Explore loan programs, paid internships, and grant opportunities designed to support your career in large animal veterinary medicine at Williams Veterinary Service. Whether you're a student or a practicing veterinarian, we provide financial aid and development opportunities to help address the shortage in rural and underserved areas.

Missouri Department of Agriculture Loan Programs for Veterinarians

Missouri offers two student loan programs aimed at supporting veterinarians who practice or intend to practice large animal veterinary medicine. These programs are designed to alleviate financial burdens while addressing critical shortages in rural and underserved areas.

Dr. Merrill Townley and Dr. Dan Brown Large Animal Veterinary Student Loan Program

The Dr. Merrill Townley and Dr. Dan Brown Large Animal Veterinary Student Loan Program supports veterinary students enrolled at the University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine by providing financial assistance of up to $30,000 per academic year for 12 students. The loan is specifically intended to help with living and educational expenses, with forgiveness offered upon completion of large animal veterinary services in designated areas of need.

• Loan Amount: $30,000 for living and educational expenses
• Eligibility: 1st through 4th-year veterinary students at the University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine
• Loan Forgiveness: Provided for each year of large animal veterinary practice in an underserved area
• Application Period: Application and Financial Disclosure Forms are accepted from Aug. 15 to Sept. 15 of each calendar year.
• Placement Form Deadline: Due to the Department of Agriculture by May 1 of the year of graduation from the College of Veterinary Medicine for loan recipients.

Find more information regarding the specific requirements here.

Veterinary Medicine Loan Repayment Program (VMLRP)

The Veterinary Medicine Loan Repayment Program (VMLRP) is a national program administered by the USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA). This program offers debt reduction for veterinarians who agree to serve in high-priority veterinary shortage areas across the United States.

• Repayment Amount: Up to $25,000 per year toward qualified educational loans
• Commitment: Three-year service in a NIFA-designated veterinary shortage area
• Missouri Nominations: Seven nominations annually, with five for private practice and two for public practice
• Application Period: Applications open in January and close in April each year

Find more information on VMLRP here.

Find VMLRP shortage areas in Missouri here.

If you know of areas in need, please contact the Missouri Department of Agriculture at (573) 751-3377 or via email at animal.health@mda.mo.gov.

VMLRP Fact Sheet

• Large Animal Veterinary Student Loan Program Application
• Large Animal Veterinary Student Loan Program Applicant's Permission for Disclosure
• Large Animal Veterinary Student Loan Program Loan Contract & Promissory Note
• Large Animal Veterinary Student Loan Program Placement

Veterinary Services Grant Program (VSGP)

The Veterinary Services Grant Program (VSGP) provides support to help veterinarians develop skills and resources in veterinary food supply medicine, addressing shortages in food animal practice. Grants are available to assist with training, equipment, and other resources that support food animal veterinary practices.

Paid Internship Opportunities

For those interested in practical experience, we offer paid internships following a trial period. Gain hands-on experience in large animal practice while building a foundation for a rewarding veterinary career. Learn more here.