1. Introduction to AVMA COE Accreditation

• The AVMA Council on Education (COE), under the American Veterinary Medical Association, is the most internationally recognized accrediting body for veterinary colleges worldwide.

• Earning AVMA COE accreditation signifies that a college:

1) Meets the highest global standards across 11 areas, including curriculum, faculty, facilities, research, clinical training, and animal welfare.

2) Officially demonstrates that its graduates possess internationally recognized professional competencies.

3) Satisfies requirements—and provides an advantageous pathway—for veterinary licensure in the United States and Canada.

2. Accreditation Status of SNU College of Veterinary Medicine (SNU-CVM)

SNU College of Veterinary Medicine received full AVMA COE accreditation in 2019 and had been in “Full accreditation” status since December 14, 2018.

However, during the March 2023 COE meeting, SNU-CVM was placed on “Probational accreditation” because the NAVLE pass rate fell below the threshold required under Standard 11 (Outcomes Assessment).

This issue was resolved on April 15, 2024, and SNU-CVM regained “Full Accreditation.”

The NAVLE pass rates over the past five years (2021–2025) have been posted on the official website.

However, on December 15, 2024, the COE identified a minor deficiency in Standard 4 (Clinical Resources), placing the college again under “Probational accreditation.”

SNU-CVM is actively addressing these issues and implementing corrective actions.

The college successfully completed the regularly scheduled site visit in November 2025.

Importantly, the current accreditation status does not negatively impact the quality of education or student training.

3. Overview of SNU CVM Curriculum

• SNU CVM operates a 6-year program: 2-year Pre-Veterinary Medicine (PVM) + 4-year Veterinary Medicine (VM)

1) Pre-Veterinary Program (Years 1–2)

  – General education, basic sciences, veterinary biomedical sciences, veterinary terminology, and professionalism

  – Builds the foundational competencies required for the DVM curriculum

2) Veterinary Medicine Program (Years 1–4)

  – Basic → Clinical → Clinical rotations

  – Includes anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, pharmacology, public health, microbiology, parasitology, pathology, etc.

 – Broad clinical exposure: companion animals, farm animals, horses, wildlife, laboratory animals, public health, pathology, equine medicine, ruminant medicine, and more

  – At the SNU Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital (SNU VMTH), students train with small animals, cattle, pigs, poultry, horses, wildlife species, and others

3) Graduation Requirements

  – Pre-Veterinary Medicine: total 72 credits

    a. Major (required): 26

    b. General education: 42

    c. Electives: 4

  – Veterinary Medicine: total 148 credits

    a. Major (required): 142

    b. Major (elective): 6

4. How SNU Graduates Become Licensed Veterinarians in the United States

• Graduates of AVMA COE–accredited colleges have the strongest advantage in obtaining U.S. veterinary licensure.

•  NAVLE (North American Veterinary Licensing Examination) is mandatory for all U.S. veterinary licenses. State-specific licensure steps may also apply depending on the jurisdiction.

• SNU graduates are eligible to take the NAVLE, and the number of successful cases continues to increase.

1) Eligibility

  – Graduation (or final-year enrollment) from an AVMA COE–accredited veterinary college

  – This applies to all SNU CVM students beginning with the 4th-year VM class of 2018

2) Required Examination: NAVLE

  – The national licensing examination for veterinarians in North America

  – Offered three times annually (Oct–Nov, March, July–Aug)

  NAVLE homepage (https://www.icva.net/navle)

  – Covers internal medicine, surgery, public health, preventive medicine, regulations, etc.

  – Typical pass rate for U.S./Canadian graduates: 80–95%

    ** SNU graduates are fully eligible to sit for the NAVLE.

3) Recent NAVLE pass rates for SNU graduates

5. Advantages of U.S. Veterinary Licensure

• Graduates who earn a U.S. veterinary license can pursue careers in:
  – Companion animal, farm animal, and equine clinical practice
  – Public health (USDA, CDC), food safety
  – Global companies, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, R&D
  – Laboratory animal medicine, animal welfare, One Health
  – Graduate school and clinical residency programs
  – International organizations (FAO, WOAH, OIE, etc.)

6. SNU Support for U.S. Veterinary Licensing

• SNU provides various forms of assistance for students aiming for U.S. veterinary careers:
  – NAVLE preparation guides and study resources
  – Information on mock examinations
  – Alumni mentoring and guidance
  – Information on externships and clinical rotations in the U.S.
  – International career advising services

□ Requirements for Licensure in Korea