Orientation Program and Schedule

Last Modified: July 10, 2024

After completion of Initial Accreditation Training, applicants for accreditation must attend an Orientation Program. Upon completion of the Orientation Program, application for accreditation must be completed within 3 years. 

Elements of the Orientation Program

The elements of the Orientation Program are:

  1. Federal animal health laws, regulations, and rules;
  2. Interstate movement of animals;
  3. Import and export requirements for animals;
  4. USDA animal disease eradication and control programs;
  5. Laboratory support in confirming disease diagnoses;
  6. Ethical and professional responsibilities of an accredited veterinarian;
  7. Foreign animal disease awareness;
  8. Animal health emergency management; and
  9. Animal health procedures, issues, and information resources relevant to the State in which the veterinarian wishes to perform accredited duties.

The Orientation Program may be taken during veterinary medical school or during a session scheduled by the NVAP Coordinator.

Orientation Program Schedule

You must contact the NVAP Coordinator to register and confirm. (For contact information, see contacts listed below or use the dropdown menu at the bottom of this page.)

This listing may not reflect all Orientation Programs for all States. If you do not see a date to your liking, we recommend you contact the NVAP Coordinator directly for up-to-date information.

DateStateLocation and TimeContactNotes
July 16, 2024IdahoVirtual 8:30 am – 4:00 pm (MT)robin.gray2@usda.govOnly for veterinarians applying for Idaho accreditation
August 28, 2024TexasVirtual (Only for Veterinarians who are applying for Texas accreditation)
8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
D4TXNVAP@usda.govCutoff date for enrollment is August 15, 2024.
September 4, 2024Iowa5:30 pm-7:30 pmLisa.M.Roling@usda.govIowa State University (in-person)
September 12, 2024Pennsylvania

Virtual

9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.

bridget.k.urrutia@usda.govPennsylvania veterinarians only
TBA – fall 2024IllinoisVirtual; time TBAMeagan.Roth@usda.govIf interested, please email Megan Roth.
October 23, 2024New Jersey

In-Person: NJDAH, Public Health & Agriculture Lab

8:00 a.m.-3:30 p.m.

cordelia.b.strickland@usda.govOnly open to veterinarians who are applying for New Jersey and New York accreditation. Cutoff date for enrollment is October 11, 2024.
November 11, 2024Pennsylvania

Virtual

9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.

bridget.k.urrutia@usda.govPennsylvania veterinarians only

Contact Us

NVAP Coordinators

NVAP Coordinators are available to assist you with obtaining, maintaining, and updating your accreditation. As an accredited veterinarian, it is your duty to notify APHIS when your home or business contact information changes, one of your veterinary licenses expires or otherwise lapses, or you need to become authorized to perform accredited duties in an additional state. NVAP Coordinators are available for assistance with these needs or anything else related to your accreditation.

Export requirements frequently change. Obtain current export requirements for live animals or animal products before each shipment.