You have decided to turn your passion for helping animals into a full-time career by becoming a vet. The next step is to look for an appropriate veterinary school in your country or abroad. A foreign education can be beneficial as it exposes you to different cultures and allows you to hone your soft skills.

However, pursuing veterinary school in developed nations like the US or Canada can be very expensive and taxing on your economic resources. Choosing a veterinary school in the Caribbean can be a better and cheaper alternative instead.

There are plenty of factors that make up a good veterinary program in the Caribbean such as quality of education, NAVLE scores or academic prowess of the school. Here are some vital factors you should consider while doing your research before selecting the right school for yourself.

1. Quality of the hands-on training

The kind of hands-on experience you receive during your basic sciences curriculum has an important role in the development of your clinical skills. Therefore, when you are searching for a good school, review the type of training facilities available there.

You should check if you would receive training for both small and large animal care as well as terrestrial and aquatic animals. Also check if the school’s training facilities are up-to-date and use the latest medical equipment.

2. Clinical training opportunities

Clinical postings and rotations are an integral part of your veterinary studies journey. They develop the relevant clinical skills you would require to become a vet. Therefore, you must choose a vet school that offers clinical training opportunities at certified veterinary hospitals.

Most veterinary schools proudly display their clinical posting partnerships with clinics or veterinary hospitals in the US. You must review their information carefully as not every school offers the same access to international clinical experience.

Most veterinary clinic loans maintain a consistent APR, though providing more collateral can help lower this rate depending on the lender and loan program.

3. Accreditations and recognition

Accreditations and recognition from international veterinary bodies are the most important aspect of a veterinary school’s quality. The presence of multiple accreditations means that the school meets the international standards of quality for veterinary education.

Graduating from a non-accredited veterinary school can mean that the value of your degree and ability to practice abroad can be seriously compromised. Therefore, look for schools that are accredited by international veterinary boards and organizations.

4. School’s previous record of NAVLE

If you want to establish a veterinary practice in the US or Canada, you must pass the North American Veterinary Licensing Examination (NAVLE) to become a licensed vet there.

Therefore, you must review the track record of a veterinary school for their student success rate with the NAVLE before selecting it.

Apart from these indicators, you should also check for the class sizes, the qualifications of the faculty, and the ability of the school to give you a personalised experience. You should also consider the attrition rate, community experience you would get in the campus as well as the facilities offered there.

Choosing the right vet school for yourself can ensure you have the right foundation for your veterinary career. Look for appropriate veterinary schools in the Caribbean today for a successful veterinary career in the future.