University of Saskatchewan

What you'll study

This graduate diploma is centred on immersive clinical training in a multidisciplinary small animal hospital environment. The programme combines supervised rotations, structured case responsibility and formal teaching to develop diagnostic reasoning, technical skills and professional competencies.

• Core clinical rotations: rotating placements in small animal surgery, internal medicine, emergency and critical care, diagnostic imaging and anaesthesia with progressive hands-on responsibility.
• Specialty exposure: focused blocks or consult sessions in cardiology, oncology, neurology, dermatology, ophthalmology, dentistry and behaviour depending on case availability and trainee interests.
• Practical skills: training in surgical techniques, advanced imaging interpretation (radiography, ultrasound, CT/MRI where available), endoscopy, cytology, and common hospital procedures.
• Clinical rounds and didactic teaching: regular case rounds, journal clubs, seminars and morbidity & mortality meetings to reinforce evidence-based practice and professional judgement.
• Professional development and assessment: supervised case logs, competency-based assessments, reflective portfolio and completion of at least one in-depth case report or clinical review suitable for presentation or publication.
• On-call experience: participation in supervised after-hours or emergency shifts to build confidence managing acute presentations.

Entry requirements

Applicants are expected to hold a qualifying veterinary degree (DVM or equivalent) from an accredited institution and to be eligible for licensure wherever clinical duties will be performed. Typical application requirements include:

• Academic transcripts from the veterinary degree.
• Curriculum vitae demonstrating clinical experience, particularly in small animal practice.
• Letters of reference, usually including at least one from a clinical supervisor.
• Personal statement outlining career goals and reasons for pursuing an internship.
• Successful interview with programme faculty.
• Compliance with occupational health requirements (vaccinations, proof of immunity) and any required background or credential checks.

Selection is competitive and based on clinical promise, prior experience, references and fit with the programme's training capacity. Candidates without immediate licensure may be accepted if they can obtain appropriate practising authority before clinical duties commence.

Career prospects

Graduates of the internship enhance their clinical competence and employability in a range of roles. Common pathways include:

• Positions in small animal referral or emergency hospitals where advanced clinical skills and on-call experience are valued.
• Competitive applicants for specialty residency training programmes in disciplines such as surgery, internal medicine, emergency/critical care, diagnostic imaging and cardiology.
• Opportunities in general practice with a greater scope of procedures and case management, including mentorship or leadership roles.
• Academic or research roles that value clinical experience, or industry positions in diagnostics, pharmaceuticals and veterinary services.

Why study at University of Saskatchewan

The University of Saskatchewan's veterinary programmes are delivered through the Western College of Veterinary Medicine, which operates a multi-disciplinary veterinary medical centre that provides a diverse clinical caseload suitable for intensive internship training. Trainees benefit from hands-on mentoring by board-certified clinicians and experienced faculty, access to modern diagnostic and surgical facilities, and regular academic programming that supports professional growth.

The college's integrated clinical and research environment offers opportunities to be involved in clinical studies, collaborative case management and continued professional development, making it a strong choice for graduates seeking to consolidate clinical skills and prepare for advanced training or specialist careers.