(A) As used in sections 4741.50 to 4741.56 of the Revised Code:

(1) “Educational expenses” means all of the following expenses that were incurred while a veterinarian was enrolled, for a maximum of four years, in a veterinary college that, during the time of enrollment, was approved by the state veterinary medical licensing board or accredited by the American veterinary medical association:

(a) Tuition;

(b) Other educational expenses, such as fees, books, and laboratory expenses, for specific purposes and in amounts determined to be reasonable by the board;

(c) Room and board, in an amount determined to be reasonable by the board.

(2) “Educational loan” includes the principal and interest of a government or other educational loan used to pay educational expenses.

(B) There is hereby created the veterinarian student debt assistance program. Under the program, the state veterinary medical licensing board, by means of a contract entered into under section 4741.54 of the Revised Code, may agree to repay all or part of any educational loans taken out by a veterinarian for educational expenses. The board shall operate the program in accordance with sections 4741.50 to 4741.57 of the Revised Code.