How to become a veterinarian in Ontario: A guide for internationally educated veterinarians

If you’re an internationally educated veterinarian aiming to continue your career in Ontario, the path involves navigating specific licensing requirements and assessments. Veterinarians play a crucial role in animal health, providing medical care to pets, livestock and wildlife, while also contributing to public health by managing disease prevention and food safety. In Ontario, the demand for qualified veterinarians is growing due to the increasing pet population, expanding livestock sector and heightened focus on animal welfare. However, the licensing process can be complex, requiring candidates to meet educational standards, pass exams and fulfill regulatory requirements. This guide will walk you through the steps to become a licensed veterinarian in Ontario, outlining what it takes to meet the province’s standards.

Education and experience requirements

To practice as a veterinarian in Ontario, you need a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree. The degree must be from a program accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) Council on Education or from an acceptable unaccredited institution. If your education is from an unaccredited school, you will need to complete additional assessments to demonstrate equivalence with Ontario's veterinary standards.

Applying for licensure in Ontario

1. Start with the National Examining Board (NEB): Begin by applying to the NEB of the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA). This application initiates one of the approved veterinary medicine examination pathways.

2. Complete the NEB requirements:

   - For AVMA-accredited graduates, you need to pass the North American Veterinary Licensing Exam (NAVLE), which tests scientific and clinical knowledge required for veterinary practice.

   - For graduates of unaccredited schools, additional steps include passing the Basic and Clinical Sciences Exam (BCSE), the Preliminary Surgical Assessment (PSA) and the Clinical Proficiency Exam (CPE). Alternatively, you may complete the Program for the Assessment of Veterinary Education Equivalence.

3. Apply to the College of Veterinarians of Ontario (CVO): After meeting NEB requirements, submit an application to the CVO to practice veterinary medicine in Ontario. The licensing process involves passing the CVO Jurisprudence Exam, which covers Ontario legislation, regulations and CVO standards. If you need more practical experience, you may be eligible for a restricted license, allowing you to work under the supervision of a licensed veterinarian.

Language requirements

To practice in Ontario, veterinarians must be able to communicate effectively in either English or French. If your veterinary education or primary schooling was not conducted in one of these languages, you’ll need to pass an approved language proficiency test. Accepted tests include TOEFL, CAEL or IELTS for English, and the OLF test for French.

Fees and associated costs

The process of becoming a licensed veterinarian in Ontario comes with various fees and costs:

- Exam fees: The NAVLE, CPE and other required exams come with registration fees that can total thousands of dollars.

- Application fees: You’ll need to pay a fee when applying for a license from the CVO, along with additional costs for background checks or credential evaluations.

- Language proficiency testing: If you are required to demonstrate language skills in English or French, there are fees for taking approved language tests.

- Miscellaneous costs: Other potential expenses may include translating documents, travel costs for taking exams and obtaining official educational transcripts.

The overall cost can range from $5,000 to $15,000 or more, depending on the specific requirements and individual circumstances.

Salary expectations for veterinarians in Ontario

Veterinarians in Ontario can expect a competitive salary, with earnings influenced by factors such as specialization, experience and location. According to many sources, the average salary for veterinarians in Ontario ranges from $80,000 to $130,000 annually. Those who work in urban areas or specialize in fields like surgery or exotic animal care often earn at the higher end of this range. Additionally, veterinarians with their own practices or who work with large animal clients may see increased earnings due to higher demand for specialized services. As you gain more experience, salaries typically increase, reflecting your expertise and value in the field.

How Windmill Microlending can help

The journey to becoming a veterinarian in Ontario can be both financially challenging and time-consuming, especially for internationally educated professionals. Windmill Microlending understands these challenges and is committed to helping newcomers overcome the financial barriers associated with licensing and career advancement in Canada.

Windmill Microlending offers loans of up to $15,000 to help cover the costs of exams, language proficiency tests, credential evaluations and application fees. Our low-interest loans are designed specifically for internationally trained professionals, making it easier to invest in your future without the stress of high-interest debt. Check your eligibility today!

‍