NASHVILLE (AP) — Tennessee State University and the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine are working together to help college graduates get admitted to veterinary schools.

Qualified Tennessee State freshmen start immediately to complete the requirements needed for admission at the University of Tennessee or other veterinary schools, Tennessee State said in a news release.

Chandra Reddy, dean of the College of Agriculture at Tennessee State, a historically Black university, said the arrangement will help increase diversity in the field.

Mike Jones, director of Student Services, Diversity and Recruitment at UT's College of Veterinary Medicine, said veterinary medicine is considered among the least diverse of health care professions.