Veterinary Science Certificate Program

Extension Veterinary Medicine

October 2026 - News and Events

Preparing the Next Generation of Rural Veterinarians

The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Veterinary Science Certificate Program (VSCP) is helping high school students explore veterinary careers and gain valuable hands-on experience to address the shortage of veterinarians in rural communities.

Through its partnership with Pecos High School, VSCP is expanding access to veterinary science education and career pathways for students in a community with limited resources and few local veterinary opportunities. Located in what is often described as a veterinary desert, the community faces challenges in accessing veterinary services. This partnership demonstrates how educational opportunities and community collaboration can help prepare the next generation of veterinary professionals to serve rural Texas.

Read the full AgriLife Today article to learn more about how VSCP and its partners are working to address the rural veterinary shortage.

Read the full article here.

October Online Veterinary Science Contest —

Registration Now Open!

The Veterinary Science Certificate Program (VSCP) invites students to participate in the Online Veterinary Science Contest, October 20–22, 2026!

This virtual contest provides students with an opportunity to demonstrate their veterinary science knowledge and skills.

The contest is open to all students, including 4-H and FFA members and students who are not affiliated with either organization.

Registration Information

4-H and FFA members: Register through JudgingCard.com
Non-4-H/FFA students: Register through Texas A&M AgriLife

Don't miss this opportunity to test your veterinary science knowledge and get involved with VSCP!

TRI STATE FAIR VETERINARY SCIENCE CONTEST

Ashtyn Allen earns $1,000 Scholarship at Tri-State Fair Veterinary Science Contest

Ashtyn Allen of Miami, Texas, received the $1,000 scholarship at the Tri-State Fair Veterinary Science Contest in recognition of her dedication to veterinary science.

The partnership between the Veterinary Science Certificate Program (VSCP) and the Tri-State Fair demonstrates a shared commitment to supporting students interested in veterinary careers. This year, the fair expanded its reach to include additional counties and introduced a scholarship to recognize student achievement and support future educational opportunities.

VSCP appreciates the Tri-State Fair’s investment in youth and its commitment to expanding opportunities for students pursuing veterinary science. Congratulations to Ashtyn on this outstanding accomplishment! veterinary profession. Congratulations to Ashtyn on this outstanding achievement, and best wishes for continued success in her educational and professional journey!

Implementing a Veterinary Science Program:

Virtual Educator Training

The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Veterinary Science Certificate Program (VSCP) invites teachers, educators, county Extension agents, and homeschooling parents to participate in the Implementing a Veterinary Science Program virtual training. This one-day training provides practical guidance for establishing or strengthening a veterinary science program.

Participants will explore curriculum options, veterinary science certification opportunities, educational resources, community and industry partnerships, and strategies for implementing a program in schools, counties, or homeschool settings. The training is open to participants nationwide, with resources and strategies that can be adapted to meet the needs of students in any state.

Two virtual training sessions are available via Zoom:

Session 1: Tuesday, October 27, 2026
9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. and 1:00–4:00 p.m.
Registration: September 28–October 23
Session 2: Thursday, November 19, 2026
9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. and 1:00–4:00 p.m.
Registration: October 28–November 16

Whether starting a new program or enhancing an existing one, participants will gain valuable resources and guidance to help students explore careers in veterinary medicine and animal science.

Celebrate Your 2027 Graduate

Graduating seniors can celebrate their accomplishments and showcase their VSCP pride with an official maroon VSCP graduation stole.

These stoles are a meaningful way to recognize students’ dedication to veterinary science and commemorate their educational journey.

Quantities are limited, and stoles will not be restocked once sold out.

Graduating seniors are encouraged to order theirs while supplies last.

Wear your VSCP pride on graduation day!

Purchase Your VSCP Graduation Stole Here!

Ready to learn about our program?

Want to do it when you have some "extra time" ....

How about 2am...NOW YOU CAN!

Our information session have been made available ON DEMAND!

These sessions are FREE and available when you are ready!

Registration is now open!

National 4H Week

This National 4-H Week, we’re proud to celebrate the incredible opportunities 4-H provides young people—and we’re especially proud to support the next generation of veterinary and animal science professionals.

The VSCP works alongside 4-H programs, agents, volunteers, and educators to provide hands-on veterinary science education and opportunities for students to explore careers in veterinary medicine and animal science.

From the classroom to the show barn, we believe that hands-on experiences, great mentors, and a strong support system can help students turn an interest in animals into a future career.

We are thankful for the 4-H agents, leaders, volunteers, families, and students who make these opportunities possible. Your dedication helps build confident, knowledgeable young people who are ready to make a difference in agriculture, animal health, and veterinary medicine.

Here’s to 4-H and the next generation of animal science leaders!