To some degree, Gardner’s cancer wouldn’t have been severe if he was tested on time and received immediate attention. It wasn’t because there was no doctor to attend to him but the doctors were attending to patients with severe conditions at hand. Hence, the massive outbreak of COVID 19 made Canada realize that they were lacking doctors. This means more job opportunities for doctors in Canada. If you think practicing medicine is for you, then you need to know the simplest way to become a doctor in Canada. Because there is a vacancy awaiting you in Canada. According to Statistics Canada, which gave estimates that over 4.5 million people across the country do not have family doctors. And, there is a massive recruit of doctors from other countries by the Canadian Health Authorities to fill the gaps. As the population increases, doctors have become one of the most sought professions today. Hence, there is an urgent need to learn how to become a doctor in Canada. While we focus on showing you how to become a doctor in lesser time, we will highlight the best medical schools to attend as well as what it takes to become a doctor in Canada. The table of content below will show you all you need to know in this article.

Why Become a Doctor in Canada?

If you ask a Doctor why they chose to work in the “Medical Profession”, they’ll give more answers than the “flexibility of hours” you often see on websites. Over the past years, more than 100 U.S. doctors have relocated to Windsor Ontario. Meanwhile, the Canadian Institute for Health Information reports that the country has been gaining more doctors and physicians from international migration. There are many reasons doctors stand to achieve from pursuing a career in Canada, from Flexibility of Hours, Work-Life Balance to Growth Opportunities. Here are some of the major benefits of becoming a doctors in Canada:

Flexibility of Hours

Doctors in Canada can work regular office hours, evening hours (4 pm to 9 pm), shift work, and call (day call, overnight call, or weekend call). Though there are some doctors who choose to take on contracts that may include night or evening shifts, call, and more fast-paced environments. As a doctor in Canada, your flexibility of work depends on what you choose it to be.

Job Satisfaction

Doctors in Canada experience great fulfillment when they use their medical knowledge and skills to improve the lives of their patients. Hence, becoming a doctor in Canada will accord you an opportunity to specialize in whatever area of medicine you consider most appealing and personally rewarding. For instance, Surgeons diagnose complex conditions, then go-ahead to perform operations, and develop cutting-edge surgical techniques. While general practitioners treat many different ailments and gain high status from their community. Discovering your niche in medicine can lead you to a job that suits you perfectly based on your interests and skills. Finally, the path you choose as a doctor in Canada will determine how balanced your work will become for you.

Quality of Education

Doctors in Canada are trained under the medical model, this means they are trained to think, speak the medical terminology, and diagnose conditions properly. Doctors’ education in Canada is essentially compressed into 5 years depending on the level you choose to study.

Job Security

Getting a job after your studies in Canada is not a problem. Opportunities abound for doctors and physicians in most cities in Canada. According to BLS, projects that between 2016 and 2026, the demand for doctors in Canada will increase by 13 percent, which is faster than average as compared to other occupations. Also, in 2019, there were 91,375 physicians in Canada, representing 241 physicians per 100,000 population. Out of 713,800 doctors working in Canada, approximately 50% work as family doctors. However, an increasing number of doctors are moving from being a family doctor to working in renowned hospitals.

High Paying Salary

Doctor’s salaries in Canada can get you good luxuries, like big houses, nice cars, good education for your children, and comfortable life. According to Payscale.com, the average salary of doctors in Canada is C$147,080, which was higher than the average salary reported by doctors in other countries. You Can Also Check Out: How to Become a Doctor in Australia: What an Expert told me.

What SkillSet Do I Need to Work as a Doctor in Canada?

To become a professional Doctor in Canada, there are specific skill set you must possess. Based on your job description, you need the following skills to become efficient:

Intellectual ability is required to successfully complete the required academic training and to continue learning life longAbility to get along with people and instill confidenceStamina required to work long hoursAbility to work effectively in a health care teamEmotional strength and maturityGood communication skillsAbility to find solutions to problems, andAbility to coordinate the work of others.

Doctors in Canada are of different types; Allergy Doctors, Anesthesiology Doctors, Cardiology Doctors, Colon and Rectal Surgeons, Critical Care Medicine Specialists, Gastroenterology Doctors, Geriatric Medicine Doctors, Family Doctors. You Can Also Check Out: How To Become Anorexic In Less time | Causes, Symptoms & Treatment

What are the Requirements to Become a Doctor in Canada?

Many universities in Canada require a high school syllabus comprising science, chemistry, or biology courses. However, some simply require any undergraduate degree as long as the course can aid you in your future career as a doctor. There are over seventeen medical schools in Canada, from coast to coast. Many of them do have residency requirements, this means that majority of their admission comes form in-state- applicants. Yet some have admission allocations for international students, but these are usually limited and the entrance requirements are always higher. Also, most universities in Canada use the MCATs (Medical College Admission Test) as a way to test their applicants. And MCAT testing takes place at various times of the year. The MCAT scores are always one of the major requirements though how it is applied varies from school to school. So to be sure of gaining admission, verify the school’s admission requirements. Because not all medical schools in Canada require the MCAT score. In addition, most medical schools request transcripts, essays, and personal interviews from applicants. Make sure you do thorough research about each school’s admission requirements to ensure you are eligible to apply. Keep in mind that only a quarter of the students who apply to Canadian medical schools are accepted, so having outstanding credentials and a high university GPA will work in your favor. In general, the major requirements to become a doctor in Canda is undergraduate degree, transcripts, essays, and personal interviews, MCAT score.

What Degree Do You Need to Become a Doctor in Canada?

Most medical schools in Canada follow a four-year curriculum. The University of Calgary and McMaster University are notable exceptions. These universities provide three-year degrees that are not interrupted. The first two years are spent in a pre-clinical setting. This means that students study medicine-related subjects such as the ones listed below:

PharmacologyEthicsPhysiologyMicrobiologyPhysiologyAnatomy

Clerkships are completed in the third and fourth years of medical school. Students can learn about a variety of medical professions as well as key medical specialties. Students are also involved in the day-to-day management of patients.

What High School Courses are Needed to Become a Doctor in Canada?

Medical schools require that students hold a bachelor’s degree. Chemistry, biology, organic chemistry, and physics are all required disciplines for these degrees. The following courses are also required by many universities. English or French?

MathStatisticsHumanitiesSocial ScienceBiochemistry

This means that students do not need to major in biology or chemistry to be accepted to medical school. They only need to have completed the prerequisite courses. Some institutions in Canada do not require any specific prior courses. However, taking the majority of the subjects indicated above is a smart idea.

How Much Does it Cost to Become a Doctor in Canada?

The first hurdle is gaining admission to medical schools in Canada. The next challenge is how to pay for it. To attend medical schools in Canada, you have to prepare for it because the price is on the high side. This is not in a bid to scare you, but to create this awareness and consciousness of what you will experience. What exactly is the cost of becoming a doctor in Canada? Well, it depends on the med school you choose to attend. The fees range from about $6,000 to $16,000 per year for Canadian residents. And approximately $20,000 for International students. The cost of attending medical schools in Canada varies significantly from school to school. Sometimes, the cost can even be influenced by the length of your program. Yes! Medical schools in Canada are considerably expensive. From the tuition to rent and residency expenses, you have quite a lot to pay. However, the Canadian Government is attending to this by making provision for scholarships and financial aids to help med students. Here is a list of medical schools in Canada and their cost:

How Many Years Does it Take to Become a Doctor in Canada?

In other nations, becoming a doctor takes about the same amount of time as it does in the United States. Future physicians in Canada must also complete an undergraduate degree (3 to 4 years) before enrolling in medical school (4 years), as well as 2 to 5 years of residency. Your hospital residency training is for your specialization. After passing the exams and earning your doctor’s license, you’ll need extra hands-on training before you can formally become autonomous and accept care for the patient. This is where you can finally do what you’ve always wanted to do. You are considered an intern throughout your first year of residency. The rest of your time as a resident – up to six years, depending on the speciality – is referred to as “the resident.” It’s also the time when you’ll start to get paid. Hence, in total, becoming a doctor in Canada takes between 10 and 13 years.

How to Become a Doctor in Canada: Step by Step Guide

To become a doctor or physician in Canada requires skill, patience, a desire to learn, and a lifelong commitment to improving patient health. Because doctors play a critical role in the health care system and virtually many people rely on these doctors’ experience and skill. Becoming a doctor in Canada can be very stressfull, yet satisfying. If you think practicing medicine is what you desire, you need to know the right steps to becoming a doctor in Canada.

#1. Obtain Your University Degree

The first step to becoming a doctor in Canada is to acquire a degree from an accredited university. This must be a bachelor’s degree, and most medical schools will prefer that your degree must have a basis in science. Though a bachelor’s degree is not compulsory as some people think, they benefit you by enhancing you with the basic understanding of concepts like biology and chemistry. However, most medical schools in Canada have a list of prerequisite courses, most of which are science courses. So, be sure that you take these courses while at university.

#2. Take an Entrance Exam

Many medical schools across the country will require you to sit for and pass the MCAT (Medical College Admission Test), so this is also an important step.

#3. Go to Medical School

Attending medical school is the third step to becoming a doctor in Canada at a lesser time. In general, there are 17 medical schools in Canada to make your choice from, but most of them require applicants to be residents, citizens of the country, in order to attend. Basically, medicals schools in Canada usually last for four years; the first two take place in the classroom and lab, and the last two years will be in the medical center. Here you will be working with patients under the careful supervision of licensed doctors.

#4. Take and Pass Your Licensing Exam

After you must have completed your four years of training in a medical school, the next step is passing the licensing examination. This is in a bid to prove your knowledge and competency before you can effectively work as a doctor in Canada. Basically, the exam is the Medical Council of Canada Evaluating Examination (MCCEE), and it is the hardest exam medical students will ever take during the course of their study. Students in their final year of studies must participate in examinations set by the Medical Council of Canada. Without this exam, any medical student can not be licensed in Canada So, it is advisable for students to begin preparing and studying early by utilizing several study methods. Check out our 21 High Paying Medical Jobs with Little Schooling

#5. Complete Your Residency

Finally, once you have passed the MCCEE examination and become licensed, Canada law requires you to complete a residency program before you can start practicing properly. The aim is to allow newly-licensed doctors to learn from more experienced ones and to allow them to adapt to their new career choices. For family doctor, the residency lasts for two years, but for specialists, it takes over four years to acquire residency. In general, it takes 10 years of education and reidency to become a doctor in Canada. But, with enogh dedication and diligence, you can be one of the Canada’s next sucessful doctor.

Where Can I Work as a Canadian Doctor?

Canada holds great opportunities and places where you can work. Your place of work will totally depend on you, whether you want to work in the hospital, become a family doctor or general practitioner. But whatever is your choice, you can always find a place to work. Because unlike other countries, doctors are one of the most sought professions in Canada. Basically, Medical doctors in Canada usually work in private practice, including group or team practices, hospitals, and clinics. There are jobs available across Canada and in major cities such as Toronto and Vancouver, but the highest demand is in remote or rural areas and outer metropolitan areas. In the province of Alberta, 18% of people don’t have a GP and in French-speaking Quebec, it’s 26%. From recent research, the provinces of Nova Scotia, Newfoundland and Labrador, and Quebec have the highest number of physicians and doctors, while Saskatchewan and Prince Edward Island had lowest. Hence, when looking for the right place to work in Canada, concentrate on rural areas, where there is a higher demand for family doctors and other types of physicians. As the population of the county keeps growing, employment for doctors in Canada is still expected to increase over the next several years. This offers a greater chance of getting where to work. If you want to study and work in Canada, then click HERE. You Can Also Check Out: Top Human Rights Jobs in Canada (SHARE)

What is the Average Salary of a Doctor in Canada?

The salary of a medical doctor in Canada totally depends on the province you live in, your specialization, and where you are working. Hence, there are a lot of factors that affect the salary of doctors in Canada. Heer are few of them:

Number of Patients

The average salary of doctors in Canda comes from different sources. The first one comes from the charge per service that doctors bill form the government. Under this model, the average salary will depend on how many patients they are able to see in a day, the service they provide, and the province they are operating from. According to the Canadian Institute for Health Information, 97% of doctors in Canada work under the fee-for-service model. Under this model, a doctor’s salary in Canada per hour will differ based on the number of patients they see per hour, the province where they work, and the amount they can bill for each patient. According to the CIHI, the average cost per service was $47 for a family physician, $82 for a medical specialist, and $89 for a surgical specialist.

Specialization

Just as the number of patients affects the salary of the doctors in Canada, the average salary will also depend on your specialization. Hence, the medical fields that are highly specialized will demand higher salaries, but also will take longer hours. Also, there are other factors that affect a doctor’s salary in terms of specialization. Such higher-paying specializations require more years of schooling, more hours at work, and a more stressful environment. However, as of 2018, the average salary for a doctor in Canada was 281,000 for family doctors, $360,000 for a medical specialist, and $481,000 for a surgical specialist. Also, doctor salary in Canada ranges from $278,000 for psychiatrists and over $769,000 for ophthalmologists. You Can Also check Out: 20 Good Weekend Jobs For Students After School Activities

Where You Can Study to Become a Doctor in Canada?

For the past four years, Canada has been on top of the ranking as the best country in the world for quality of life. This covers everything from housing to education and the environment. Coupled with its open spaces for immigrants, classy cities, and an active lifestyle, it is now a popular destination for individuals seeking new opportunities and better work experience. Medical school is a demanding and competitive environment in which students must be well prepared and committed in order to succeed. In Canada, Ontario holds majority of medical schools

Dalhousie University, Faculty of MedicineUniversity of Alberta, Faculty of Medicine and DentistryUniversity of British Columbia, Faculty of MedicineLaval University, Faculty of MedicineUniversity of Calgary, Faculty of MedicineUniversity of Manitoba, Faculty of MedicineMcGill University, Faculty of MedicineUniversity of Montreal, Faculty of MedicineUniversity of Ottawa, Faculty of MedicineMcMaster University, Faculty of Health SciencesUniversity of Saskatchewan, College of MedicineUniversity of Sherbrooke, Faculty of MedicineMemorial University of Newfoundland, Faculty of MedicineQueen’s University, Faculty of MedicineUniversity of Toronto, Faculty of MedicineUniversity of Western Ontario, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry

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Conclusion

Becoming a doctor in Canada takes several years of study and dedication to lifelong learning. If this is a field that interests you, it deserves a second look. Getting a better understanding of what’s involved in becoming a doctor, and being licensed will assist you in becoming a doctor in Canada in less time. Generally, to become a doctor in Canada, the following steps will help you get licensed in lesser time. #1. Obtain Your University Degree#2. Take an Entrance Exam#3. Go to Medical School#4. Take and Pass Your Licensing Exam#5. Complete Your Residency

References

macleans.ca – How much does medical school cost?canadaqbank.com – How Do I Become a Doctor in Canada?canadajobs.com – Pursuing an M.D. Degree – How to Become a Doctor in Canada