(225 ILCS 115/8) (from Ch. 111, par. 7008)

(Text of Section before amendment by P.A. 103-309 and 103-505)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2029)

Sec. 8.

Qualifications.

A person is qualified to receive a license if he
or she: (1)
is of good moral character; (2) has graduated from an accredited college or
school of veterinary medicine;
and (3) has passed the examination
authorized
by the Department to determine fitness to hold a license.

Applicants for licensure from non-accredited veterinary schools are
required
to
successfully complete a program of educational equivalency as established by
rule.  At a minimum, this program shall include all of the following:

(1) A certified transcript indicating graduation from such college.

(2) Successful completion of a communication ability examination designed to assess

communication skills, including a command of the English language.

(3) Successful completion of an examination or assessment mechanism designed to evaluate

educational equivalence, including both preclinical and clinical competencies.

(4) Any other reasonable assessment mechanism designed to ensure an applicant possesses

the educational background necessary to protect the public health and safety.

Successful completion of the criteria set forth in this Section shall
establish education equivalence as one of the criteria for licensure set forth
in this Act.  Applicants under this Section must also meet all other statutory
criteria for licensure prior to the issuance of any such license, including
graduation from veterinary school.

A graduate of a non-approved veterinary school who was issued a work permit
by
the Department before the effective date of this amendatory Act of the 93rd
General Assembly may continue to work under the direct supervision of a
licensed veterinarian until the expiration of his or her permit.

In determining moral character under this Section, the Department may take
into consideration any felony conviction of the applicant, but such a
conviction shall not operate as a bar to obtaining a license.  The Department
may also request the applicant to submit and may consider as evidence of
moral character, endorsements from 2 individuals licensed under this Act.

(Source: P.A. 93-281, eff. 12-31-03.)

(Text of Section after amendment by P.A. 103-309 and 103-505)