University of Niagara Falls Canada (UNF) and St. Matthew's University School of Veterinary Medicine (SMUSVM) have announced a new academic partnership that will provide aspiring veterinarians with an accelerated pathway into veterinary medicine.
Through the new Pre-Vet Pathway, eligible graduates of UNF's Honours Bachelor of Science in Bioveterinary Science (HBSc Biovet) program will receive direct entry into Semester 3 of SMUSVM's Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) program, allowing them to complete their veterinary education one year sooner than through the traditional route.
"This Pre-Vet Pathway removes one of the biggest barriers our students face on the road to becoming a veterinarian: time. By allowing HBSc Biovet graduates direct entry into Semester 3 of St. Matthew's University's Doctor of Veterinary Medicine program, we're giving them a faster, more direct route into the profession without compromising the depth of preparation they receive here," said Dr. Janine Gray, Associate Dean of Biosciences at UNF. "This partnership reflects our commitment to building meaningful pathways between education and career for our students."
UNF's HBSc Bioveterinary Science program equips students with a strong foundation in biological sciences through hands-on laboratory experience, research opportunities, and coursework designed to prepare graduates for veterinary school as well as careers in animal health, research, conservation, and related fields.
"This partnership creates a clear and supportive pathway for University of Niagara Falls Canada graduates to pursue their Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree at St. Matthew's University School of Veterinary Medicine," said Brendan Lee, DVM, MSc, MPH, PhD, DACVPM, Executive Dean and Professor of Public Health and Epidemiology at SMUSVM. "By recognizing their prior academic preparation and providing advanced standing and scholarship support, we are helping talented students progress more efficiently toward careers in veterinary medicine and global animal health."
Founded in 2005, SMUSVM has educated more than 450 DVM graduates who now practice in the United States, Canada and internationally. The DVM program combines foundational scientific education with early hands-on veterinary training, allowing students to develop the knowledge and practical skills needed for their future careers.
The new Pre-Vet Pathway expands the growing portfolio of academic pathway opportunities available through UNF, complementing initiatives such as the Pre-Med Pathway for students enrolled in the Honours Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Sciences program. Together, these partnerships provide students with accelerated routes into professional health care education while supporting their long-term career aspirations.x
To learn more about UNF's Pre-Vet pathway program, visit https://www.unfc.ca/academics/undergraduate/pre-vet-pathway.
