This page contains a timeline that lays out the process and events behind the VMLRP program.
VMLRP News
February 2024: Technical Assistance Webinar for the Veterinary Medicine Loan Repayment Program
The VMLRP supports NIFA’s Animal Systems portfolio by facilitating professional workforce development in critical agricultural sectors related to animal health and well-being. The program contains two general categories of participation: The VMLRP Request for Applications (RFA) and the 2024 veterinary shortage situations are now available. A new requirement this year is a Letter of Intent (LOI). Specific instructions are available in the VMLRP RFA. The deadline for LOI is April 1, 2024, and the application deadline is April 12, 2024. NIFA encourages interested applicants to thoroughly review the VMLRP RFA before starting an application. Questions about the VMLRP application process may be sent by email to VMLRP.applications@USDA.gov. Watch the recording and access a pdf of the slides by clicking the link below for the VMLRP Technical Assistance Webinar.
Technical Assistance Webinar: Veterinary Medicine Loan Repayment Program (VMLRP)
Date/Time: Thu, 03/14/2024 - 4:00pm EST
VMLRP Timeline
Dates listed below are subject to change in relation to unforeseen circumstances or administrative changes.
| Tasks | FY 2024 | FY 2025 | FY 2026 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shortage Nomination Webinar | September 26, 2023 | September 2024 | September 2025 |
| Shortage Nomination Cycle Opens | October 2, 2023 | October 7, 2024 | October 2025 |
| Shortage Nomination Cycle Closed | November 13, 2023 | November 12, 2024 | November 2025 |
| Shortage Situation Areas Posted | January 11, 2024 | February 2025 | February 2026 |
| Application Period Opens | January 11, 2024 | February 2025 | February 2026 |
| March 14, 2024 from 4:00 - 5:00 PM ET | March 2025 | March 2026 | |
| Letter of Intent Deadline | April 1, 2024 | April 2025 | April 2026 |
| Application Period Closes | April 12, 2024 | April 2025 | April 2026 |
| VMLRP Awards Offered | September 30, 2024 | September 30, 2025 | September 30, 2026 |
| VMLRP Service Agreement Begins | January 1, 2025 | January 1, 2026 | January 1, 2027 |