The best route on how to become a medical doctor in Canada is our priority in this article.
The right information about your medical journey in Canada is worthwhile that’s why we stand to give you an authentic route to follow.
In recent times, Canada has been a home for many healthy immigrants seeking a better life, and the encouraging earnings as medical personnel most especially, medical doctors are worthwhile.
Introduction to how to become a medical doctor in Canada
Medicine and surgery for decades have been everyone’s desire, although is said that nothing good comes easy and applies to this.
Becoming a medical doctor in Canada is a demanding and rigorous process. That’s why we are interested in giving you the best information on how to become a medical doctor in Canada.
It takes a sound mind, focus, determination, passion, and patience to sail through these processes involved in how to become a doctor in Canada.
Oftentimes, the quest for a better life becomes unquenchable especially for medical practitioners since a lot is required of them. Moreover, countries like Canada are assumed to have favorable work conditions.
Canada in recent times is the destination for many immigrants including medical and health professionals in search of greener pastures, having in mind the unlimited opportunities in the country.
For medical doctors trained outside any of the provinces in Canada, but have the zeal to practice in Canada, you are alone this article is for you. Here we will break down the essential things you need to know if you intend to practice in Canada as a physician.
For decades most doctors have been on that track you want to follow or intend to follow in the future, a lot of things are required ranging from numerous exams and monetary aspects.
Stages involved on how to become a medical doctor in Canada
The processes can be taken back to high school where you choose the path to follow. Below is the breakdown of the steps to follow on the journey to becoming a medical doctor in Canada.
- Get your high school certificate
- Get Your University Degree
- Go to any accredited Medical School of your choice
- Pass Your Licensing Exam
- Complete Your Residency
Get your high school certificate to initiate the process on How to become a medical doctor in Canada
According to Edu Canada, High school in Canada also known as secondary school, runs from grades 9 to 12 in most Canadian provinces and territories, except Quebec, which starts in grade 7 and ends in grade 12.
This is a crucial stage on your journey on how to become a medical doctor in Canada.
After successfully completing high school at age 17 or 18, students can go on to college or university depending on the area of interest whether science, arts, or other areas, but for one that has an interest in the medical line a basic science knowledge is a prerequisite.
Get Your University Degree
As earlier mentioned, being certified as a medical doctor in Canada is a gradual process like other medical and health-related courses.
Obtaining a degree from an accredited Canadian university is a crucial step that qualifies you for medical school. Your degree (Bachelor of Science) must be health or medical-related to be eligible to apply for admission into a medical school in Canada.
Go to any accredited Medical School of your choice which is an important stage on How to become a medical doctor in Canada
There are 17 medical schools in Canada from which to choose, but most will require that you are a resident of the same province in order to attend.
It is a good idea to contact the school of your choice to obtain its specific requirements for admission, as well.
Many medical schools across the country will require you to sit for and pass the MCAT (Medical College Admission Test).
MCAT is a computer-based standardized examination administered by the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) for prospective medical students in Canada, the USA, and the Caribbean Islands.
This exam is essential for multi problem-solving, critical thinking, written analysis, and knowledge of scientific concepts and evaluations.
In 2006, MCAT was a paper-and-pencil test; since 2007, all administrations of the exam have been computer-based tests giving a more efficient and fast result.
The most recent version of the exam was introduced in April 2015 and takes 7.5 hours to complete. The test is scored in a range from 472 to 528.
Note
The 17 medical schools in Canada give one variation in choosing a school of choice. And is essential to note that there are different requirements for admission to each school although some are the same.
So is of utmost importance to contact the school of choice before applying so as to know the specific and general requirements inclusion of eligibility.
Most schools will require you to sit for the MCAT (Medical College Admission Test), which gives one a better ground in gaining admission into any of the institutions.
It is easier than ever to apply for medical schools in Canada thanks to standardized online application systems. This step is very essential in the journey how to becoming a medical doctor in Canada.
Having enticing university grades and jaw-dropping credentials will give you a better opportunity to gain admission since the process is quite a competitive one.
Medical school lasts four years; the first two take place in more of a classroom and lab environment, and the last two incorporate clinical, where you work with patients under the supervision of a licensed doctor
Pass Your Licensing Exam
The completion of your medical school will qualify you to take the licensing exam which qualifies you as a physician in Canada.
This exam, called the Medical Council of Canada Evaluating Examination (MCCEE) is one of the challenging exams to take in the licensing test for qualification to be licensed.
Complete Your Residency
this really is last but not the least as a physician grows in one specialty he/she might be interested in exploring other health or medical specialties.
After passing your licensing exam, you become qualified for residency as a resident doctor.
The goal is to gain experience in the medical field for the two years of residency, although the year exceeds two depending on your specialty.
Summary of how to become a medical doctor in Canada
- Get your high school certificate to initiate the process
- Get Your University Degree
- Go to any accredited Medical School of your choice
- Pass Your Licensing Exam
- Complete Your Residency
Steps on how to become a doctor in Canada from another country
Is no doubt that nothing good comes easy and this race is not an exemption a lot of sacrifices and hard work are required.
STEP 1. On how to become a doctor in Canada from another country
Verification of your medical degree or certificate recognition
This is the first but the easiest to do, you only need to confirm if the institution you attended is of international recognition and standard.
That is why is advisable to attend accredited medical schools of global standard to avoid being frustrated in situations like this.
To verify your medical degree visit the world directory of medical schools enter in detail, your qualifications from the name of the institution you attended to the country, and search on the web platform.
You know your institution is an accepted medical institution if it shows up in the results. After that, you will proceed to the next step.
The mission of the World Directory of Medical Schools is to list all of the medical schools in the world, with accurate, up-to-date, and comprehensive information on each school.
From the image above you can say you have a positive result.
STEP 2. On how to become a doctor in Canada from another country
Proceed with the online application
Here you are required to apply via physicianapply.ca follow the instructions and get registered. If on the platform you qualify for the next step which is registered for your (medical council of Canada Qualification examination) MCCQE or Licentiate of the Medical Council of Canada.
Don’t be discouraged, it is normal to pay a fee in this step, some of the fees fall under the range below:
Medical Council of Canada Qualifying Examination (MCCQE) Part I
| Application fee | $1,305 |
| Examination withdrawal fee | $653 |
| Eligibility window extension – Administrative fee | $97 |
| Score recheck fee | $251 |
| Appeal fee | $1,000 |
STEP 3. On how to become a doctor in Canada from another
Submit your medical credentials for verification and approval
After you might have paid the required fee and the verification of your credentials becomes successful, you become eligible to take the MCC exam.
STEP 4. On how to become a doctor in Canada from another country
Take the medical council of Canada qualification examination (MCCQE)
MCCQE is a very vital screening test in your journey of practicing in Canada as a foreign-trained physician. This exam is divided into two distinct phases
- Phase 1
- Phase 2
You can take the phase 1 MCCQE online from your country, once you come out successful in the examination, you can start preparing for your travel documents which in some cases the exam result will be required as part of your credentials.
On getting to Canada as a doctor, the ball is in your court to decide which route to follow depending on your career goals, because you will have a broader ground of opportunities.
Below are some of the things to do once you arrived in Canada in this article; How to become a doctor in Canada from another country.
Take the National Assessment Collaboration (NAC) Examination
NAC is an essential examination to apply for a residency position in Canada, international medical physicians need to pass the National Assessment Collaboration Examination to be on a favorable side.
Take the MCCQE phase 2 examinations
If your career goal is to start practicing as a physician in Canada, the second phase of MCCQE is for you.
Although passing this exam does not guarantee an automatic license for practicing in Canada. The medical regulatory authorities in the province you intend to practice will also consider your application before the license is issued.
This exam is compulsory for both foreign-trained and Canadian doctors
After passing the MCCQE Part I, you must submit acceptable proof of postgraduate clinical medical training before applying to Part II.
Although, when you must have passed the MCCQE Part II and meet all other MCC requirements, you will be awarded the Licentiate of the Medical Council of Canada.
After this rigorous process and you finally get a license to practice
CONGRATULATIONS
consider Joining a practice-ready assessment (PRA) program
If you are looking to get a provisional license so you can begin independent practice, a practice-ready assessment (PRA) program is a clever approach.
Available in several provinces, this kind of program is designed for internationally trained physicians who have pursued postgraduate clinical medical training abroad.
Consider seeking out liability protection
If you are practicing or completing your medical training in Canada, you will need medical liability protection.
Conclusion
In this article on the best route on how to become a medical doctor in Canada, you are strongly advised to make good use of this quality write-up and also make your individual research to know the specific requirements of the medical school of your choice.
This will equip you better in making a choice in your medical journey.
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Pharm Somtochukwu Oluka P. is a licensed pharmacist with a burning desire to explore his zeal and interest in the field of pharmacy.
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