(a) Any person desiring a license to practice veterinary medicine in this state shall make application to the board. The application shall include evidence, satisfactory to the board, that:

(1) The applicant has attained the age of 18;

(2) The applicant is of good moral character;

(3)(A) The applicant:

(i) Is a graduate of an accredited college or a school of veterinary medicine accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association Council on Education or possesses an ECFVG or PAVE certificate or substantial equivalent; and

(ii) Has passed a board approved examination; provided, however, that the board may provide by rule or regulation for a waiver of any part of such examination for veterinarians who are licensed as such by another state and who are in good standing therewith; or

(B) The applicant:

(i) Is a graduate of a foreign college or school of veterinary medicine and has submitted a transcript certifying completion of his or her education in veterinary medicine. In support of such certification of completion, such graduate may submit:

(I) An ECFVG certificate or its substantial equivalent;

(II) A PAVE certificate or its substantial equivalent; or

(III) Any other document as authorized by the board; and

(ii) Has completed a residency program or similar training duration program of two or more years and has received board certification from a veterinary medicine specialty organization recognized by the American Veterinary Medical Association, the American Board of Veterinary Specialties, or other American Veterinary Medical Association board approved organization; provided, however, that such applicant upon licensure shall only be authorized to practice veterinary medicine in the area of his or her certified veterinary medicine specialty; and provided, further, that any other practice of veterinary medicine shall be deemed a violation of subsection (a) of Code Section 43-50-30 and subsection (a) of Code Section 43-50-45; and

(4) The applicant meets such other qualifications or provides such other information as the board may require by rule.

(b) The application shall be accompanied by a fee in the amount established by the board.

(c) The division director shall record the new licenses and issue such licenses to the new licensees.

(d) If an applicant is found not qualified for licensure, the board shall notify the applicant in writing of such finding and the grounds therefor. Such applicant may request a hearing before the board on the questions of his or her qualifications.