Ross or what???

[holly19]

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I am having a difficult time deciding which route to take. I will be done with my degree by the end of this semester and I don't know if I should apply to Ross University or wait another year and try the state schools first? I live in Alaska, so will have to pay out of state anywhere I go, but Ross is tempting because of the tri-semestesr.I know it is not accredicated, but I am will to compromise. Any scary things I need to know about Ross?

Thanks for you help. This site is amazing!!!

 

[sumstorm]

You need to understand that unaccredited does mean things in terms of requirements to work in the US (long hard expensive test) and that you will have to relocate again to do your clinical year and that you can't get federal aid. There are also socio-cultural issues that many students have problems with residing on the island.

Personally, in your situation, if your credentials are solid, I would consider relocating to a state where I wanted to pursue vet school and obtaining residency. It would likely result in the same relocations as Ross, be cheaper in the long run, and would require less testing and relocaton. Or I would consider applying to the AVMA accredited over seas programs.

 

[Pandacinny]

And remember that for private loans vs federal loans, you DO NOT have the same repayment options. And that is definitely something worth considering.

 

[RunTheWorld]

You should also think about applying to Edinburgh! I heard they're still accepting applications now until about March 15th. I think you just have to e-mail Geraldine Giannopoulos. It's a really great school that a lot of people choose over state schools and it's accredited!

 

[smilin1590]

What exactly is the test like that you have to take after Ross so you can practice in the US?

 

[cowgirla]

Is Alaska part of the WICHE program?

For some reason I thought they were.

Also, did you look and see if there are any contract seats at any schools for Alaska residents?


BTW: The thought of going from Alaska to St. Kitts made me laugh...talk about "polar" opposites (no pun intended, I swear!) when it comes to weather.

 

[david594]

What exactly is the test like that you have to take after Ross so you can practice in the US?

To practice in any state, you need to go through the ECFVG. http://www.avma.org/education/ecfvg/default.asp

 

[jpeterman13]

To practice in any state, you need to go through the ECFVG. http://www.avma.org/education/ecfvg/default.asp

You can also take the PAVE (which is taken on the island) if you intend of practicing in these states. A majority of the students do opt to take the ECFVG though. If you intend on practicing in Ohio or New York, you do not need to take any extra tests. As far as loans go, Ross students qualify for Stafford loans and Grad PLUS loans.

 

[david594]

You can also take the PAVE (which is taken on the island) if you intend of practicing in these states. A majority of the students do opt to take the ECFVG though. If you intend on practicing in Ohio or New York, you do not need to take any extra tests. As far as loans go, Ross students qualify for Stafford loans and Grad PLUS loans.

Don't ignore this little line at the bottom of that list "Check with the appropriate licensing authority in the jurisdiction in which you intend to be licensed for the policy on PAVE acceptance for educational equivalency."

You can have certain state specific limitations, such as there having to be a fully licensed vet on site for you to be able to practice.

 

[DogTyred]

You should also think about applying to Edinburgh! I heard they're still accepting applications now until about March 15th. I think you just have to e-mail Geraldine Giannopoulos. It's a really great school that a lot of people choose over state schools and it's accredited!

Absolutely! This is what I did and I am from Alaska. Finishing up my degree at UAA this spring and heading to Edinburgh in July. I have a classmate that is going as well.

Alaska is not a WICHE state. We do not have any seats at any schools. We are all on our own up here. Doesn't mean we are forgotten though.

 

[marycatherine]

If you didn't get into Edinburgh, I would wait and apply the next year. You'll have time to bank money and strengthen your application. I don't know but I just wouldn't go to a non-accredited school unless I'd gone through the application process a few times in the states.

 

[shortnsweet]

You can also take the PAVE (which is taken on the island) if you intend of practicing in these states. A majority of the students do opt to take the ECFVG though. If you intend on practicing in Ohio or New York, you do not need to take any extra tests. As far as loans go, Ross students qualify for Stafford loans and Grad PLUS loans.

Also keep in mind those exams are crazy expensive (about $5000) and do come with state limitations about where you can practice (as stated above).

I would say in your situation, see if you can apply to Edinburgh, or work for a year and get more hours while applying for Fall 2011.

 

[holly19]

Thanks for all the imput. I will try the states route and consider Edinburg. We Alaskans stick together. Why are we not part of WICHE?? It makes no sense😡

 

[eringobraugh]

Absolutely! This is what I did and I am from Alaska. Finishing up my degree at UAA this spring and heading to Edinburgh in July. I have a classmate that is going as well.

Alaska is not a WICHE state. We do not have any seats at any schools. We are all on our own up here. Doesn't mean we are forgotten though.

Alaska actually is a WICHE state just not for vet med, what's up with that?

"Professional Student Exchange Program. Alaska has sent students to professional programs through PSEP since 1958. It currently supports 22 students in dentistry, occupational therapy, optometry, pharmacy, physical therapy, and physician assistant. Historically, some 50 percent of PSEP students return to Alaska to pursue their professional careers"

That's s weird that there is only like one professional school they don't support their students through. Are there just not that many students applying?

 

[DogTyred]

Alaska actually is a WICHE state just not for vet med, what's up with that?

"Professional Student Exchange Program. Alaska has sent students to professional programs through PSEP since 1958. It currently supports 22 students in dentistry, occupational therapy, optometry, pharmacy, physical therapy, and physician assistant. Historically, some 50 percent of PSEP students return to Alaska to pursue their professional careers"

That's s weird that there is only like one professional school they don't support their students through. Are there just not that many students applying?

You know, I don't have the stats but I don't think there are that many prevet students up here. I went through my entire undergrad thinking I was the only one until I ran into a classmate here on SDN. We used to have WICHE seats for prevets I believe but I guess the state didn't see the value in it.

 

[eringobraugh]

I'd say too bad but honestly I'm from a WICHE state and mine only funded 3 people this year, 2009, they funded no one, and the year before it was 1 person. Not for lack of applicants though, Utah is just dumb. So, if Alaska's program is anything like Utah's you might as well be applying as an out of area anyways 🙄

 

[Hopeful07]

Don't ignore this little line at the bottom of that list "Check with the appropriate licensing authority in the jurisdiction in which you intend to be licensed for the policy on PAVE acceptance for educational equivalency."

You can have certain state specific limitations, such as there having to be a fully licensed vet on site for you to be able to practice.

I'm just curious where you got this information that some states require a fully licensed vet on site? Which States are you talking about?

Also, to correct a statement above about the price. The ECFVG is that expensive (About 6000), the PAVE is not. It is about 1000.

 

[shortnsweet]

I'm just curious where you got this information that some states require a fully licensed vet on site? Which States are you talking about?

Also, to correct a statement above about the price. The ECFVG is that expensive (About 6000), the PAVE is not. It is about 1000.

David is correct...in many states you do need a fully licensed vet on site. As the PAVE site states in bold "The PAVE Certificate allows international graduates to partially fulfill eligibility requirements for licensure in jurisdictions that recognize the certification. The PAVE Certificate is not a license to practice veterinary medicine. Applicants who receive the PAVE Certificate must also meet additional statutory criteria, including successful completion of the North American Veterinary Licensing Examination (NAVLE). Because the requirements vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction, candidates should directly contact the veterinary board(s) of the jurisdiction(s) in which they desire licensure."

If you add in the cost of the NAVLE or travel to a place that offers the exams, that bumps up the examination costs of PAVE (to explain why I rounded up in my earlier post).

 

[jpeterman13]

If you add in the cost of the NAVLE or travel to a place that offers the exams, that bumps up the examination costs of PAVE (to explain why I rounded up in my earlier post).

Well it definitely doesn't bump it up to $5000, even with REALLY expensive travel.

How much does the NAVLE cost?

The NAVLE fee for the 2009-2010 testing cycle is $525, in US funds. There is an additional $275 fee for overseas testing.

​

 

[smilin1590]

So if one went to Ross and then took all the necessary tests to practice in the states could you still do residency for a specific area or can you really only be a general practice/general exams type doctor? I'm so confused

 

[Hopeful07]

David is correct...in many states you do need a fully licensed vet on site. As the PAVE site states in bold "The PAVE Certificate allows international graduates to partially fulfill eligibility requirements for licensure in jurisdictions that recognize the certification. The PAVE Certificate is not a license to practice veterinary medicine. Applicants who receive the PAVE Certificate must also meet additional statutory criteria, including successful completion of the North American Veterinary Licensing Examination (NAVLE). Because the requirements vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction, candidates should directly contact the veterinary board(s) of the jurisdiction(s) in which they desire licensure."

If you add in the cost of the NAVLE or travel to a place that offers the exams, that bumps up the examination costs of PAVE (to explain why I rounded up in my earlier post).

The way that David stated it, I felt like he was implying that even after a veterinary student from a non-AVMA school took the PAVE, NAVLE, and any other state license test, that they would still have to be under supervision of a licensed veterinarian.

Which is not the case.

We can take the PAVE in our third year (before we're off the island), and before we take the NAVLE's and graduate, we have to be under supervision of a licensed veterinarian. After we take the NAVLE's and graduate, we are able to continue with residency or practice.

 

[david594]

The way that David stated it, I felt like he was implying that even after a veterinary student from a non-AVMA school took the PAVE, NAVLE, and any other state license test, that they would still have to be under supervision of a licensed veterinarian.

Your right. Apparently the Ross vet I had worked with didn't pass the PAVE, and as such was only working on a temporary permit. Which required another fully licensed vet to be on site until they passed completed the ECFVG.

 

[shortnsweet]

The way that David stated it, I felt like he was implying that even after a veterinary student from a non-AVMA school took the PAVE, NAVLE, and any other state license test, that they would still have to be under supervision of a licensed veterinarian.

Which is not the case.

We can take the PAVE in our third year (before we're off the island), and before we take the NAVLE's and graduate, we have to be under supervision of a licensed veterinarian. After we take the NAVLE's and graduate, we are able to continue with residency or practice.

Ohhh I read it the other way...like the in between stage before the NAVLE...hehe I see where the confusion is coming from now. 😳

 

[smilin1590]

The way that David stated it, I felt like he was implying that even after a veterinary student from a non-AVMA school took the PAVE, NAVLE, and any other state license test, that they would still have to be under supervision of a licensed veterinarian.

Which is not the case.

We can take the PAVE in our third year (before we're off the island), and before we take the NAVLE's and graduate, we have to be under supervision of a licensed veterinarian. After we take the NAVLE's and graduate, we are able to continue with residency or practice.

That's what I was getting from his post as well, I was like "Oh crap, now I definitely don't even want to apply to St. George or Ross" Thanks for the clarification Hopeful😀 So after I graduate and have both tests out of the way I would be able to go on to residencies and such and live life as a regular DVM? Sorry I'm just making sure I'm clear on this.

Also why would someone choose to take the ECFVG over the PAVE if planning to practice in the states?

 

[DexterUGA]

As Hopeful07 stated, once graduated and tests completed, one is able to go on to residencies or private practice. Someone would take the ECFVG because some states are not PAVE states. For example, if you are from or want to practice in New York or Ohio, you only need to take the NAVLE test after graduating from St George's or Ross. There are states that require both NAVLE and PAVE tests (think you can google the states, but around 30 states). For the other states, you need to take the ECFVG to practice in their respective states. I am a Maryland resident, and if I go to St George's or Ross, I would have to take the ECFVG and NAVLE tests in order to practice veterinary medicine. Hope that clarifies things!

 

[smilin1590]

As Hopeful07 stated, once graduated and tests completed, one is able to go on to residencies or private practice. Someone would take the ECFVG because some states are not PAVE states. For example, if you are from or want to practice in New York or Ohio, you only need to take the NAVLE test after graduating from St George's or Ross. There are states that require both NAVLE and PAVE tests (think you can google the states, but around 30 states). For the other states, you need to take the ECFVG to practice in their respective states. I am a Maryland resident, and if I go to St George's or Ross, I would have to take the ECFVG and NAVLE tests in order to practice veterinary medicine. Hope that clarifies things!

MUCH BETTER! Thanks! You guys are the best!

 

[chatter07]

I'm in the same boat. I have to decide by next week if i should pay the 500 dollars for Ross or not. I am still waiting for a reply from RVC, which i hope is is yes and just emailed edinsburgh. I am beyond confused whether to pay those 500 dollars 🙁

 

[Vet Engineer]

Also, as I think it was previously alluded to, in addition to all of the other hurdles you must jump over, you have to deal with the perceptions your fellow veterinarians may have of you. I worked at a clinic that had five veterinarians. Four of them had their diplomas hanging in the exam rooms and the fifth (a Ross grad) only had his license on the wall. Perhaps it was merely coincidence, but even the doctor who was only there part time had his diploma on the wall! Also, I was told by a veterinarian that they had some not so nice names for the students doing their clinicals at her school.

By the way, my comments in no way reflect my personal views! These are just some of my observations.

 

[Hopeful07]

Also, as I think it was previously alluded to, in addition to all of the other hurdles you must jump over, you have to deal with the perceptions your fellow veterinarians may have of you. I worked at a clinic that had five veterinarians. Four of them had their diplomas hanging in the exam rooms and the fifth (a Ross grad) only had his license on the wall. Perhaps it was merely coincidence, but even the doctor who was only there part time had his diploma on the wall! Also, I was told by a veterinarian that they had some not so nice names for the students doing their clinicals at her school.

By the way, my comments in no way reflect my personal views! These are just some of my observations.

In my opinion, that just shows that those other veterinarians are extremely ignorant. It's not the school that makes a good veterinarian as much as it is the person.

And thanks for clarifying David. You had me panicked there for a while. 🙂

 

[smilin1590]

Also, as I think it was previously alluded to, in addition to all of the other hurdles you must jump over, you have to deal with the perceptions your fellow veterinarians may have of you. I worked at a clinic that had five veterinarians. Four of them had their diplomas hanging in the exam rooms and the fifth (a Ross grad) only had his license on the wall. Perhaps it was merely coincidence, but even the doctor who was only there part time had his diploma on the wall! Also, I was told by a veterinarian that they had some not so nice names for the students doing their clinicals at her school.

By the way, my comments in no way reflect my personal views! These are just some of my observations.

I agree this does seem rather ignorant, But does this mean you don't get a diploma from schools such as Ross and St. George or what?

 

[Pennvet]

To quickly answer the original poster's question: "ross or what?"

I am going to have to go with "what."

 

[smilin1590]

I'm sorry, yet again bumping this thread because of the implication of not getting a diploma. Why wouldn't you get a diploma from St. George's or Ross and that's so ridiculous that someone should have to feel ashamed and not hang it up...that is unless you don't get one, I'm slightly confused. Forgive my stupidity it's midterms 🙂

 

[Hopeful07]

I'm sorry, yet again bumping this thread because of the implication of not getting a diploma. Why wouldn't you get a diploma from St. George's or Ross and that's so ridiculous that someone should have to feel ashamed and not hang it up...that is unless you don't get one, I'm slightly confused. Forgive my stupidity it's midterms

SGU and Ross both give out Diploma's. I'm not sure why he wouldn't put up his diploma. Maybe he doesn't want people automatically judging before giving him a chance to prove himself. 🙂

 

[Jeterfan1]

Also, as I think it was previously alluded to, in addition to all of the other hurdles you must jump over, you have to deal with the perceptions your fellow veterinarians may have of you. I worked at a clinic that had five veterinarians. Four of them had their diplomas hanging in the exam rooms and the fifth (a Ross grad) only had his license on the wall. Perhaps it was merely coincidence, but even the doctor who was only there part time had his diploma on the wall! Also, I was told by a veterinarian that they had some not so nice names for the students doing their clinicals at her school.

By the way, my comments in no way reflect my personal views! These are just some of my observations.

On the second day of orientation we were given a speech by one of the assistant Deans. He spoke eloquently about how we are indebted to the veterinarians who came before us because our chosen profession is amongst the most respected and honored of all professions. He said it was our obligation to continue this great tradition by working hard, remaining humble, showing grace under pressure and ALWAYS treating our colleagues with respect.

Sounds like I'm getting a better edu than those vets and vet students got.

 

[jenniferblue]

I have heard anecdotally that Ross turns out excellent vets. You can call or email Ross and have them send you contact information for some Ross graduates in your area and interview them yourself.

If you can wait a year, I would suggest moving to a state where vet school tuition is inexpensive (i.e. *not* california) and establish residency, while you improve your application. If money is not a factor, but time is, Ross is a good alternative. I was all set to go there if not accepted this round. I even found this blog about life on St Kits that made me feel excited about living on St Kitts: http://lifeonstkitts.blogspot.com/.

I am happy that I got into a US school though. I studied in the UK for my Masters, and while it was an *amazing* experience, I missed out on the networking and summer opportunites here in the US.
That's my full 25 cents 😀.

 

[katsiview]

So if one went to Ross and then took all the necessary tests to practice in the states could you still do residency for a specific area or can you really only be a general practice/general exams type doctor? I'm so confused

Many people who attend Ross go on to do internships and residencies. You are not limited to the type of practice you can do.