Petition from the Third-Year Students of the Royal Veterinary College
Regarding the Impact of AVMA Accreditation Changes on Current Students

We, the undersigned third-year students of the Royal Veterinary College (RVC), respectfully submit this petition to express our deep concern and disappointment regarding the current circumstances surrounding the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) Council on Education (COE) accreditation status of our institution and the lack of transparency and support regarding its implications on our professional future.

RVC’s AVMA accreditation status has been downgraded to probational, meaning the college must address certain compliance issues. Although the program remains accredited for now, students will not know the outcome of the AVMA’s reassessment until at least April 2026. This uncertainty is especially stressful for third-year students, as it may affect our ability to take the NAVLE and practice in the North America. Additionally, transferring to another AVMA-accredited school is not a viable option, as it would require taking an extra year of schooling, further disrupting our education and finances.

Not only does this affect Americans/Canadians ability to work in the North America, but it also leaves us without a place to practice unless we can secure a work-sponsored visa in the UK or another country—something that is far from guaranteed. This situation could leave us professionally displaced, with no clear path forward unless we pursue an alternative accreditation pathway.

These alternative routes often involve years-long waitlists, significant out-of-pocket costs, and the added burden of lost income from the delay in starting our careers. For many of us, that means missing out on an entire year’s salary immediately after graduation—on top of the emotional and financial stress we’re already carrying.

What is especially troubling is the unprecedented decision by the AVMA not to grant RVC a “terminal year” should full accreditation not be restored. In previous cases involving U.S. veterinary schools, a terminal year has always been granted—ensuring that the cohort already enrolled during a status change could complete their education and still qualify for North American licensure. This pathway protects students from retroactive penalties and honors the expectations they had upon enrollment.

However, the AVMA COE has not extended the same protection to RVC students, despite this provision not being excluded in their bylaws. This decision represents a departure from established precedent and places us at a distinct disadvantage solely due to our attendance at an international institution. We believe this creates a double standard that unfairly penalizes us for decisions beyond our control.

As students who have committed our time, finances, and passion to this globally respected institution, we made our decision to attend RVC with the understanding that it held full AVMA accreditation. This status was a critical factor in our choice, as it ensures eligibility for licensure and employment in the North America and other jurisdictions recognizing AVMA accreditation.

We are now being asked to bear the burden of accreditation politics while having no voice in the process. We believe it is unjust that students who enrolled under one set of expectations now face potential limitations due to administrative or procedural decisions, particularly when precedent has shown that students at other schools would have been protected under similar circumstances.

We respectfully request the following:
 1. Assurance from the administration and AVMA COE that current students — particularly those in clinical years — will not face adverse consequences due to the accreditation status during the remainder of their studies.
 2. Transparency in the timeline, reasoning, and requirements for reaccreditation and any ongoing communications with the AVMA COE.
 3. Support from the RVC in preparing for NAVLE eligibility, including written statements or legal documentation where required for licensing bodies, should any complications arise.
 4. Advocacy from RVC leadership to challenge this unprecedented decision and seek equal treatment for its students in line with the protections offered to U.S. veterinary schools.
 5. Inclusion of student representation in relevant discussions and updates pertaining to accreditation status moving forward.

We are proud to be students of the RVC and are committed to upholding its standards of excellence. It is in this spirit that we ask for your support in safeguarding our future and honoring the trust we placed in this institution.

Sincerely,
The Third-Year Veterinary Medicine Students of the Royal Veterinary College