Skills, Education and Experience

In order to work as a veterinarian you require:

• 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
• completion of national certification exams
• a provincial license to practice

Entry into research positions may require post-graduate study

This occupation is regulated in British Columbia.

You must be registered with the College of Veterinarians of British Columbia (CVBC) to work as a veterinarian.  There are 5 different classes of registration with CVBC.

If you wish to be registered with the CVBC, you generally must: 

• complete a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree or equivalent from an institution recognized by the Canadian Veterinary Medicine Association;
• successfully complete the National Examining Board (NEB) examinations and receive a Certificate of Qualification* (see below for exception); 
• complete the practical training required as part of the program of study;
• be legally entitled to work in Canada;
• demonstrate to the College that you are of suitable character and conduct
• demonstrate English Language proficiency

Further details about registration:

Provisional Supervised Active (PSA) Registration with the College of Veterinarians of BC is available to veterinarians who do not yet have a Certificate of Qualification (CQ) granted by the National Examining Board. PSA registration in the Private Practice is intended as a transitional form of registration that enables you to work under the supervision of a fully registered veterinarian while you prepare for and complete the Pre-Surgical Assessment and Clinical Proficiency Exam. It is intended for internationally-trained veterinarians who received their training at a veterinary college not accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association. PSA registration is granted for a maximum of 2 years.

More information: