NSVMA Preceptorship Policy
The NSVMA offers a preceptorship to a qualified person who is a graduate of a veterinary college and has been accepted by the CVMA/NEB to write the qualifying examinations. A qualified person must have passed the NAVLE and BSCE and be registered to write the PSA and CPE to qualify. A preceptorship may also be offered to a student who is entitled to enroll in the final year of study at an approved veterinary college.
The qualified person must work under the supervision of a Preceptor; a qualified person may have up to three individual veterinarians named as Preceptors. The Preceptor(s) must be a member of the NSVMA who holds a general practice licence and who has been approved by NSVMA Council to supervise the qualified person. If the Preceptor is not available, they may appoint another supervising veterinarian to act as the short-term Preceptor. The Preceptor is responsible for monitoring the competence of the qualified person, assigning tasks that are appropriate to their level of training, and assuming responsibility for the actions of the qualified person while they are engaged in the preceptorship.
A preceptorship is intended to provide mentorship and clinical exposure. The qualified person is not licensed to practice veterinary medicine and must not practice independently at any time. All professional activities must occur under the oversight of the Preceptor.
Under no circumstances may a qualified person make a diagnosis, prescribe or dispense medications. Surgical and dental procedures may only be performed under the immediate supervision of the Preceptor or another supervising veterinarian.
All medical records must be completed under the name of the supervising veterinarian. The qualified person must not sign medical records as the supervising veterinarian. Communication with clients regarding diagnosis, treatment plans, or medical recommendations must be conducted by the Preceptor or another supervising veterinarian.
It is the responsibility of the qualified person to identify a Preceptor who is willing to provide supervision. The Preceptor must then request approval from the NSVMA, and NSVMA Council will consider the request for appointment. A preceptorship cannot exceed six months unless otherwise approved by Council. As Council meets approximately every six weeks, approval of a preceptorship is not immediate. A Preceptorship renewal must be approved by Council.
A preceptorship is intended for tutoring and experience only. It is not a licence; these individuals are not intended to act in the place of a veterinarian. The NSVMA does not offer limited or restricted licences through the preceptorship process, and no certification is issued by the NSVMA upon completion.
A preceptorship is typically not a paid position. Any financial compensation, if offered, would be at the discretion of the Preceptor.
Revised March 14, 2026