NASDA Foundation Funds Veterinary Student Internships
A three-year USDA-backed project places nine veterinary students in paid summer roles at state animal health offices.
Updated on Nov. 2, 2026 in Veterinary Medicine
The NASDA Foundation received a Veterinary Services Grant Program award from USDA's National Institute of Food and Agriculture to fund the three-year project "Strengthening the Regulatory Veterinary Workforce." The initiative supports nine veterinary students through paid, 10- to 12-week summer internships in state animal health official offices.
Why it matters
The program aims to build interest in state and regulatory veterinary careers and strengthen the workforce that supports animal disease prevention, preparedness, and response. Nevada is experiencing a veterinarian shortage, making pipeline programs like this relevant to states facing similar gaps.
The grant funds nine paid internships over three years, with three students each year working 10 to 12 weeks in state animal health offices. The source does not provide enrollment numbers for the broader veterinary workforce or placement outcomes.
The players
NASDA Foundation
The philanthropic arm of the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture, which coordinates state agriculture agency programs.
USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture
The U.S. Department of Agriculture agency that funds research, education, and extension programs in agriculture.
The details
Participating state animal health offices will host and mentor students, who will gain exposure to disease surveillance, emergency preparedness and response, animal health programs, regulatory activities, and stakeholder engagement. The NASDA Foundation will coordinate recruitment, placement, and program support, including professional development through the NASDA Next Generation program.
Timeline
Three-year period: the Strengthening the Regulatory Veterinary Workforce project runs.
Summer: nine students complete paid 10- to 12-week state internships.
Veterinary Workforce Pipeline
The project is funded through USDA's Veterinary Services Grant Program, which directs federal money toward veterinary workforce development. It extends that federal support to state-level regulatory roles that handle animal disease prevention and response.
Students who complete these internships gain hands-on experience with disease surveillance and emergency response in state animal health offices. For prospective veterinarians, the program outlines a regulatory career path that is distinct from clinical practice.
The takeaway
Pathways into state and regulatory veterinary medicine can be explored through paid internships that expose students to disease preparedness work. Students interested in public-sector animal health should look for programs like this one that offer direct agency exposure.
Further reading
For broader context on training and careers, explore Veterinary Medicine coverage.
