been built to support student learning are exceptional’.

 

The final accreditation of the veterinary science program comes as the first class of 30 students prepare to attend a ceremony in Wagga Wagga to swear the Veterinarian’s Oath from 2pm on Friday 6 August. Read more here.

 

“We couldn’t be more delighted with this report and the final accreditation of the veterinary science program,” Head of the School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences Professor Kym Abbott said. “Our mission to provide highly competent veterinary graduates for Australia is truly underway. The success of the course and the recognition of its strengths are a reflection on the quality of the students, the dedication of staff and the strong support within Charles Sturt University at all levels.”

 

The AVBC’s Veterinary Schools Accreditation Advisory Committee visited the School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences at CSU in Wagga Wagga from Monday 12 July to Thursday 15 July, following visits to the University in 2004, 2006 and 2008. As part of these visits, the Committee members consulted widely with veterinary science staff and students, other CSU staff and veterinary practitioners in Wagga Wagga and surrounding regions.