Cultural competency program created for students

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An online certificate program on diversity and inclusion is being offered for free to some veterinary students.

The AVMA Board of Directors voted earlier this year to provide $13,500 to support students completing Purdue University's Student Certificate Program for Diversity and Inclusion in Veterinary Medicine. Four students from each U.S. veterinary college can participate for free and will have one year to complete their certificate. Students should contact their dean or email hcvmatpurdue [dot] edu (hcvm[at]purdue[dot]edu).

This program is designed to foster inclusive learning environments at educational institutions and to help students develop the skills to succeed as veterinary professionals. Online module topics include the following:

  • The case for diversity in veterinary medicine.
  • Diversity lingo.
  • History of diversity in veterinary medicine.
  • Stereotype threat.
  • Microaggressions.
  • The LGBTQ community.
  • Effective communication with Spanish-speaking clients and colleagues.
  • Persons with disabilities.
  • Men in veterinary medicine.
  • Generational diversity.
  • Affirmative leadership.
  • Preschool–12th grade engagement.
  • Creating your professional information profile.
Advancing inclusion through human-centered veterinary medicine


Enrolled students are expected to complete and document three hours of volunteer community service and submit written reflections about what they learned. They are also expected to document participation in four pertinent activities and submit written reflections about what they learned from each activity.

At the end, students must submit a capstone paper on how they will use information from the certificate program to strengthen diversity and inclusion in veterinary medicine.

The certificate is delivered through the Center of Excellence for Diversity and Inclusion in Veterinary Medicine, a partnership among Purdue University, the Association for American Veterinary Medical Colleges, and the AVMA. This virtual resource and training center is designed for veterinarians, veterinary technicians, educators, students, and staff who seek to improve their communication, leadership, and cultural competency skills.

Related JAVMA content:

Certificate programs promote diversity in veterinary medicine (Nov. 1, 2014)