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how to become a vet in bC

Ever wonder how to become a veterinarian in BC? And yes, there is such job! The term veterinarian is used for medical professionals who are in charge of prevention, diagnosis and treatment, or curing of diseases in animals. They also advise people on the care, feeding and general management of pets. Get more information regarding How To Become A Vet In BC, vet school requirements, vet school acceptance rate canada & veterinary programs in canada

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steps To become A Vet in BC

When it comes to applying to vet schools in Canada, there are some unique challenges. The biggest one is the fact that there are only five veterinary medical colleges. According to Ruby Gilani, “Canadian Veterinary schools get about 600 applicants a year, and typically they can only take 100. The competition has always been tough, but now that they are accepting international applicants, there are even fewer seats available to Canadians.”

How to Become a Vet Tech

It’s this competition for seats that can make Ross Vet attractive to aspiring vets from Canada. “We are accredited by the American Veterinary Medicine Association (AVMA),” says Gilani, “which means graduates with their Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree are eligible to practice anywhere in the United States and Canada. Ross Vet grads can return to Canada and apply for jobs without having to take any additional exams or clinical practice beyond the clinical training they get through the University.” She adds, “We also offer an accelerated program of 3.25 years. Ross Vet operates three semesters per year with no summer break. Students can complete the program faster and be ready to enter the job market, where veterinarian demand in Canada and the U.S. is robust.

So, how did you alumna Dr. Jessica Cusmariu choose Ros Vet? “I heard about the school from a family friend when I was still an undergrad. I attended one of the Ross Vet information sessions, and besides wanting to be a vet, I had a lot of hours accumulated working with animals.  As an undergrad, I worked at an animal clinic, and I’d also done a few years at zoo camp. This was a very special place. We had lions and tigers, lemurs, leopards, jaguars, rescue bears, and their cubs and smaller animals like spider monkeys.

For hire: The eyes and ears of a vet near you
  • Step Two: Veterinary School Admissions Requirements

Once you’ve researched where you want to apply to, you need to know the requirements for acceptance. Says Gilani, “At Ross Vet, we require two years of completed university courses in biology, physics, organic chemistry, biochemistry and either cellular biology or genetics.  And there’s a math requirement — calculus or statistics. Finally, an English course is a prerequisite. Students must have either a bachelor’s degree or have successfully completed at least two years of university courses before applying.” Other requirements include electives in subjects such as anatomy, physiology, microbiology, business communications, medical terminology, nutrition, and a language course.

“The first thing we look for is a passion for the field of veterinary medicine and drive to become a veterinarian.” Says Gilani. “Without that, a career in this field can be daunting. The demands – both academically, physically, and emotionally – are great. And on top of being a talented clinician, for those who choose to run a practice, you have to have a good head for business. Veterinary medicine isn’t for everyone, but it is truly one of the most rewarding fields for people who love animals, communicate well with people, and are not intimidated by workdays that can be interrupted by emergencies and are as varied as the species you’re treating.”

  • Step Three: Complete your Doctor of Veterinary Medicine program

To become a vet in the U.S. or Canada, you must earn your DVM. Says Gilani, “Ross Vet is an AVMA-accredited school located in St. Kitts. The opportunities we offer on the island are unique. We have grants for research on viruses such as Zika and other mosquito-borne illnesses. In addition to classroom and hands-on learning, Ross Vet students can take part in sea turtle conservation and dolphin research. And we offer more than 25 clubs that focus on everything from surgery, aquatics and birds, to research, pathology, veterinary business management and more.”

Veterinary Medicine International - Admissions - University of Saskatchewan

Dr. Jazmeen Suleman adds, “I thought about applying to schools in Canada, but it’s hard to even get an interview. I spoke with a young woman who went to Ross Vet and she had great things to say about it. I loved that it provides the same accreditation I’d get from a Canadian vet college. Plus, the accelerated 3-semester model offers the same education, but you finish faster.”

Dr. Suleman also notes the variety of training she received while at Ross Vet. “Ross Vet has Ross University Veterinary Clinic (RUVC), so we get trained in clinical work which is mostly small animals, farm animals, turtles, and other exotics. For those interested in working with zoo animals and other wildlife, Ross [Vet] offers a great pathway to those specialties through affiliate schools.”

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  • Step Four: Complete your licensing requirements

Passing the North American Veterinary Licensing Exam (NAVLE)® is your next step to becoming a vet in Canada and a requirement to practice veterinary medicine in the U.S. and Canada. It is a computer-based, multiple-choice examination administered by the International Council for Veterinary Assessment(ICVA). The exam is offered throughout North America and at certain overseas sites at designated computer testing centers. Says Dr. Suleman “At Ross Vet you sit for the NAVLE® in your clinical year, you earn your DVM, and you’re ready to practice.”

  • Step 5: Obtain additional training if you’re interested in specializing

If there is a specialty area of veterinary medicine you would like to pursue, you need to complete additional training through internships or residency programs.  You can research your available opportunities through the Veterinary Internship & Residency Matching Program.

Dr. Cusmariu states, “Have a drive to learn and be able to study on your own. Learning never stops, even after you graduate. After a first job in one type of veterinary medicine, you may decide to switch to a specialty, so having that always-learning mindset will serve you well.”

  • Step 6: Begin your career

First, you may want to explore where you want to work.  Spend time researching your different career options.  Do you have a specific geographic location in mind? The average salary of a veterinarian in Canada may depend on where you work in addition to what kind of work you specialize in.  Says Gilani, “Canada has a pressing need right now for large animal vets. This shortage represents a huge opportunity. Plus, there’s a growing demand for those with specialties.” Do your research where veterinarians are most in-demand and follow your journey for becoming a vet in Canada there. Then begin to reach out to your network.  Contact your peers, instructors, and other vets you worked with while gaining school experience to get started. Or join a professional organization and connect.

According to Dr. Cusmariu, there’s not much difference.  “But diseases can be prominent in some areas and not even seen in others. For instance, Florida is endemic for heartworm and we rarely see it in Canada. But Lime Disease is prevalent in Southern Ontario and the North East U.S. However, it doesn’t exist in Alberta or Saskatoon. Veterinarians follow these outbreaks closely, especially in light of the animal to human transfer of pathogens.” 

In order to become a veterinarian, students must complete a doctor of veterinary medicine (DVM) degree at a post-secondary institution. To obtain this degree, students must attend at least six years of university study, including two years of study in a science program, before moving on to the DVM program.

After completing their schooling, students must be licensed by the provincial government to practice veterinary medicine.

The competition to get into DVM programs is very high and the procedures that students must follow to be admitted to these programs reflects that. The Atlantic Veterinary College (AVC) at the University of Prince Edward Island bases admission on the grades the student obtain in their prerequisite undergraduate courses, veterinary experience, an interview and an essay that the students must write.

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The Western College of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Saskatchewan has similar application procedures and requirements.

The Ontario Veterinary College (OVC) at the University of Guelph requires that students take the MCAT (Medical College Admissions Test) as part of its admission requirements. The MCAT is the same test that students are required to take when they apply to many medical schools.

Not all veterinarians work with pets. According to the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA), about 40% of vets practice in companion animal clinics. One third of all work in the agriculture industry, and inspect and treat farm animals, like cattle or horses. Veterinarians also are important in terms of public health where animal diseases and issues can affect the human population, as in the case of rabies.

how to become a veterinarian in canada

Many people with a passion for animals consider becoming a veterinarian, or animal doctor. There are many requirements for becoming a veterinarian, such as specific education, skills, and licensing. If you’re interested in this role, learning more about it can help you determine if it is suitable for your interests and goals. In this article, we discuss what a veterinarian does, how to become a vet in Canada, and the qualities necessary to pursue a career in this field.

How Long Does It Take To Become A Veterinarian? | Pet Comments

What are the duties and responsibilities of a veterinarian?

Veterinarians provide preventative care and treat illnesses among domestic and wild animals, including:

  • Diagnosing illnesses
  • Providing treatment
  • Prescribing medication
  • Treating trauma
  • Interpreting test results
  • Performing surgery
  • Developing feeding schedules and diet
  • Monitoring behaviour
  • Educating caregivers and pet owners
  • Administering vaccines
  • Maintaining public health where animal diseases can affect humans

How to become a vet in Canada

Follow these steps to become a veterinarian in Canada:

1. Research veterinary schools

You may have to compete with other candidates when applying to veterinary schools in Canada. There are five accredited veterinarian medical colleges in Canada. They include:

  • The University of Calgary Faculty of Veterinary Medicine (UCVM)
  • The Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM)
  • The Ontario Veterinary College (OVC)
  • Faculté De Médecine Vétérinaire (FMV)
  • The Atlantic Veterinary College (AVC)

There are also schools in Canada with accreditation from the American Veterinary Medicine Association, where it is possible for graduates to work both in the US and Canada.

2. Meet admission requirements

As you research the school you want to attend, it’s important to assess and meet the school’s admission requirements. Visit their website to determine the exact requirements to increase your chances of getting accepted. Admissions requirements often include:

  • Grades in prerequisite undergraduate courses
  • Veterinarian experience
  • An interview and an application essay
  • Letters of recommendation
  • Entry exam like the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT)

3. Complete the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine program

Apart from classroom learning, veterinary students also take part in various forms of research. Some research topics include illnesses or microorganisms like viruses. It takes four years to complete a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree in Canada. The final year of veterinary school usually includes clinical training, also known as rotations. This training provides hands-on experience working with animals and their caregivers. Veterinary students do rotations in various areas, including community practice, oncology, surgery, and equine medicine. As the clinical training ends, students can perform some basic veterinary duties with the supervision of a licensed professional.

4. Meet the licensing requirements

You need to have a certificate of qualification to practice as a licensed veterinarian in Canada. The process to acquire this qualification depends on where you get your degree. If you get it from an accredited institution, you can get the certificate of qualification (CQ) after passing the North American Veterinary Licensing Examination (NAVLE). Those who earn their Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) from a non-accredited institution need to pass the clinical proficiency examination (CPE)Basic and Clinical Sciences Examination (BCSE), and the NAVLE.

Some people take the BCSE to practise and help them become familiar with the test before they take it a second time. This approach is not available for the North American Veterinary Licensing Examination. If you fail the NAVLE in two attempts, you’ll have to take the CPE regardless of whether you got your DVM from an accredited school. CPE demands more practice to become familiar with the examination techniques. It tests standard procedures learned in veterinary school. Alternatively, you can spend some time in veterinary practice to become more familiar with these procedures before attempting the exam.

5. Apply for provincial licensing

After you get your CQ, you need to meet the licensing requirements of your province. There is a fee to pay, paperwork to complete, and could be other stipulations depending on your province. For example, in Alberta, applicants need to provide three references and their contact information. In Ontario, there is a Jurisprudence Exam that applicants need to pass before getting a license. If you graduate from a generalist vet program, it makes sense to get your licence soon after graduation.

6. Get additional training if you want to specialize

The veterinary field has various specialties you can choose from. For example, canine and feline practice, swine health management, and daily practice are among available options. Specialization focuses your expert knowledge in a field and increases your job opportunities. The first step for specialty training is to get an internship or residency program through the Veterinary and Internship Residency Matching Program. There are residency programs that have the same prerequisites as province-specific licensure requirements. Other programs may require you to have a licence to operate in that province.

Some residency programs require applicants to complete a preliminary internship. The common specialties you may consider include:

  • Large animal veterinarian: large animal veterinarians take care of livestock, horses, cattle, pigs, alpacas, and llamas. These veterinarians can also help take care of exotic farm animals such as kangaroos and ostriches.
  • Small animal veterinarian: most small animal vets deal with mammals like cats, dogs, guinea pigs, hamsters, and other small animals. They also help fish, birds, and reptiles.
  • Mixed practice veterinarian: these veterinarians usually work with both large and small animals. They also can help to address general issues.
  • Zoo veterinarian: these vets care for wildlife in zoos and animal reservations. They can work with various species, including large birds, fish, insects, and other exotic animals.
  • Research veterinarian: veterinarians in research work in universities, government institutions, and programs for private corporations to perform research on the health and wellness of animals. They may run tests, observe animals, research the effects of various medicines, and recommend actions based on the results. Research veterinarians also help maintain food supplies’ safety to prevent the spread of animal to human diseases.
  • Equine veterinarian: veterinarians in equine medicine only offer care to horses. They provide various types of care and perform other duties for racing, show, and working horses of different types.

7. Gain soft skills

While veterinarians require many technical skills, like giving diagnoses or performing surgery, it’s important that they have soft skills as well. Some of the essential personal qualities in a veterinarian include:

  • Active listening skills
  • Compassion
  • Sensitivity to others’ feelings
  • Critical thinking
  • Interacting with people
  • Problem-solving skills
  • Ability to handle physical and emotional stress
  • Good communication skills
  • Intellectual curiosity

8. Start your career

Research some of the career options you have as a veterinarian before you choose a job. Consider aspects like your interest in specialization, salary, and geographic location. You can consult your course instructors and the vets you meet when gaining school experience to get additional insight. You can also join a professional organization to help you network. A professional organization offers membership benefits like professional connections and continuing educational resources, including literature on the latest topics.

vet school requirements

We’re sure you’ve already heard how competitive it is to get into veterinary school. Sure, it’s competitive – but it’s not impossible. If you’ve got good science and math skills and an interest in helping animals, follow your dream. Who better to help you than the people who’ve already been there?

Grades

Duh, you say. Of course you have to have good grades to be competitive. Although a 4.0 will certainly help you, it’s not an absolute necessity. Why are grades important? They can indicate your intelligence, your study habits, and your dedication and drive to succeed. Those are all qualities veterinary schools are looking for when they evaluate applicants. When a school sees an “A,” they think you studied hard, did well, and learned. 

So, what if your grades are good but not great? Does that mean you’ve got no chance? No, it doesn’t. Veterinary schools are looking for well-rounded students. They’re looking for future leaders. You can make yourself a better candidate by getting good (or great) grades as well as experience and leadership skills.

Prerequisites

You could have a 4.0 GPA and still not get into veterinary school if you haven’t completed the prerequisites required for admission. Make sure you know your prospective schools’ requirements when you plan your undergraduate classes. Fortunately, most schools have similar requirements. For more information and links to U.S. veterinary colleges, visit the Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges (AAVMC) website. 

That said, check out your school’s undergraduate catalog for courses that aren’t on the vet school prerequisite list but might be good courses to give you a “leg up” and better prepare you for the coursework you’ll have in vet school. For example, consider taking upper-level anatomy and physiology, zoology, microbiology, animal science/animal production, nutrition, and histology courses, to name a few. It’s possible that taking these courses as an undergrad can make the comparable vet school classes much less stressful for you because you’ve already got a good foundation in that subject.

Majors

You don’t have to be a pre-vet major to get into vet school – you just need to get the prerequisite coursework completed and do well. We’ve seen vet students whose undergraduate majors were math, engineering, English, and many others. Once you’re in vet school, the playing field is equal. It’s important to enjoy your undergrad studies by picking a major that you are passionate about—not simply the “best one” for getting into vet school.

Experience

If you’ve been in 4-H, FFA or a similar group, that’s great experience that should go on your veterinary school admission form. Similarly, working with animals in any way can be of value. For example, volunteering at shelters or rescues can provide animal handling experience that will help make you a better candidate. 

Volunteering or working for a veterinarian is very important. Not only does it expose you to your potential career (so you know what you’re getting into, so to speak), but it also might provide a good recommendation for you from the veterinarian.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m4n8NWpOx-M

Varied experience is also helpful. If you have the opportunity to work in a research lab or for veterinarians who work with different species, that’s a bonus that can make you more appealing to a veterinary school admissions committee. Get as much experience as you can while you have the opportunity.

Leadership skills

Leadership experience, such as holding an office in student government or other groups, is a big plus. Get involved in your pre-vet club, student government, fraternity/sorority, or other organization. If one of these doesn’t exist, get some others together and start a club of your own! 

Communication skills

Because veterinarians’ patients can’t really talk and tell them what’s wrong, people tend to think that communication skills are less important. That couldn’t be more untrue. It’s essential for veterinarians to have good communications skills so their clients can understand what’s going on with their animals and do their parts to help resolve the problem. Coursework or extracurricular activities that improve your communication skills are definitely helpful…not to mention it can help you when it comes to the interview. 

Most of us dread public speaking, but that’s all the more reason to take a class or two. Becoming more comfortable speaking to larger audiences will come in handy later in life.

Letters of recommendation

Get to know your professors. Sure, a professor can write a letter stating that you got an “A” in their class, but can they say anything else about you? A good letter of recommendation comes from a person who knows who you really are. You can get to know professors by attending office hours, volunteering in their research projects, or joining a club that they advise. Check with the vet schools you are applying to for their requirements of who they want the letters to come from—usually they want to hear not only from your professors, but also vets that you have worked with. 

Standardized tests

Standardized tests? Again? And you thought that was over when you finished high school! The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is required by most veterinary schools, and some also require the Biology GRE. The Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) is also accepted by some schools in place of the GRE. Find out where you can take the exam and what preparation you need to succeed. For a listing of each accredited veterinary school’s requirements, go to the AAVMC site at www.aavmc.org. More information can be found at http://www.ets.org/gre/

how much do vets make in bC

The average pay for a Veterinarian is $113,127 a year and $54 an hour in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. The average salary range for a Veterinarian is between $79,295 and $140,521.

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