Those that have graduated from an educational institution that is not accredited by the CVMA or AVMA may be eligible for membership with the MVMA as a veterinarian. These applicants must first begin the process by registering with the National Examining Board (NEB). More information about the NEB can be located on the NEB’s website.

Those in the process of obtaining a Certificate of Qualification from the National Examining Board are eligible for Restricted General Membership with the MVMA upon:

• Successful completion of the Basic and Clinical Sciences Examinations (BCSE);
• Successful completion of the North American Veterinary Licensing Examination (NAVLE); and
• Registration for the Preliminary Surgical Assessment (PSA)

A restricted member must pass the Clinical Proficiency Examination within two years, failing which, a member’s registration may be revoked.

Those that have graduated from an educational institution that is not accredited by the CVMA or AVMA may be eligible for unrestricted membership upon successful completion of the Clinical Proficiency Examination (CPE) and granting of a Certificate of Qualification from the NEB.

Until a restricted member has successfully completed the PSA, the member must practice under direct supervision of a practicing veterinarian member.

“Direct supervision” means the direction by a licensed member of another individual who is
performing a veterinary medical procedure, where the licensed member is on the premises at
which the procedure is being performed;

Following successful completion of the PSA, a restricted member practice at a minimum under indirect supervision of a practicing veterinarian member.

“Indirect supervision” means the direction by a licensed member of another individual who is performing a veterinary medical procedure, where the licensed member need not be on the premises at which the procedure is being performed but must be at least available to receive and respond to any communications from that individual in a manner and with timeliness that are reasonable given the nature and the circumstances of the procedure;

Supervision Report

Restricted Members are required to participate in the supervision program and provide a supervision report on an annual basis. The Supervision Report form can be located here.

Finding a Supervisor

Need help finding a supervisor? Please click here for information about the Connecting Manitoba Practices with Internationally Educated Veterinarians resource.

Please click here for more information.

The National Examining Board (NEB) exam preparation materials can be found here.

The MVMA does not endorse specific study materials. The MVMA provides a list of study materials below that have been suggested by Manitoba applicants.

• Zuku Review – preparation supports for BCSE and NAVLE – subscription
• Vet Candy – preparation supports for NAVLE, podcasts, blog, books and magazines –
• Vet Prep – preparation supports for NAVLE – subscription
• Merck Veterinary Manual – wide variety of resources for veterinary professionals including reference guides, case studies, info graphics, clinical calculators and quizzes – free.
• Western College of Veterinary Medicine – preparation course for veterinary surgical assessments – free.
• International Council for Veterinary Assessment – self-assessment to help identify strengths and weaknesses in preparation for NAVLE – fee based and some free sample assessments.
• DASIE Approach, University of Guelph – preparation resources for surgical assessments including videos on various suture techniques – free.
• DASIE Approach for Spay (Ovariohysterectomy), University of Guelph – preparation resources for spay surgeries – free.
• DASIE Training Tool – example of where to purchase a training tool that may be used in surgical Note: there may be other companies selling tools that better suit individual practice needs.

Funding Opportunities in Manitoba

Various organizations in Manitoba provide support to graduates of unaccredited programs as they pursue obtaining licensure in Manitoba.

Manitoba Careers for Internationally Educated Professionals Program

This program supports internationally educated professionals (IEPs) towards their goal of working in their professional fields in Manitoba. It provides non-repayable financial assistance to help IEPs with assessment and training costs while pursuing registration. To be eligible, individuals must have started the registration process with a Manitoba regulator, and be motivated and able to complete the process in a timely, efficient and continuous manner. For more information and to apply, visit their website.

Recognition Counts

This program provides supports to skilled immigrants wishing to work in their field of expertise or an alternative career in Manitoba. The program offers financial counselling, as well as the opportunity to apply for a loan of up to $30,000 with Assiniboine Credit Union to help with the cost of having qualifications recognized in Manitoba and obtaining related employment. To learn more, visit their website.

Manitoba Student Aid

This is a supplemental financial assistance program for Manitobans who do not have enough resources to pay for post-secondary education (university or college) on their own. This program provides various types of funding through the Manitoba Student Aid Program and the Canada Student Loans and Grants Programs. Funding includes repayable government student loans and non-repayable grants and/or bursaries. For more information, visit their website.

Windmill Microlending

Windmill Microlending is Canada’s only national charity providing affordable loans to help skilled immigrants and refugees leverage their talents and contribute to the Canadian workforce. Our work brings together invaluable resources, generous donors and talented newcomers to reduce poverty, inequity, and labour shortages in Canada. For more information, visit their website.

Immigration links

Skilled Worker in Manitoba | Manitoba Immigration

Regional Immigration Initiatives | Manitoba Immigration

Manitoba Start- Bringing You a World-Class Workforce – Manitoba Start

The MVMA is here to help. From time to time the MVMA receives requests from internationally educated veterinarians that need letters for immigration or funding programs. The MVMA is happy to help where we are able. Please reach out to the MVMA if we can be of assistance.