(a) Beginning January 1, 2026, the board may provide for the purchase of loans made to students for educational purposes who have completed a program of study in the field of doctor of veterinary medicine or its equivalent and are authorized to practice veterinary medicine in this state and are residents of this state, with services in the form of the practice of veterinary medicine while residing in this state to be rendered as consideration for such loan purchases.

(b) Only persons who have been practicing veterinary medicine for ten years or less shall be eligible for loan purchases under this part.

(c) Only persons who practice shelter medicine full time or who practice full time at a nonprofit pet sterilization clinic shall be eligible for loan purchases under this part.

(d) For eligible applicants who practice shelter medicine full time, the board shall give priority to applicants whose practices include pet sterilization services.