Health care professionals are totally in demand overseas. Other than physical therapists and nurses, veterinarians are also needed in the United States. Like any other Filipino medical professionals wishing to practice their profession in the US, Filipino veterinarians have to acquire a certification before they can practice their profession. Thus, the ECFVG or the Educational Commission for Foreign Veterinary Graduates certification program has been initiated.
For Filipino vets, here are the steps in the ECFVG certification program:
STEP 1
Applicants have to complete an application form online and submit a payment of $ 1000. Payments can be made by credit card. Applicants must also submit the following requirements within a week to the ECFVG office:
· A complete and notarized ECFVG confirmation page
· 2 passport-sized photos of the applicant
· English translated diploma and transcripts of the applicant (certified, notarized, photocopied or official documents are accepted)
· A $25 processing fee will be charged if applicants request to return their original or official diplomas and transcripts.
All documents must be sent to ECFVG, American Veterinary Medical Association, 1931 N Meacham Road, Suite 100, Schaumburg, IL 60173-4360, USA.
STEP 2
Applicants have to provide their proof of English fluency. They should be able to understand and communicate in English to be accredited. Filipino applicants can choose on the following examinations:
1. Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL iBT)
Applicants should get a score of at least 23 in the reading, 25 in the listening, 22 in speaking, and 22 in the writing. No minimum overall score requirement required. Original score reports should be addressed to ECFVG.
2. International English Language Testing System (IELTS) exam
An overall band score of 6.5 in the Academic module is needed with a minimum score of 6.5 in the listening, 6.0 in the writing, 7.0 in the speaking and no score requirement for the reading.
STEP 3
Applicants must now get a passing score on the computer-based examination. This examination is a multiple-choice type of test covering basic and clinical veterinary sciences knowledge.
STEP 4
Finally, candidates must attain a passing score on all sections of the Clinical Proficiency Examination. This exam will be administered by a faculty of a college of veterinary medicine or other authorized testing institution. Candidates are awarded their certificate when all four steps are completed.
Filipino vets should prioritize to get a good score in their English fluency examination. There are a lot of review centers for both TOEFL and IELTS. Choose which test would be easier for a more convenient review. For more information regarding the ECFVG program, visit https://ecfvg.avma.org.