LMU-College of Veterinary Medicine at Orange Park, Florida, Set to Begin Classes June 2026
Harrogate, TN (08/29/2025) — The Lincoln Memorial University-College of Veterinary Medicine at Orange Park (LMU-OPCVM) has reached a major milestone on the path to full accreditation, receiving a Letter of Reasonable Assurance from the American Veterinary Medical Association Council on Education (AVMA-COE). This status clears the way for the inaugural cohort to begin in June 2026.
The AVMA-COE's Letter of Reasonable Assurance, granted August 28, affirms that LMU-OPCVM is expected to meet the standards for accreditation and allows the College to begin accepting applications.
"This achievement reflects the dedication of our faculty, staff, and partners who share our vision for a veterinary program that blends academic excellence with real-world impact," said Dr. Kim Carney, Dean of LMU-OPCVM. "We are excited to start accepting applications for our first class and bringing our vision to reality"
Located just outside Jacksonville, Florida, LMU-OPCVM is designed to meet the evolving needs of the veterinary profession through a curriculum focused on collaboration, early clinical exposure, and professional development. From their first semester of the three-year, year-round program, students participate in interactive, team-based learning while developing core clinical skills that are reinforced throughout their education. The curriculum integrates professional skills-including communication, leadership, clinical reasoning, and research literacy-with training in wellness and resilience, preparing graduates to thrive in every dimension of the modern veterinary profession. In their third year, students enter a distributive clinical model, gaining experience at partner veterinary practices and organizations across the region.
"The Letter of Reasonable Assurance marks a pivotal moment for Lincoln Memorial University and for veterinary medical education in the region," said Dr. Jason McConnell, President of Lincoln Memorial University. "This milestone not only affirms the strength of our vision but also reinforces our mission to expand access to high-quality veterinary training that meets the needs of communities and advances the profession. With the Orange Park campus, LMU is building on its legacy of innovation in health sciences education, preparing graduates who will make an immediate and lasting impact."
The Orange Park campus provides access to urban resources, outdoor recreation, and a growing network of clinical and community partnerships, including the Jacksonville Humane Society and Clay County Animal Services. These relationships support LMU-OPCVM's mission to provide a real-world, community-based veterinary education grounded in service and impact.
Prospective students can learn more and apply at OPVetMed.LMUnet.edu.
Lincoln Memorial University is a values-based learning community with its main campus in Harrogate, Tennessee. LMU-OPCVM expands the university's commitment to health sciences education and community-focused training. LMU is also home to the LMU-Richard A. Gillespie College of Veterinary Medicine in Harrogate, an accredited and separate veterinary college established in 2014. It is the nation's largest veterinary school by enrollment. Together, the two colleges reflect LMU's growing leadership in veterinary medical education across the region.
For more information, visit OPVetMed.lmunet.edu or call 1.800.325.0900.
Lincoln Memorial University is a values-based learning community dedicated to providing educational experiences in liberal arts and professional studies. The main campus is in Harrogate, Tennessee. For more information about the undergraduate and graduate programs available at LMU, contact the Office of Admissions at 423-869-6280 or email at admissions@LMUnet.edu.