Job requirements Veterinarian in Canada
Find out what you typically need to work as a veterinarian in Canada. These requirements are applicable to all Veterinarians (NOC 31103).
Employment requirements
This is what you typically need for the job.
- Doctor of veterinary medicine
- Two years of pre-veterinary university studies or completion of a college program in health science and a four to five year university degree in veterinary medicine and successful completion of an examination leading to a national certification are required.
- A provincial licence to practice is required.
- Veterinary specialists
- Completion of a degree in veterinary medicine and three to four years of additional postgraduate studies or residency program in the specialty of their choice are required.
- Veterinary specialists must be accredited by the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (ACVIM) or the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners (ABVP). In Quebec, they must be accredited by the Ordre des médecins vétérinaires du Québec and only 18 specialties are recognized.
- A provincial license to practice is required.
- Research veterinarian
- Two years of pre-veterinary university studies or completion of a college program in health science and a four to five year university degree in veterinary medicine and successful completion of an examination leading to a national certification are required.
- Entry into research positions may require postgraduate study.
- A provincial license to practice is required.
Professional certification and licensing
You might need to get a certification and/or license from a regulatory authority (or become registered as an apprentice) before you start working. Find out if this occupation is regulated and contact the regulatory authority to learn about the certification and/or licensing process.
Get your foreign credentials recognized in Canada
If you are a newcomer and want to work in a regulated job, you must have your training, education or work experience from another country assessed. This shows if your qualifications are recognized in Canada. This process is called foreign credential recognition.
The steps to get a license or certification are different in each province or territory. You will need to contact the regulatory authority where you want to work to learn what to do.
Did you know?
Getting your qualifications recognized and obtaining a professional license or certification in Canada can take time, money, and effort. If you need help, you can:
- Use free newcomer services that can support credential recognition and certification in Canada.
- Find loans and support services that you may be eligible for.
- Learn about the foreign credential
Alberta
British Columbia
Manitoba
New Brunswick
Newfoundland and Labrador
Northwest Territories
Nova Scotia
Nunavut
Ontario
Prince Edward Island
Québec
Saskatchewan
Do you want to work in another province or territory?
If you are already certified to work in a regulated occupation in your province or territory, it will be easier for you to have your certification recognized in another province or territory. See the Workers Mobility's website to learn more.
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