The pathway to licensure for individuals who practiced as a veterinarian in the military and who currently hold a veterinarian license (in good standing) from another U.S. state or jurisdiction, involves the submission of an endorsement application. Requirements:
- Current License(s): Applicants must provide verification of licensure from all U.S. states or jurisdictions in which the applicant is currently, or has previously been, licensed as a veterinarian.
- Education: Applicants must provide an official transcript demonstrating a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from an accredited or approved school.
- Exam: Applicants must provide proof of passing the North American Veterinary Licensing Examination (NAVLE), or its predecessor exams.
- Current Clinical Competency & Professional Ability: Applicants must demonstrate current clinical competency and professional ability. There are various ways to satisfy this requirement, and all options are all listed in Rule II, Part B(2)(c) of the State Board of Veterinary Medicine's Rules & Regulations.
- Military Practice as a Veterinarian: One option for demonstrating current clinical competency and professional ability is through the applicant's practice as a veterinarian in the military. For this option, applicants attest to their engagement in service as a veterinarian in the military for at least three years of the five years immediately preceding the date of application (Rule II, Part B(2)(c)(v)).
More generally, the State Board of Veterinary Medicine has adopted Rule II, Part A(16), related to veterinary service, training, and education obtained in the military, which is as follows:
Education, training, or service gained in military services outlined in C.R.S. 24-34-102(8.5), to be accepted and applied towards receiving a license, must be substantially equivalent, as determined by the Board, to the qualifications otherwise applicable at the time of receipt of application. It is the applicant's responsibility to provide timely and complete evidence for review and consideration. Satisfactory evidence of such education, training or service will be assessed on a case by case basis.
For detailed licensure requirements for all applicants, including for applicants seeking original licensure by way of examination, please review:
Other helpful information for veterans and members of the military can be found on DORA's main Military and Veterans Programs site. This website also contains information for relocated military spouses.
If you have questions on licensing of veterans or members of the military, please contact stephanie.bray@state.co.us