The University of Arizona College of Veterinary Medicine announced that it has accepted its first class of 110 students for the fall of 2020.

The college, which received approval from the American Veterinary Medical Assn. in October, is the first public veterinary medical program in Arizona.

For its first admissions cycle, the college received 518 applications and interviewed 244 applicants to fill the 110 seats, the university noted, adding that the accepted students include 46 in-state and 64 non-resident students.

"This program is like no other in the nation, and students will receive one of the most innovative learning experiences possible, based on our team-based learning model over a rigorous, three-year program," University of Arizona College of Veterinary Medicine dean Julie Funk said. "The [COVID-19] pandemic highlights the vital role of veterinarians in understanding emerging diseases, and this class will be immersed in the issues at the crossroads of animal and human health."

Students in the program will experience real-world learning in Arizona clinics that take care of companion animals and large animal species, the announcement pointed out. With a focus on active learning and a team-based curriculum, the College of Veterinary Medicine will prepare students to be ready to practice on day 1, the university said.

The 110 students will begin their studies in August, with an expected graduation date of 2023.

"We are thrilled to have both a high number of Arizona residents and students from across the U.S. joining our program," Funk said. "It is a proud day for the University of Arizona and the people who have helped us get to this day."