How to Become a Doctor in Canada: A Complete Guide

To become a doctor in Canada, you must complete several key steps: earn a high school diploma, obtain a bachelor’s degree, pass the MCAT, attend a medical school for four years, complete a residency program lasting two to seven years, and obtain licensure. 

The role of a physician in Canada is highly sought-after. In addition to having a lucrative salary, being a doctor allows you to make a significant impact on people’s lives.

However, this rewarding career path requires a significant commitment of time and effort, spanning several years of education and training. This guide will walk you through each step of the journey, from earning your high school diploma to obtaining licensure, providing a clear understanding of what it takes to become a doctor in Canada.

Steps on Becoming a Doctor in Canada

Before you start your medical journey, it’s important that you understand all the steps that you should take to become a doctor in Canada. 

1. Earn a high school diploma

The earlier you start preparing for your medical career, the better, as this journey begins as early as high school. Earning a high school diploma and excelling in subjects like biology, chemistry, physics, and math will better prepare you for your medical studies.

Focusing on academic success in high school will help you build a solid foundation of knowledge for the more complex medical concepts you will explore later.

At this stage, developing strong study habits and effective time management skills is essential. These skills will enable you to learn more efficiently while balancing your studies and social life.

Most importantly, these competencies will lay the groundwork for your success in pursuing a medical career, and participating in extracurricular activities will help differentiate you from other medical school applicants.

2. Complete a bachelor’s degree

Once you explore how to get into medical school in Canada, you will come to know that most of them require applicants to hold a bachelor’s degree. This typically takes 3-4 years to complete. 

Science-related majors are most common among medical school applicants; however, you might secure a spot in a medical school with a different major as well, as long as the eligibility requirements are met. 

Despite the major you select, remember that completing your degree with a solid GPA matters. Maintaining a high GPA and taking required courses like biology and chemistry are among the main prerequisites for medical studies. 

To strengthen your resume and medical school application, consider engaging in extracurricular activities during your undergraduate years, like doing research or volunteer work.

3. Take the medical college admission test (MCAT)

The Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) is a trademark in any doctor’s journey. The admissions committee will check your MCAT score and value it highly when selecting successful applicants for medical school. That’s why achieving a good MCAT score is crucial. 

The MCAT is tailored to test students on their knowledge about core concepts in medicine, including the Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems and Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills.

When preparing for the MCAT, it’s important to make use of study resources, like prep courses, practice tests, and study guides—all of which you can find online. These tools can help you familiarize yourself with the exam format and enter the test with a solid strategy.

In addition to that, be sure to set aside ample time for preparation so that you have enough time to cover all the material thoroughly and improve your performance through consistent practice. Check out the MCAT test dates for 2025 now!

4. Apply to a Canadian medical school

Getting into a medical school in Canada is your next goal. Start by exploring your options and checking which school best aligns with your aspirations. You can also use the Ontario Medical School Application Service (OMSAS) to research potential programs. 

The medical school application package includes:

• Grade transcripts
• Personal statement
• MCAT scores
• Letter(s) of recommendation

Canadian medical schools utilize a unique interviewing method known as the Multiple Mini Interview (MMI) format. Potential candidates will go through “interview stations,” with each testing a specific skill like ethics or interpersonal relationships.

The MMI—a format made popular in 2004 at McMaster University—is designed to evaluate your abilities to interact with patients and colleagues, skills that otherwise cannot be tested with a written exam. 

Along with meeting the core requirements, having some experience in healthcare settings through shadowing is another invaluable component. It shows that you’re committed to the field and passionate about taking on a medical role. 

5. Earn a medical degree

Once you’ve successfully been accepted into medical school, you will spend the next four years studying all about medicine. During this time, you’ll build a deep understanding of human health, diseases, and the treatments used in patient care.

Medical school is divided into two phases. The first two years revolve around classroom and lab-based learning, whereas the last two years are centered around clinical rotations. 

Clinical rotations are essential for medical students because they provide hands-on experience in healthcare settings. This is the time to take everything you know and apply it to real-life situations under the supervision of senior doctors.

Students will rotate through different specialties like internal medicine, pediatrics, surgery, and family medicine, offering a broad understanding of various fields of medicine. Most students use this experience to see what sparks their interest and decide on their future medical career.

6. Pass the medical council of Canada qualifying examination (MCCQE)

The Medical Council of Canada Qualifying Examination (MCCQE) Part I is a standardized test that follows medical school. The purpose of the test is to assess a candidate’s medical knowledge and readiness to practice medicine. 

The MCCQE Part I is administered at the end of medical school and is considered a national standard across Canada. There are certain eligibility criteria you must meet, and most importantly, note that you can take the test up to 4 times only. 

Just like with the MCAT, there are tons of free resources you can use to effectively prepare for MCCQE Part I. Creating a study plan or forming a study group with like-minded individuals has proven effective in preparing for the exam. 

After finishing Part I, there is a Part ll to the MCCQE, typically involving clinical skills assessment. This is usually administered during residency. 

7. Complete a residency program

Residency is a discipline-centered training program during which medical school graduates train in practice for a given period. This training typically lasts between two and seven years, depending on the specialty.

In Canada, CaRMS (Canadian Resident Matching Service) facilitates the matching of postgraduates into suitable residency programs based on the intern’s and the program’s expectations. 

The residency training is essential because it gives doctors the opportunity to learn deeply while practicing under supervision. During this stage of the training, doctors also prepare to take certification exams specific to their specialty, which they must pass to become fully licensed in their scope of practice.

8. Obtain licensure and certification

To obtain a medical license in Canada, doctors must apply to a provincial medical regulatory authority, which oversees licensing in their area. A key part of this process is getting certified through either the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (for specialists) or the College of Family Physicians of Canada (for family doctors).

To be granted a license, doctors must show proof of their medical education, pass all the examinations required, including the MCCQE, and remit the requisite payments. 

Licensure is vital for any doctor aspiring to practice in their field. It is to ensure that physicians possess the qualifications necessary to practice medicine safely and effectively. Without licensure, doctors are not allowed to legally treat patients.

9. Begin practicing as a licensed doctor

Beginning practice as a doctor involves several steps. It starts from securing a placement in a hospital or clinic or opening a private practice. Doctors looking for employment can also avail job offers through job searching boards, networking, or healthcare recruitment agencies. 

Ongoing education is crucial for doctors, knowing that the medical field is dynamic and evolves repeatedly. Doctors must participate in regular training, workshops, or conferences to maintain licensure and be updated with the latest advancements. 

Those who want to pursue their careers at even deeper levels can undergo a fellowship or advanced practice training. Fellowships allow doctors to focus in areas of their interest, such as cardiology or oncology, whereas advanced practice roles, like nurse practitioners or physician assistants, offer alternative career paths. 

How Long Does It Take to Become a Doctor in Canada?

When considering all physician requirements, you come to understand that the journey to becoming a doctor in Canada is lengthy. The timeline is as follows:

• High school diploma (4 years)
• Bachelor’s degree (3-4 years)
• Medical school (4 years)
• Residency (2-7 years)

Obtaining licensure and certification is a process that usually does not take long. While the overall timeline can vary depending on the chosen specialty, it will usually take you around 10-15 years to become a doctor in Canada.

How Much Is Medical School in Canada?

The medical school tuition in Canada varies by province and institution. On average, Canadian citizens and permanent residents studying at medical schools in Canada can anticipate annual tuition fees of around $16,798. Ontario has the highest provincial average tuition fee, which is $27,304 per year.

International students usually pay higher fees, starting with $27,149 for international graduate students to $36,123 for undergraduates.

In addition to tuition, students should consider extra expenses like books, living costs, and other fees, which can add up to another $15,000 to $25,000 each year.

Financial aid options are available, including scholarships, grants, and government loans, which can help students manage these costs and support their journey through medical school.

How Much Does a Doctor Make in Canada?

Knowing “how much does a doctor make in Canada” will put things in perspective for many students.

The salary for doctors in Canada depends on:

• Province: For example, a general practitioner will make around $178,810 a year in British Columbia, but $251,496 in Ontario. This is largely due to the cost of living and demand. 
• Specialty: High-paying specialists like surgeons can expect better incomes ($379.319 annual average salary) in comparison to family physicians, who make $233,726 yearly. 
• Experience: Late-career doctors generally earn a higher salary compared to entry-level doctors.

Overall, doctors can expect to make a good living out of their job.

Conclusion

Becoming a doctor in Canada is a long and challenging journey that requires years of study, training, and dedication. However, it’s a highly rewarding career that allows you to make a real difference in people’s lives. While the path is tough, the fulfillment of helping others is immense.

Before embarking on your journey, consider talking to current doctors for advice and insight to ensure it’s the right path for you. And once you’ve made up your mind, think of the Clinical Sciences Program at the American University of Antigua as your destination! We take pride in helping students thrive in their medical journey through our integrated curriculum.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

Can a foreigner be a doctor in Canada?

Yes, foreign-trained doctors can become licensed in Canada, but they must pass equivalency exams, complete residency training, and meet provincial licensing requirements.

What are the most competitive medical specialties in Canada?

The most competitive medical specialties in Canada include dermatology, plastic surgery, neurosurgery, ophthalmology, and orthopedic surgery.