All the Responsibility, None of the Fun: Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) Versus Veterinary Professional Associates (VPAs)

Written by Dr. Katy Miller , DVM, CVFT, CVNAN, CPFFCP, CPCQI, PAS

In November 2024, Colorado voters approved Proposition 129, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at addressing the state's veterinary care shortage. This measure establishes a new mid-level professional role known as a Veterinary Professional Associate (VPA), designed to work under the supervision of licensed veterinarians.??

A VPA’s role requires a master's degree in veterinary clinical care or an equivalent credential as determined by the Colorado State Board of Veterinary Medicine. Veterinary Professional Associates are authorized to perform various veterinary tasks, including diagnosing illnesses, conducting routine surgeries, and ordering tests, all under the supervision of a licensed veterinarian. This role is intended to bridge the gap between veterinary technicians and fully licensed veterinarians, providing a new tier of professional support within veterinary practices.?

The US has been experiencing a significant shortage of veterinary professionals, particularly in rural and underserved areas. This shortage has led to longer wait times for appointments, increased workloads for existing veterinarians, and in some cases, delayed care for animals. By introducing the VPA role, Proposition 129 aims to expand the veterinary workforce, thereby improving access to care for pet owners and their animals across the country.?

Yet, despite its intended benefits, Proposition 129 has elicited several concerns from various stakeholders. Some veterinary professionals worry that this new role could compromise the quality of animal care. Some argue that the reduced training requirements compared to licensed veterinarians might not adequately prepare VPAs for complex medical situations, potentially putting animal health at risk.?

One of the proposed benefits of this program is to help reduce the workload on licensed veterinarians, but in the end, the veterinarian is ultimately responsible for the VPA working under them. This raises significant concerns that this could increase the stress experienced by this already overworked community. Burnout in the veterinary profession is high, and leaving only the most complicated and toughest cases for the licensed veterinarian may increase this risk, not to mention the added stress of being ultimately responsible for the VPA’s care of their patients.??

There is apprehension that the VPA role might overlap with the responsibilities of existing veterinary technicians, leading to role ambiguity and potential job displacement. This currently is an issue that takes place within the industry with the roles of veterinary technicians and veterinary technologists who have traditionally been distinguished by their level of education, with technicians typically earning a two-year associate degree and technologists completing a four-year bachelor’s degree. However, in practice, veterinary technicians often take on many of the same responsibilities as technologists, blurring the distinction between the roles. This raises concerns among technicians about career advancement. If technicians with less schooling are already performing technologist-level tasks, it begs the question: will the presence of more highly educated professionals doing the same work discourage technicians from pursuing a bachelor’s degree? The same could happen with the roles of VPA and DVMs. Without clear differentiation in responsibilities, incentives for further education could diminish, impacting long-term career development in veterinary medicine. Clarifying the distinct functions of each position will be essential in maintaining a harmonious and efficient workplace.?

The implementation of a new professional category also necessitates the development of comprehensive regulatory frameworks to define the scope of practice, supervision requirements, and credentialing processes for VPAs. Ensuring consistent standards and effective oversight is a complex task that is going to require careful planning and resources.?

Proposition 129 represents a significant shift in Colorado's approach to veterinary care, aiming to enhance access and address workforce shortages via the Veterinary Professional Associate role. While the initiative offers promising solutions to pressing issues, it also raises valid concerns that must be thoughtfully addressed. As the state moves forward with implementing this new professional category, it will be interesting to see which concerns arise, if any unpredicted concerns come forward, and how all will be addressed, as well as the potential benefits of fulfilling the need for a solution to the shortage of veterinary care.?

About the Author?

Dr. Katy Miller works as the Director of Veterinary Services at BSM Partners. She earned her veterinary degree at Ross University and completed her clinical year at Louisiana State University. She previously served for 11 years as the Director of Dog and Cat Health and Nutrition for Mud Bay where she earned multiple certifications and specialized in pet food nutrition, prior to which she practiced general and emergency medicine for seven years. She is also a competitive three-day eventer, licensed falconer, and claims only two (Golden and Mini Doxie) of their nine dogs.?

This article was originally published on BSM Partners' Website here.