MD Veterinary Board to Accept New Certification for Foreign Educated Veterinarians

ANNAPOLIS, MD (Sept. 2, 2011) –  The Maryland State Board of Veterinary Examiners – the body that licenses veterinarians, veterinary technicians, and veterinary hospital owners – will now consider licensing veterinary graduates who have received certification from the Program for Assessment of Veterinary Education Equivalence (PAVE).  The result of a collaboration between the American Association of Veterinary State Boards (AAVSB) and the National Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners (NBVME), the PAVE gives graduates of non-accredited veterinary medical colleges a second avenue by which to become licensed to practice veterinary medicine.

“Many foreign-educated veterinarians are American veterinarians who studied abroad,” said Laura Downes, Executive Director of the Maryland State Board. “The PAVE certification gives them, as well as other foreign-educated veterinarians, an opportunity to practice in Maryland, while ensuring that they have the skills and knowledge that will enable them to meet the high standards of practice required by the Board”

The Maryland State Board will also continue considering for licensure foreign-educated veterinarians if they hold a certificate from the Educational Commission for Foreign Veterinary Graduates – a certification offered by the American Veterinary Medical Association, the professional association representing veterinarians. Both certifications are designed to ensure that graduates of non-accredited veterinary colleges have the clinical experience and necessary skill level to practice veterinary medicine competently.

Thirty-five other State Boards accept both certifications for foreign-educated students. Maryland – which began accepting the PAVE certificate on August 1 — is the 36th state to accept both.

For more information about the PAVE certificate and its requirements, see: www.aavsb.org/PAVE/

For more information about the Maryland State Board of Veterinary Examiners and other licensing information, see: www.mda.state.md.us/vetboard/index.php

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