Current status of occupational health and safety education in faculties of veterinary medicine in Türkiye

The aim of this study was to evaluate the current status of Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) education in Faculties of Veterinary Medicine in Türkiye. A descriptive document analysis was conducted using data obtained from official university websites, Bologna course information packages, course catalogues, and weekly course schedules of 29 Faculties of Veterinary Medicine. Courses related to OHS, biosafety, laboratory safety, and good laboratory practices were examined with respect to course status, semester, credit and ECTS values, instructional hours, responsible academic units, and accreditation status. Among the 29 faculties examined, 14 (48.3%) offered at least one mandatory OHS-related course, while 8 (27.6%) offered such courses only as electives. In contrast, 7 faculties (24.1%) did not include a standalone OHS or biosafety course. OHS-related courses were predominantly offered during the first and second semesters, generally carried low credit and ECTS values (1–3 ECTS credits), and included limited practical components. Some courses listed in course information packages were not found in weekly course schedules. Considerable heterogeneity was also observed regarding the academic units responsible for course delivery. In conclusion, OHS education in Faculties of Veterinary Medicine in Türkiye does not appear to follow a standardized structure. Given the high-risk nature of the veterinary medicine profession, OHS education should be based on common learning outcomes and supported by practical training components.