Thinking Pre‑Vet at CIMT College? 6 Things You Probably Didn’t Know

If you’re thinking about starting the journey to become a veterinarian, the Pre-Vet Diploma at CIMT College could be an impactful first step. This program has some features and wider context you might not have realized — here are six important things many aspiring vets don’t know.

1. It’s a One-Year, 90-Credit Diploma
The Pre-Vet program at CIMT College is completed in just one year, requiring 90 credit hours of study. This accelerated timeline is designed to get you the prerequisites you need in a structured, focused way.

Unlike degree programs that take several years, this diploma concentrates the foundational science coursework into a single academic year, making it a practical option if you want to move quickly toward veterinary school.

2. Flexible Delivery: Fully Online or In-Person
The Pre-Vet program at CIMT College offers flexible learning options. You can complete the coursework fully online from anywhere, or choose the fully in-person option available at the CIMT College’s Mississauga - Malton campus.
This flexibility allows you to study in the way that best fits your schedule, learning style, and personal commitments, while still completing all the core courses required for veterinary school prerequisites.

3. A Clear Pathway Toward Veterinary School
CIMT College maintains a pathway arrangement with St. Matthew’s University School of Veterinary Medicine. While completing the one-year Pre-Vet diploma at CIMT College doesn’t make you a vet, it prepares you for later entry into St. Matthew’s DVM program — a step on your journey to becoming a licensed veterinarian.
This affiliation helps streamline the transition into veterinary school by ensuring the coursework you complete meets that partner’s admission requirements.

4. Admission Doesn’t Require GRE or Essays
One feature that sets this program apart is its straightforward admission requirements.
You do not need the GRE, letters of recommendation, a personal essay, or a prior bachelor’s degree to enroll. All you need is your high school diploma and transcripts, making it more accessible than many other pre-professional options.

5. The Curriculum Covers Core Science Foundations
The official program curriculum includes key subjects that are commonly required or recommended for admission to veterinary programs, including:

General Biology – Overview of life sciences fundamentals.
General Chemistry and Organic Chemistry I – Building blocks of chemical knowledge.
Calculus I & II – Fundamental mathematical concepts.
Cell Biology and Histology – In-depth study of cellular structure and function.
Comparative Anatomy and Physiology – A key course that explores anatomy across different animal species.
Biochemistry and Physics I & II – Supporting sciences that strengthen your understanding across biology and physics.
Medical Terminology, English, and Research Courses – Communication and academic research skills.

These courses give you a strong grounding in the science subjects that are essential for advanced veterinary study.

6. Veterinary Medicine in Canada Faces a Growing Labour Shortage
Here’s a broader career context you might not know: Canada is projected to face a strong risk of labour shortage in veterinary occupations through the next decade.

According to government labour projections:
There were about 12,600 veterinarians working in Canada in 2023, and 34% were aged 50 or older, meaning many will be retiring soon.
The median retirement age for veterinarians was around 66 years.
At the national level, job openings for vets are expected to exceed the number of job seekers in the coming years, indicating a strong risk of shortage from 2024–2033.

In addition, job prospects in some regions like Ontario are rated “Very Good” over the 2024–2026 period, driven by employment growth and retirements opening up new positions — a strong signal for future demand in the field.

This trend highlights why preparing now — through programs like the Pre-Vet diploma — could position you well for future opportunities in veterinary fields where demand is growing.

Your Next Step
Choosing a pre-veterinary path is a big step, and the Pre-Vet Diploma at CIMT College offers a streamlined, accessible foundation with a clear progression plan. Combined with a broader context of rising job demand and workforce gaps in places like Canada, it’s an informative time to consider your career options.
If you’re looking for a diploma that fits your pace and goals, this program is worth examining closely as you plan for veterinary school and beyond.

If you want to explore the program further, you can visit any of our campuses on Wednesday to meet with our admissions team and learn more in detail about the Pre-Vet Diploma.