VSTEP - Veterinary Skills Training and Enhancement Program

What is VSTEP?: VSTEP is a joint venture of the College of Veterinarians of Ontario (CVO), the Ontario Veterinary Medical Association (OVMA) and the Ontario Veterinary College of the University of Guelph (OVC). VSTEP operates through funding provided by the Ontario Government, the Department of Citizenship and Immigration Canada, the support of corporate sponsors and the tuition fees of its applicants. VSTEP wishes to be the primary source of education and re-training for internationally educated veterinarians striving to meet Ontario’s licensing requirements. VSTEP will produce highly desirable and employable graduates who will achieve practice success at a level that meets or exceeds Ontario standards.
Who can apply to the Veterinary Skills Training and Enhancement Program?: All internationally trained veterinarians who have passed either the North American Veterinary Licensing Examination (NAVLE) or the Basic and Clinical Sciences Exam (BCSE) are welcome to apply. Priority for admission to the program will be given to those who are Canadian citizens or landed immigrants.
What is the BCSE?: The BCSE is a new written examination of 200 multiple choice questions administered by computer. It measures the general knowledge base of candidates in the areas of anatomy, pharmacology, physiology, toxicology, pathology, medicine, surgery, anesthesia, diagnostics and preventive medicine. The BCSE requires less than four hours to complete.
Which exam should I write; the NAVLE or the BCSE?: If you have passed the NAVLE you are eligible to apply for VSTEP 2008 and do not have to write the BCSE. If you are registered to write the NAVLE in November/December 2007 and pass that exam, you will be eligible to apply for VSTEP 2008. Otherwise, if you wish to apply to VSTEP 2008, you should register to write the BCSE in November 2007. Writing the BCSE in 2008 will be too late for VSTEP 2008 as you are unlikely to have your test results in time.
How can I apply to write the BCSE?: The BCSE will be offered starting in the fall of 2007 at Prometric® Inc. testing centres. For more information on the BCSE, contact either the National Examining Board (NEB) of the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association or the Educational Commission for Foreign Veterinary Graduates (ECFVG) in the United States.
Do applicants need to have passed an English proficiency test also?: Yes. The English proficiency test passed in order to be eligible to write the BCSE and/or the NAVLE meets the requirements.
What training is available to help me study for the BCSE?: The ECFVG offers suggestions as to appropriate references to prepare for the BCSE. VSTEP does not endorse any BCSE preparation program
What is the NAVLE?: The NAVLE is a written examination of 360 multiple choice questions administered by computer. It measures the general knowledge base of candidates in the various scientific disciplines which are required in veterinary medicine. The NAVLE requires one full day to complete.
What is the CPE?: The Clinical Proficiency Examination (CPE) is a practical "hands-on" examination to assess technical skills. It takes three to five days to complete and is offered several times a year at the four Canadian colleges of veterinary medicine as well as in the United States. Following successful completion of the BCSE applicants may next attempt the NAVLE and the CPE. The order is up to each applicant. Those who have already passed the NAVLE must next attempt the CPE and need not complete the BCSE. In any case, applicants must first register with either the NEB or the ECFVG. These organizations will advise applicants as to the requirements for licensure based on their individual circumstances.
Where are the four Canadian colleges of veterinary medicine?: These include the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM) located at the University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan; the Ontario Veterinary College (OVC) located at the University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, the Faculté de médecine vétérinaire located at the University of Montreal, St-Hyacinthe, Québec, and the Atlantic Veterinary College (AVC) located at the University of Prince Edward Island, Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island. A fifth school of veterinary medicine opened in the fall of 2006 at the University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, but it is not known if the CPE will be offered there.
Is the CPE offered anywhere else?: Yes the CPE is offered at many Universities in the United States and at a dedicated site affiliated with the Western Veterinary Conference in Las Vegas, Nevada
If I participate in VSTEP, are there any restrictions on where I can take the CPE?: Yes. According to current policies of the NEB, participants in VSTEP may not take the CPE at the University of Guelph and should anticipate having to take the CPE at another authorized site.
Once I pass the NAVLE, can I apply for a licence?: If you graduated from a veterinary school that is accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association, you can apply for a licence. If not, you must pass the Clinical Proficiency Examination (CPE).
What language must I use for the NAVLE and the CPE?: English or French only. The CPE is available in French at the Faculté de médecine vétérinaire (St-Hyacinthe, Québec), usually during two sessions per year.
How long must I wait to sit the CPE?: The waiting period in the United States is approximately 3 months while the waiting period in Canada is approximately 24 months.
What is the cost of sitting the CPE?: Contact the National Examining Board for current prices.
Can I apply for a licence once I have passed the CPE?: Applicants for licensure must pass both the NAVLE and the CPE before applying for licensure.
Is VSTEP a CPE preparation course?: Although it is recognized that the CPE is necessary for licensure, VSTEP is designed to prepare internationally educated veterinarians for a rewarding and successful career in veterinary medicine and not simply to pass the CPE. VSTEP will also help participants prepare for the NAVLE if they have not yet passed this exam.
What will I learn from VSTEP?: At the conclusion of the VSTEP participants will demonstrate general entry-level competence in the provision of primary veterinary care including an ability to collect a medical history, develop a diagnostic plan, interpret findings and manage common primary care cases. Participants will be proficient at medical records management and exercise sound professional judgment all with an underpinning of strong communication skills.
The program will focus on specific technical skills in the areas of anesthesia and analgesia, common surgical procedures, post-mortem examinations, interpretation of common ancillary tests, understanding the classes of drugs used to treat and prevent common disorders as well as any applicable regulations and the performance and interpretation of common forms of radiographic study.
How long will it take to complete the VSTEP?: VSTEP 2008 will consist of approximately 400 hours of labs and lectures scheduled to run from April 28th to August 29th 2008. Upon conclusion of these academic modules, participants will be provided with 20 days of practical field experience throughout the months of September and October.
Where will the VSTEP course be offered?: The classroom lecture and laboratory components will be offered in Guelph, Ontario. The field placement experience will be offered all over the province of Ontario. Consideration will be given to out of province field placement opportunities.
Can I continue to work while I am enrolled in VSTEP?: VSTEP lectures and labs will be scheduled during weekdays as well as some evenings and weekends. It will be extremely challenging to maintain employment during the program.
Is there a selection process for potential candidates?: Yes. Enrollment is competitive. Participants will be selected based on the information provided in their application forms and / or interviews. Priority will be given to Canadian citizens or landed immigrants.
Can internationally trained veterinarians living outside of Ontario apply to VSTEP?: Yes. Although applicants who are Canadian citizens or landed immigrants will be given priority, all internationally trained veterinarians are welcome to apply. It will not be possible to determine the prospects for admission until all applications have been received.
Do I have to sign anything to be involved in the course?: Yes. VSTEP participants are required to sign a contract with both the program and with field placement practitioners. The contract will outline the expectations and responsibilities of both the program and the participants.
Will I be granted a licence if I complete the VSTEP?: Veterinarians who have successfully completed VSTEP and have passed the NAVLE can apply for a restricted licence with the CVO. Those who have passed the BCSE and successfully completed VSTEP must pass the NAVLE before the CVO will issue a restricted licence.
What can I do with a restricted licence?: A restricted licence permits employment as a veterinarian under the supervision of another licenced veterinarian. The holder of the restricted licence may continue to develop their skills while waiting to sit the CPE.

How much will it cost to enroll in VSTEP?: Tuition for VSTEP 2008 has been set at $15,500 for Canadians and $18,500 for all other applicants. All fees are subject to the federal Goods and Services Tax (GST) currently set at 5%.
Successful applicants to the program who hold proof of permanent resident or refugee status and who can demonstrate that they live in Ontario will not have to pay any fees.
Are there any programs in place that might finance my participation in VSTEP?: Yes. VSTEP can provide you with further information on available sources of financing

Will there be any other costs?: Yes. Participants will be charged for materials (approximately $750.00). There may also be additional costs for textbooks and other learning materials. Field placements will occur throughout Ontario. Costs incurred for accommodation during these placements will be the responsibility of the participant.
Successful applicants to the program who hold proof of permanent resident or refugee status and who can demonstrate that they live in Ontario will not have to pay any charges for materials but will have to pay any living expenses incurred during the program.
Will I need a computer?: VSTEP participants must have use of a computer with access to the internet and a printer.

How many will be admitted to VSTEP 2008?: The VSTEP 2008 cohort will consist of up to 48 participants.

Will I need to relocate for VSTEP?: Labs and lectures will be offered from April 28 to the end of August at the University of Guelph. Field placements will be offered throughout Ontario during September and October. Accommodation and / or transportation will be the responsibility of the participant. Relocation to Guelph is highly recommended.

Is there accommodation available in Guelph?: Yes. There are a number of sublets available in Guelph in the summer months, as well as rooms in the East Residence which is owned and operated by the University of Guelph. (http://www.housing.uoguelph.ca/home.cfm )

Will I need any vaccinations?: Yes. Proof of a RABIES RRFIT SEROLOGY titre greater than or equal to 0.5 IU/ml OR an original medical note verifying receipt of at least three rabies vaccinations must be provided prior to participation in the program.

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