North Dakota's veterinary community is rallying for continued support of the Professional Student Exchange Program (PSEP), which plays a crucial role in training future veterinarians. During a recent House Appropriations meeting, Dr. Laura Beaudoin, representing the North Dakota Veterinary Medical Association (NDVMA), emphasized the importance of PSEP funding for students pursuing veterinary medicine—a field not currently offered at any North Dakota educational institution.

Dr. Beaudoin highlighted that PSEP allows North Dakota students to enroll in out-of-state veterinary programs while receiving financial aid to help offset the high costs of non-resident tuition. For instance, students attending Kansas State University face tuition rates exceeding $59,000 per year, compared to $27,546 for in-state residents. This financial disparity can deter many potential veterinarians from pursuing their education.

The program supports up to 12 students annually, which accounts for 85% of North Dakota's veterinary medical students. Dr. Beaudoin noted that without PSEP, the number of local students entering the veterinary field could significantly decline. She shared her personal experience as a former PSEP recipient, illustrating how the program enabled her to return to North Dakota and practice as a mixed animal veterinarian, despite the financial burdens of veterinary education.

The committee also discussed strategies to improve the return rate of graduates to North Dakota, which currently stands at 54%. Suggestions included exploring additional incentives for veterinarians to practice in the state, such as loan repayment programs.

The NDVMA is advocating for the continued funding of PSEP, stressing its vital role in ensuring that North Dakota has a sufficient number of veterinarians to meet the needs of the community. As the meeting concluded, the importance of supporting this program was clear, with potential implications for the future of veterinary care in North Dakota.