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Veterinary loan‑repayment program urged to continue; rural veterinarians describe retention impact
Summary
Veterinarians and livestock groups urged the committee to continue funding the veterinary medical loan repayment program, saying it helps recruit and retain large‑animal veterinarians in rural North Dakota where training is obtained out of state.
The North Dakota Veterinary Medical Association and livestock industry groups urged the Senate Appropriations — Human Resources Division to continue funding the state veterinary medical loan‑repayment program.
Doctor Erica Schumacher, a mixed‑animal veterinarian and practice owner in Dickinson, described how participation in the professional student exchange program (PSEP) and the Veterinary Medical Loan Repayment Program (VMLRP) enabled her to return to a rural community and become a practice owner. Schumacher said the average veterinary student debt is large relative to starting salaries and that loan repayment assistance is a major factor in enticing veterinarians to locate in rural counties and provide food‑animal coverage.
Shane Gettle and Julie Ellingson of livestock‑industry organizations testified in support, noting the program prioritizes underserved rural areas and food‑animal practice and that North Dakota lacks an in‑state veterinary school.
Witnesses said the program has a strong retention profile — participants often stay in place after completing service obligations — and supports essential agricultural services in remote areas. The committee did not take a separate recorded vote on the program during the hearing; testimony emphasized the program’s role in maintaining animal‑health capacity across the state.
