I am almost certain that the general public is confused and misunderstood about the intent of this legislation. There is no circumstance where any student, be it a fourth, third, second, or first year, is the SOLE person examining and performing procedures on a client-owned animal.  Every single case is overseen by a state licensed veterinarian, who the client has agreed to see.  Even 4th year students who perform physical exams have their findings rechecked by a licensed veterinarian to assess the student's accuracy.  Furthermore, any person who brings their beloved pet to a teaching hospital must be operating under the expectation that there is animal is going to be used for teaching purposes.  All clients are required to sign a form agreeing to said stipulations.  Should we pass legislation that permits students earlier in their education to perform procedures, a similar form and signature would be required.  Another misunderstanding that I believe the public has about veterinary students concern their level of proficiency in terms of their progress in veterinary school.  While veterinary students become more knowledgable through the years, it is not as if they will be magically more capable at performing physical procedures when the third or the fourth year begins (versus first or second year). Whether students start learning procedures and physical exam techniques on a day 1 or day 1000, their level of proficiency will be similar, assuming they are being guided under the the presence of licensed veterinarians and specialists.  

The veterinary profession, much like the medical profession, has an extremely high learning curve.  The more experience they are given in a safe environment under the guidance of experienced professionals, the more likely Virginia Tech will be able to produce quality, well-prepared veteriarians for day 1 of their careers.  It is impossible for a veterinary student to gain enough practical experience in veterinary school, even if they were permitted full access for the full four years. Limiting them to a single year of full immersion is simply inadequate.  This is why so many veterinary students seek internships after they complete their schooling; they want to feel better prepared.  

Practical experience is the only way to gain confidence.  Books, papers, cadavers, and knowledge are great tools to have and to work with, but they are simply not substitutes for cinical experience in a field that is constantly evolving,  Please consider this legislation very carefully before voicing your opinion.  Personally, I believe the entire veterinary education field needs to be redesigned and revamped.  This is not going to happen anytime soon, so our legislature must recognize this and do the next best thing:  provide vet students with the opportunity to learn earlier on in their educations.