LMU room

VIN News Service photo

The LMU Small Animal Clinical Skills Center is a 43,187-square-foot complex that houses a surgery suite (above), a surgical supply and veterinary procedures room, study rooms, recovery areas and a large clinical skills room.

Lincoln Memorial University College of Veterinary Medicine is now the 30^th fully accredited veterinary program in the country.

American Veterinary Medical Association Council on Education, which is charged by the U.S. Department of Education with accrediting veterinary schools in the United States, voted on Dec. 20 to grant accreditation to LMU. 

LMU has been working toward accreditation since announcing plans for the program in 2011. The college's first class of veterinary students was admitted in 2014, the same time that another new veterinary school — Midwestern University College of Veterinary Medicine — welcomed its first class.

While Midwestern received the COE's approval during the group's regularly scheduled meeting in September, LMU remained classified as provisionally accredited, a temporary status. Officials have not explained why LMU was not granted full accreditation at that time or what prompted them to accredit the program months later. 

The COE keeps accreditation matters confidential. Dr. Jason Johnson, dean of the program, did not respond to a request for comment.

A news release dated Jan. 10 announced the decision. Images on LMU's Facebook page show a jubilant crowd of administrators and faculty.

"It's time to celebrate!" one LMU Facebook post reads. "Lincoln Memorial University College of Veterinary Medicine has been granted full accreditation by the AVMA Council on Education making it the 30th accredited veterinary school in the country so we threw ourselves an ice cream party!"

"Congratulations to all of the students, alumni, faculty, staff and families who contributed to this success," reads another Facebook post. "This is a monumental honor."

In the news release, Johnson called the distinction an "incredible milestone."