The WCVM offers its students with a complete veterinary education that is recognized worldwide for its quality and depth.

Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM)

Western College Veterinary Medicine has five departments: Large Animal Clinical Sciences, Small Animal Clinical Sciences, Veterinary Biomedical Sciences, Veterinary Microbiology, and Veterinary Pathology. According to their official website, “The Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM) is the premier centre of veterinary education, research and expertise in Western Canada and a key member of Canada’s veterinary, public health and food safety network. More than 450 undergraduate and graduate students are enrolled at the internationally-recognized veterinary college that includes a veterinary medical centre, a provincial diagnostic laboratory and large-scale research facilities.”

WCVM is part of the University of Saskatchewan, the only Canadian university campus with a full complement of health sciences, agriculture and engineering colleges. Each year, up to 78 students begin the four-year Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) program that’s designed to prepare students for careers in private practice, public service, research, academia and industry.

Contact

Western College Veterinary Medicine Admissions Office
Phone: (306) 966-7459
Fax: (306) 966-8747
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.usask.ca/wcvm

Western College of Veterinary Medicine
University of Saskatchewan
52 Campus Drive
Saskatoon, SK, Canada

 

Quick Facts

1. Application Deadline
Applications are due December 1st.

2. GRE or MCAT
The GRE is not required.

3. Students
Up to 78 students begin the four-year DVM program every year.

4. Four-year Total Tuition Cost 
Based on 2013-2014 tuition rates for the DVM degree

Tuition: $33,064 (8,266 C$/year)

5. Accreditation
University of Saskatchewan Western College Veterinary Medicine was given full accreditation status by the American Veterinary Medical Association. The next full review by the AVMA is scheduled for 2017. 

6. School Rank
University of Saskatchewan Western College of Veterinary Medicine was not ranked by US News and World Reports in 2011.

7. School History
University of Saskatchewan Western College of Veterinary Medicine was established in 1963 and the first class graduated in 1967. 

Admissions Information

The typical size of the first-year class at Western College Veterinary Medicine is 80 students. The school features a revised curriculum that provides students with refined core courses, a wider range of third-year elective courses, and more instruction in leadership, communications and practice management. There is also plenty of hands-on experience with animals through formal laboratory exercises, elective courses and fourth-year rotations. Finally, full international accreditation status has been granted for the DVM program and the College so you can be assured that your educational credentials are recognized anywhere in the world.

Evaluation Basis

The admission procedure consists of an assessment of academic ability, a personal interview, and an overall assessment of the application file.

Selection Criteria

Selection is based upon a number of factors including:

• academic performance
• mental aptitude
• motivation
• maturity
• leadership qualities
• experience with animals
• social awareness
• knowledge and understanding of the veterinary profession
• verbal facility, deportment and ability to communicate

Degrees or diplomas held are not factors in the selection process.

Transcripts and Academic Performance

Interviews

Applicants to be interviewed are selected based entirely on academic performance.

Letters of Recommendation/Evaluations (a total of 2)

• Veterinarian
• an individual who has an animal-related or agricultural background

 

Acceptance Rate

The school receives 300 applications every year for approximately 80 seats.

Timetable

• Application Deadline – December 1
• Reference form (online submission) – February 15
• Interviews – March and June
• Transcripts (current year grades) – Mid-May
• Final Selection Notices – Mid-June

 

Pre-requisite Course Requirements

Prerequisite Courses (minimum semester credits)

• English (6)
• Chemistry (6)
• Organic Chemistry (3)
• Biochemistry (3)
• Physics (3)
• Mathematics or Statistics (6)
• Biology (6)
• Genetics (3)
• Introductory Microbiology (3)
• Elective Courses (21)

 

Required Experience
Animal and Veterinary Experience
A specific amount of veterinary medical experience is not required but highly recommended.

 

Degrees Offered

Graduate Programs

Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences

• Master of Science (MSc)
• Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
• Master of Veterinary Science (MVetSc)
• Postgraduate Diploma Programs in Veterinary Medicine

Department of  Small Animal Clinical Sciences

• Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
• Master of Science (MSc)
• Master of Veterinary Science (MVetSc)

Department of Veterinary Biomedical Sciences

• Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
• Master of Science (MSc)

Department of Veterinary Microbiology

• Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
• Master of Science (MSc)

Department of Veterinary Pathology

• Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
• Master of Veterinary Science (MVetSc)
• Master of Science (MSc)
• Senior Residency