Orientation Program and Schedule

Last Modified: April 28, 2025

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
May 12, 2025IllinoisUniversity of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine 1-5 pm Central Timesuzett.hexum@usda.gov Jennifer.Gravley@usda.govThis is an in person Orientation. Open to all. Cutoff date for enrollment is May 8th, 2025. Please send IAT certificates to suzett.hexum@usda.gov   and Jennifer.Gravley@usda.gov to register.
March 28, 2025FloridaVirtualrobert.s.chadwell@usda.govCutoff for registration Mar. 26, 2025 - Open to all that met the requirements.
April 9, 2025IowaIowa State University; In-Person onlyLisa.M.Roling@usda.govContact: 515-323-2110 by Friday, April 4, 2025
May 7, 2025TexasVirtual (Only for Veterinarians who are applying for Texas accreditation)
8:00 am-5:00 pm
D4TXNVAP@usda.govCutoff date for enrollment is April 25, 2025
June 18, 2025New JerseyNJDAH, Public Health & Agriculture Lab
8:00 am - 3:30 pm
Cordelia.B.Strickland@usda.govOnly open to Veterinarians who are applying for New Jersey and New York accreditation. Cutoff date for enrollment is June 11, 2025.
October 15, 2025New JerseyNJDAH, Public Health & Agriculture Lab
8:00 am - 3:30 pm
Cordelia.B.Strickland@usda.govOnly open to Veterinarians who are applying for New Jersey and New York accreditation. Cutoff date for enrollment is October 8, 2025.
January 14, 2026TexasVirtual (Only for Veterinarians who are applying for Texas accreditation)
8:00 am-5:00 pm
D4TXNVAP@usda.govCutoff date for enrollment is January 2, 2026

Contact Us

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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.