Veterinary Professional Associate FAQ
On November 5, 2024, voters passed Proposition 129, establishing a Veterinary Professional Associate (VPA) role in Colorado. In preparation for and since the new law’s passage, the Colorado State Board of Veterinary Medicine has been working diligently to establish parameters for this new role. While we know there is still sharp criticism surrounding the VPA, our involvement in the process and the assistance we’re providing to our Colorado Board member comes from a place of responsibility.
The mission of the AAVSB is and always will be to ensure public and animal protection. In a letter to members earlier this year, BOD Past-President Dr. Frank Richardson wrote, How can we protect the public and ensure that the VPAs are adequately trained, knowledgeable, and qualified to offer the level of veterinary care outlined in Proposition 129? The AAVSB is uniquely qualified to assist Colorado with exam development and credentialing, and we are duty-bound to do so.
Below is a timeline of events leading up to the AAVSB’s involvement with the creation of the VPA, and an FAQ section we will be expanding upon in the near future.
VPA Timeline of Events
June 2024 – Following an AAVSB survey regarding the creation of a mid-level veterinary practitioner, the AAVSB Board of Directors (BOD) voted not take an active role in supporting the development of a mid-level practitioner.
November 2024 – Colorado voters approved Proposition 129, establishing a new veterinary role known as the Veterinary Professional Associate (VPA).
November 2024 – The AAVSB Board of Directors voted to support the Colorado State Board of Veterinary Medicine in ensuring a VPA is qualified to perform the scope of practice defined by Colorado in their efforts to create the role.
February 2025 – Colorado governor signs HB 25-125 modifying the requirements for VPAs
June 2025 – To meet the needs of the Colorado State Board of Veterinary Medicine, the AAVSB BOD voted to fund the initial phases related to the creation of an examination designed to assess the competence of a VPA.
August 2025 – The Colorado Board approved the AAVSB as the exam provider and credentialing provider for the VPA.
October 2025 – The AAVSB released a call for volunteers for subject matter experts regarding examination and credentialing. More information will be released as it becomes available.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the AAVSB endorse the concept of the VPA and what does the Member Boards resolution mean?
At the AAVSB’s 2025 Annual Meeting and Conference, the delegates passed a resolution to support the Colorado Board in their creation of the VPA, but did not endorse the expansion of the VPA to other jurisdictions. You can find more information on Resolution 2025-2 here
What are the steps to VPA registration?
Refer to the Colorado State Board of Veterinary Medicine
What are the Qualifications to be a VPA / Take the VPA Exam?
Qualifications per HB 25-125
- Must be 21 years old
- Must have a Masters degree in an appropriate field
- Must pass a credentialing exam approved by the Colorado State Board of Veterinary Medicine
For a complete list of qualifications, refer to the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies Veterinary Workforce Requirements
When Will the VPA Exam be Available?
To be determined
What Are the Qualifications for Credentialing?
The AAVSB is currently working with stakeholders to develop requirements.
Will I Need to Pass the Exam Before Applying for the VPA Credential?
The VPA credential will be awarded upon passing the credentialing exam approved by the Colorado Board of Veterinary Medicine. The credential can be renewed every two years upon meeting the required continuing education standards.
Of note – A credentialed VPA does not permit an individual to practice. The individual must apply to the Colorado Board of Veterinary Medicine using the VPA Credential to be registered as a VPA in Colorado.
What is the VPA Scope of Practice
To be determined – Refer to the Colorado Board of Veterinary Medicine
Will the AAVSB be Developing Model Regulations and Model Documents?
Model regulations will be submitted through the approved process per policy. Development of model documents will be delayed until such time as the VPA is more uniformly recognized.
More Information