Graduate Certificate in Veterinary Diagnostic Pathology

This year-long certificate provides veterinarians with prior training in pathology the opportunity to deepen their diagnostic expertise through an intensive, practice-focused program. Students complete a single, nine-credit course—Advanced Veterinary Diagnostic Pathology—that spans three consecutive terms and is customized to their professional goals.

Throughout the program, you will gain significant exposure to the day-to-day work of veterinary diagnostic pathology. Depending on your training plan, your experience may include:

• participating in diagnostic case investigations through approved diagnostic laboratories
• contributing to teaching activities, such as supervising junior trainees and assisting with lectures or laboratories for undergraduate veterinary students
• engaging in research or scholarly work aligned with your interests and advisory committee guidance
• presenting within departmental seminar series and attending relevant national or international meetings or conferences
• completing structured self-directed study, including materials recommended in ACVP reading lists, to support advanced competency development

The program typically runs from mid-August to mid-August. Of the 52-week cycle, approximately 48 weeks are dedicated to academic and diagnostic activities, evenly divided between hands-on diagnostic service/teaching and additional diagnostic work, research, scholarly activity, or intensive study.

Designed for motivated veterinarians seeking advanced professional growth, the certificate provides a robust foundation for those preparing to sit the American College of Veterinary Pathologists (ACVP) certifying examination or pursuing further specialized training.

Funding

Applicants who are graduates of a recognized program of veterinary medicine and Canadian citizens or permanent residents may be eligible for financial support from the WCVM Interprovincial Graduate Fellowship fund on a competitive basis.

Tuition and fees

Course-based master's, certificate or postgraduate diploma program

Students in course-based programs pay tuition for each class they take. Every class is assigned a number of credit units (usually three) which determines their cost. If a student is not enrolled in any classes for a term, they will need to register in a 'Maintenance of Status' class that is assessed tuition equivalent to 3 credit units to stay in their program.

Student fees

In addition to tuition above, students also pay fees for programs like health and dental insurance, a bus pass, and other campus services. The amount you need to pay depends on if you are taking classes full time or part time, and if you are on campus or not. The table below assumes you are on campus full-time.

Tuition information is accurate for the current academic year and does not include student fees. For detailed tuition and fees information, visit the official tuition website.

Graduate Certificate (G.Cert.)

To be accepted into the CVDP program, applicants must:

• be a graduate of a recognized program of veterinary medicine and, therefore, have earned a DVM degree or equivalent;
• in addition to a D.V.M., must have a minimum of 2 years of additional, recognized post-D.V.M. veterinary diagnostic pathology training and have demonstrated competence;
• possess a weighted average of at least 75% (USask grade equivalencies) during their veterinary diagnostic pathology training program, if applicable (as not all veterinary diagnostic pathology training programs, or residencies, use grades);
• arrange for the submission of 3 strong letters of reference that predict success in a busy veterinary diagnostic pathology training program;
• provide evidence, if necessary, of proficiency in English consistent with that required by the CGPS; and,
• be eligible for licensure by the Saskatchewan Veterinary Medical Association.

Deadlines and important dates

Submit an online application

Before beginning your online application, be sure that you have carefully reviewed all program information and admission requirements on this page.

During the application, you'll be asked for:

• Personal information such as your name, address, etc.
• Contact information of your three referees
  
  • For your letters of recommendation, two of your referees must be academic contacts, and the third may be academic or professional
• Your complete academic history from all previous post-secondary institutions

The application takes about 30 minutes to complete. You may save your application and return to it later.

At the end of the application, you will need to pay a non-refundable application fee: $125 for domestic students and $145 for international students. Your application will not be processed until payment is received.

• Begin an application
• How to apply

Submit required documents

Once you've submitted your online application, you will have access to upload your required documents, and provide the contact information for your references. To do this, go to the "Supplemental Items & Documents" tab in your application.