Veterinarians

Job opportunities for qualified veterinarians are available throughout Israel, though competition for open positions can be stiff. Most veterinarians in Israel are employed under government auspices or are self-employed in private practice. One of the main employers is the Kimron Veterinary Institute at Beit Dagan, the diagnositic and research arm of the Misrad Hachakla'ut (Ministry of Agriculture) Veterinary Services and Animal Health Unit. As with physicians, salaries and working conditions vary according to the institution, geographic location and nature of the work.

Licensing Procedure

In order to practice in Israel, veterinarians who receive their training abroad must pass an exam in Hebrew. The exam is organized through the Hebrew University's Koret School of Veterinary Medicine. It is held twice a year, in December and July.

In order to take the exam, you need to submit the following documentation to the Sherutim Haveterinari'im in Bet Dagan. You will need to submit:

• A questionnaire, provided by their office.
• If your diploma is in English, bring the original plus a notarized copy. (If your diploma is NOT in English or Hebrew you must have two translated and notarized copies in Hebrew.)
• Copy of your Teudat Zehut.
• Proof of name change, where relevant.
• Passport photo.

Your documents will be reviewed and you will be issued an authorization for the licensing exam. You can request a temporary license at a cost of 99 NIS, after submitting your documents and before you have taken the exam. For more information about submitting your documentation, speak to Sigal at 03-968-1612 or 03-968-1606.

When you go to submit your documentation at Bet Dagan, be sure to visit the Bet Dagan library on the same premises and purchase the material for the licensing exam. You must purchase a book (cost: 60 NIS) which includes 700 exam questions; you also should receive a full listing of diseases that you must know for the exam.

The exam also includes information about laws, which are listed on the Misrad Hachakla'ut web site: www.vetserv.moag.gov.il. Though there are English translations on the site, they are not up-to-date, and we recommend that you study only from the Hebrew language version of the material. If you'd like to speak to Olim who have already taken this exam, write to employment@nbn.org.il.

Important Note: The licensing exam is currently under review, and it is possible that the exam and licensing procedure will be changing in the near future.

The cost of a veterinary license is 407 NIS.

Preparatory Course for the Exam

A preparatory course for the licensing exam may be held at the Koret School of Veterinary Medicine. The course will only open if there are a sufficient number of candidates. Successful completion of a Hebrew proficiency exam is a necessary prerequisite for acceptance to the course.

The course lasts for 7 months and is 5 times a week from 8:30 am - 2:30 pm. The course is subsidized by Misrad Haklita and is free of charge for new Olim. A small living stipend may be available through Misrad Haklita to Olim for the duration of the course.

Other Resources

• Israel Veterinary Medical Association: http://www.isrvma.org/
• Koret School of Veterinary Medicine: http://ksvm.agri.huji.ac.il/
• Veterinary Services and Animal Health, through Misrad HaChakla'ut: http://www.vetserveng.moag.gov.il/vetserveng
• Misrad Hachakla'ut home page: http://www.moag.gov.il/english/

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