How to Become a Doctor in Canada in Lesser Time | Schools, Requirements, Cost

In March 2020, Bill Gardner was tested for a sore throat but couldn’t get an appointment because of delays from the coronavirus pandemic. It wasn’t until Gardner coughed up blood four months later that he got checked out.

To some degree, Gardner’s cancer wouldn’t have been severe if he had been tested on time and received immediate attention.

It wasn’t because there was no doctor to attend to him but because the doctors were attending to patients with severe conditions. Hence, the massive outbreak of COVID-19 made Canada realize they lacked doctors.

This means more job opportunities for doctors in Canada.

If you think practising medicine is for you, you must know the simplest way to become a doctor in Canada because there is a vacancy awaiting you in Canada.

Statistics Canada estimates that over 4.5 million people nationwide do not have family doctors. And there is a massive recruitment of doctors from other countries by the Canadian Health Authorities to fill the gaps.

Doctors have become one of the most sought professions as the population increases.

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 less time, we will highlight the best medical schools to attend and what it takes to become a doctor in Canada.

The table of content below will show you all you need to know about 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 gained 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 doctor 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, overnight, or weekend).

Some doctors take on contracts that may include night or evening shifts, calls, and more fast-paced environments.

As a doctor in Canada, your flexibility in work depends on what you choose it to be.

Job Satisfaction

Doctors in Canada experience great fulfilment when they use their medical knowledge and skills to improve the lives of their patients.

Hence, becoming a doctor in Canada will allow you 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 in their community.

Discovering your niche in medicine can lead you to a job that suits you perfectly based on your interests and skills.

Finally, your career path 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, which means they are trained to think, speak medical terminology, and diagnose conditions properly.

Doctors’ education in Canada is compressed into 5 years, depending on your study level.

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 per cent, which is faster than average 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 in Canada, approximately 50% work as family doctors.

However, an increasing number of doctors are moving from being family doctors 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 is higher than the average salary reported by doctors in other countries.

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

To become a professional Doctor in Canada, you must possess a specific skill set.

Based on your job description, you need the following skills to become efficient:

• Intellectual ability is required to complete the required academic training and to continue learning lifelong
• Ability to get along with people and instil confidence
• Stamina required to work long hours
• Ability to work effectively in a healthcare team
• Emotional strength and maturity
• Good communication skills
• Ability to find solutions to problems, and
• Ability 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, and Family Doctors.

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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 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 have residency requirements, meaning that most of their admission comes from 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 applicants’ transcripts, essays, and personal interviews. You thoroughly research each school’s admission requirements to ensure you are eligible to apply.

Remember 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 favour.

The major requirements to become a doctor in Canada are an undergraduate degree, transcripts, essays, personal interviews, and MCAT scores.

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:

• Pharmacology
• Ethics
• Physiology
• Microbiology
• Physiology
• Anatomy

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 specialities. 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.

Many universities also require the following courses.

English or French?

• Math
• Statistics
• Humanities
• Social Science
• Biochemistry

Students need not 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 introductory courses.

However, taking most of the subjects 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 school in Canada, you must prepare for it because the price is high.

This is not 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. Canadian residents’ fees range from about $6,000 to $16,000 annually. And approximately $20,000 for International students.

The cost of attending medical school 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. You have quite a lot to pay, from tuition to rent and residency expenses.

However, the Canadian Government is attending to this by providing scholarships and financial aid to help med students.

Here is a list of medical schools in Canada and their cost:

Medical Schools in Canada	Tuition for Canadian Students	Tuition for International	Other Compulsory Fees
Alberta	$11,714	N/A	$1,043
UBC	$15,457	N/A	$208-$865
Calgary	$14,600	N/A	$793
Dalhousie	$13,818	$21,078	$908
Laval	$3,240/$8,879	$25,317	$714
Manitoba	$7,499	N/A	$984
McGill	$4,825/$13,224	$37,705	$2,553
McMaster	$20,831	$108,546	$737
Memorial	$6,250	$30,000	$1,140
Montréal	$3,102/$8,501	$24,239	$1,355
Ottawa	$18,117	N/A	$902
Northern Ontario	$17,200	N/A	$1,750-$2,050
Queen’s	$18,228	N/A	$912
Saskatchewan	$12,276	N/A	$697
Sherbrooke	$3,170*/$9,494	$25,582	$1,081
Toronto	$18,424	$51,051	$1,509
Western	$17,722	N/A	$973

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

In other nations, becoming a doctor takes about the same time as 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) and 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 formally becoming autonomous and accepting patient care. This is where you can finally do what you’ve always wanted.

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 called “the resident.” It’s also the time when you’ll start to get paid.

Hence, becoming a doctor in Canada takes between 10 and 13 years.

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

Becoming 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, virtually many people rely on these doctors’ experience and skills.

Becoming a doctor in Canada can be very stressful yet satisfying.

If you think practising medicine is your desire, you must know how to become 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 have a scientific basis.

Though a bachelor’s degree is not compulsory as some people think, it benefits you by enhancing your basic understanding of 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 nationwide will require you to sit for and pass the MCAT (Medical College Admission Test), which 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 choose from, but most of them require applicants to be residents and citizens of the country to attend.

Medical schools in Canada usually last for four years; the first two take place in the classroom and lab, and the last two will be in the medical centre. 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 to prove your knowledge and competency before you can effectively work as a doctor in Canada.

The exam is the Medical Council of Canada Evaluating Examination (MCCEE), the most challenging exam medical students will ever take during their studies.

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, students should begin preparing and studying early by utilizing several study methods.

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#5. Complete Your Residency

Finally, once you have passed the MCCEE examination and become licensed, Canadian law requires you to complete a residency program before you can start practising 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.

The residency lasts for two years for family doctors, but for specialists, it takes over four years to acquire residency.

Becoming a doctor in Canada takes 10 years of education and residency. But, with enough dedication and diligence, you can be one of Canada’s following successful doctors.

Where Can I Work as a Canadian Doctor?

Canada holds great opportunities and places where you can work. Your place of work will depend on whether you want to work in the hospital or become a family doctor or general practitioner.

But whatever your choice, you can always find a place to work. Because, unlike other countries, doctors are one of the most sought professions in Canada.

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; 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 have the lowest.

Hence, when looking for the right place to work in Canada, concentrating on rural areas with a higher demand for family doctors and other types of physicians.

As the country’s population 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.

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What is the Average Salary of a Doctor in Canada?

The salary of a medical doctor in Canada depends on the province you live in, your specialization, and where you work.

Hence, there are a lot of factors that affect the salary of doctors in Canada.

Here are a few of them:

Number of Patients

The average salary of doctors in Canada comes from different sources. The first one comes from the charge per service that doctors bill from the government.

Under this model, the average salary will depend on how many patients they can see daily, 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, other factors affect a doctor’s salary in terms of specialization. Such higher-paying occupations 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, doctors’ salaries in Canada range from $278,000 for psychiatrists to over $769,000 for ophthalmologists.

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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 active lifestyle, it is now a popular destination for individuals seeking new opportunities and better work experiences.

Medical school is a demanding and competitive environment where students must be well-prepared and committed to succeed.

In Canada, Ontario holds the majority of medical schools

• Dalhousie University, Faculty of Medicine
• The University of Alberta, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry
• The University of British Columbia, Faculty of Medicine
• Laval University, Faculty of Medicine
• The University of Calgary, Faculty of Medicine
• The University of Manitoba, Faculty of Medicine
• McGill University, Faculty of Medicine
• The University of Montreal, Faculty of Medicine
• The University of Ottawa, Faculty of Medicine
• McMaster University, Faculty of Health Sciences
• The University of Saskatchewan, College of Medicine
• The University of Sherbrooke, Faculty of Medicine
• The Memorial University of Newfoundland, Faculty of Medicine
• Queen’s University, Faculty of Medicine
• The University of Toronto, Faculty of Medicine
• The University of Western Ontario, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry

Related Article: Work and Study In Canada

FAQs

Conclusion

Becoming a doctor in Canada takes several years of study and dedication to lifelong learning.

If this field 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

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