VETERINARY MEDICINE

Schools Offering A Degree In Veterinary Medicine

•TheAtlanticVeterinaryCollege(UniversityofPEI)

•FacultédeMédecineVétérinaire(UniversitédeMontréal)*

•TheOntarioVeterinaryCollege(UniversityofGuelph)

•TheWesternCollegeofVeterinaryMedicine(UniversityofSaskatchewan)

•FacultyofVeterinaryMedicine(UniversityofAlberta) ***Note:ThelanguageofinstructionforthisschoolisFrench

DESCRIPTION²

The scope of veterinary medicine is wide, but generally covers the same principles as other professions related to human healthcare, namely professional communication, humanitarian service and scientific knowledge. Entrance into veterinary school is highly competitive, requiring a variety of prerequisite courses in addition to personal submissions and reference letters. If admitted into veterinary school, students typically undergo a four-year curriculum. The first year covers basic science knowledge along with introductory veterinary courses. The final three years consist mostly of veterinary courses and practicum, which prepare students for their future careers. In general, classes consist of anatomy, physiology, pathology, diagnosis analysis, immunology, among others.¹ Once students have completed their required courses, they are eligible to write their national board exams to obtain their Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine (DVM).

• Minimum 2 years of full-time undergraduate studies

• 3 semesters of introductory biology (2 animal biology + 1 cellular biology preferred)

• 2 semesters of chemistry

• 1 semester of genetics

• 1 semester of ecology

• 1 semester of biochemistry

• 2 semesters of math/statistics

• 2 semesters of social science/humanities (University of PEI requires 3 semesters)

• 1 semester of microbiology

• 1 semester of physics

• 1 semester of organic chemistry

• 2 semesters of English

• Competitive GPA of 3.4+ out of 4.0

• Minimum average GPA: 3.0 *** This list is a combination of prerequisites required for all five aforementioned schools. For a list of prerequisites specific to a school, please visit their website!!

Standardized Testing

Only the University of Guelph requires MCAT scores from applicants (GRE scores for nonCanadian applicants).²

NON-ACADEMIC REQUIREMENTS

Background information forms, animal/veterinary-related experience, and reference letters are required. The University of Calgary requires applicants to be residents of Alberta for at least 12 months. The Atlantic Veterinary College only accepts international students or permanent residents from the Atlantic Provinces. In addition, all schools will conduct an interview during the application process;² the University of Guelph and the University of Calgary follow the Multiple Mini Interview (MMI) style ⁷

⁸

Average Salary

The average salary of a veterinarian lies between $51,868 to $94,686 depending on factors such as experience and type of practice.

Similar Careers

Similar careers may include: veterinary technician, animal breeder, marine biologist, guide dog trainer, and veterinary pathologist

After Graduation

After graduation, DVMs may practice in traditional small-sized animal practices such as veterinary clinics or opt to work with larger animals. There are also numerous veterinary specialties open for those interested, such as animal welfare, clinical pathology, specialties dedicated to one specific species, research as well regulatory medicine in livestock.

References

1.University of Guelph. Current DVM Students [Internet]. Guelph Ontario Canada: University of Guelph; 1998.

Available from: http://www ovc uoguelph ca/dvm/

2 University of Guelph Non-Academic Requirements [Internet] Guelph, Ontario, Canada: University of Guelph; 2011

Available from: http://www ovc uoguelph ca/recruitment/en/applyingtodvm/Nonaca- demicrequirements asp

3 University of Calgary Admission Requirements [Internet] Calgary, Alberta, Canada: University of Calgary; 2013

Available from: http://vet ucalgary ca/dvmadmissions

4 University of Saskatchewan Academic Requirements [Internet] Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada: University of Saskatchewan; 1994 Available from: http://www usask ca/wcvm/undergraduate program/academic requirements php

5.University of Prince Edward Island. Application and Admissions [Internet]. Charlottetown Prince Edward Island Canada Available from: http://www upei ca/programsandcourses/ professional-programs/doctor-veterinary-medicine

6 University of Calgary Applicant Manual for the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) Program [Internet] Calgary, Alberta, Canada: University of Calgary Available from: http://vet ucalgary ca/system/files/Appmanual2016 0 pdf

7 PayScale Canada Salary snapshot for veterinarian job [Online] Seattle, Washington, United States of America: PayScale Canada; 2018 Available from: http://www payscale com/ research/CA/Job=Veterinarian/Salary