Post-Graduate Certificate Training Programs at the AVC

At the Atlantic Veterinary College (AVC) Teaching Hospital, University of Prince Edward Island, we are proud to offer world-class veterinary education through our post graduate clinical training programs. These programs are designed to provide veterinarians with advanced clinical experience, mentorship, and specialized knowledge, preparing them for successful careers in general or specialty veterinary practice, academia, or research.

Why Choose AVC for Postgraduate Training?

Excellence in Clinical Education

AVC is a leader in veterinary education, with a strong reputation for delivering high-quality clinical training. Our post-graduate certificate (PGC) programs emphasize hands-on experience in diagnosing and treating a diverse range of animal species, guided by expert faculty in state-of-the-art facilities. Our location on Prince Edward Island provides unique exposure to both small and large animal cases.

Dedicated Mentorship

Our PGC students and residents are supported by experienced clinicians who are committed to fostering the professional growth of everyone. Through personalized mentorship, you will have the opportunity to refine your clinical skills, engage in collaborative problem-solving, and develop the confidence needed to excel in specialized veterinary fields.

Collaborative Environment

At AVC, we foster a collegial and interdisciplinary approach to veterinary medicine. Post-Graduate Certificate students and residents work closely with faculty, fellow trainees, and students, participating in collaborative rounds, seminars, and case discussions. This dynamic, team-oriented setting encourages the exchange of ideas and the continuous advancement of clinical knowledge.

Post-Graduate Certificate Program

Our Post-Graduate Certificate program provides recent veterinary graduates with a broad-based, year-long clinical experience across a variety of disciplines. Students work in rotations through various services including small animal medicine and surgery, large animal medicine, ambulatory, surgery and theriogenology.  You will gain critical hands-on experience managing cases, performing procedures, and interacting with clients.

Students may also participate in emergency duty and on-call rotations, providing you with exposure to high-intensity, real-world scenarios under the guidance of seasoned clinicians. These experiences will sharpen your decision-making skills, helping you transition smoothly into either a general veterinary practice or a residency program.

Residency Program

The Residency Program at AVC offers veterinarians advanced training in a specific area of veterinary medicine. Residencies typically span three to four years and are designed to prepare veterinarians for board certification by relevant specialty colleges, such as the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (ACVIM) or the American College of Veterinary Surgeons (ACVS). All residencies are combined with advanced degree training (MVSc, MSc, or PhD).

Residents benefit from in-depth clinical training in a chosen specialty, such as small animal medicine, or surgery, large animal medicine or surgery, theriogenology, cardiology, clinical pathology, anatomic pathology, ambulatory equine, and population medicine. Under the supervision of board-certified specialists, residents engage in clinical case management, advanced diagnostics, and innovative treatment strategies. Additionally, residents are required to pursue research opportunities, contributing to the advancement of veterinary medicine while expanding their own expertise.

Program Benefits
  • Comprehensive Clinical Experience: With a wide variety of animal species and case types, trainees at AVC develop a well-rounded skill set in veterinary medicine.
  • Board-Certified Faculty: Our faculty members are leaders in their fields, many of whom are recognized as board-certified specialists in areas such as surgery, internal medicine, and cardiology.
  • Supportive Learning Environment: AVC is committed to creating a supportive and inclusive environment for all trainees, where clinical training and professional development go hand-in-hand.
  • Access to Cutting-Edge Technology: Our veterinary teaching hospital is equipped with modern diagnostic and therapeutic tools, including advanced imaging technologies and surgical suites, allowing trainees to work with the latest advancements in veterinary care.
  • Research and Publication Opportunities: Residents are required to engage in clinical research, with access to faculty mentorship and institutional resources to support scholarly work.
Additional Perks
  • Access to a nurse practitioner on campus
  • On campus fitness facilities and pool
  • High quality of life with short commutes and a safe environment
  • On-campus housing available
  • Diverse and Inclusive community

How to Apply

If you’re ready to take the next step in your veterinary career, we invite you to explore our post-graduate training opportunities. Available seats in each program are generally announced in the fall of each year to commence between late June and mid-July of the following year. Application for the programs is available only to veterinarians and is done through the Veterinary Internship and Residency Matching Program (VIRMP) administered by the American Association of Veterinary Clinicians. Further details on these positions and information about the application process are available through the VIRMP website.

Atlantic Veterinary College

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