Study Medicine and Healthcare in Canada

Firstly you need to obtain a bachelor’s degree preferably a science major but not necessarily since not all medical schools require a science major. Then you can choose from one of the 17 Canadian medical schools. Be careful while applying as some of the medical schools require you to be a resident of the same province. Then you need to take the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) to apply to medical school.

MCAT is a computer-based standardized examination for prospective medical students in the United States and Canada consisting of Verbal Reasoning, Physical Sciences and Biological Sciences sections in multiple-choice format and Writing Sample section where you need to write 2 essays. Use a common application system, such as the Ontario Medical School Application Service, to apply to these medical schools.

Once you get through a medical school, the course of study is divided into two equal components: pre-clinical (consisting of theoretical courses in the basic sciences-2 years) and clinical (“clerkships” consisting of rotations through different wards of a teaching hospital-2 years).

After these 4 years, you need to sit for and clear medical licensing exams which are created by the Medical Council of Canada. After clearing these exams, you are ready for the job market as a doctor. However you are still required to complete a residency before beginning your independent practice. The residency period can vary from 2 to 6 years depending on your chosen subject.