Specialist Language Courses

A guide to working in Canada as a DOCTOR

Canada Doctor
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Stephanie Lam
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Are you a doctor who wants to make your home in Canada?

Then follow SLC’s guide to getting a job in the land of Mounties and maple trees.

– What English language test do I need?
– Where can I study for IELTS Medicine? 
– What’s the salary of a doctor in Canada?

Can foreign doctors work in Canada?

Yes, if you pass certain requirements.

According to Canadian news sites, there is a shortage of family doctors in the country – good news for overseas physicians wanting to work here.

Obtaining a licence to practise in Canada

Firstly, you need a licentiate from the Medical Council of Canada.

Then you must apply for registration with the Medical Regulatory Authority in the province of Canada where you wish to work.

Canada states

What should you do to begin the process of practising in Canada?

  1. Firstly, you need a medical degree from a recognised school (you can check if your university is on the list here).
  2. Then you need to prove your language proficiency in English or French.
  3. Next, submit your medical credentials on this website.
  4. Then complete an accredited postgraduate training program and pass two exams.
  5. Find out the requirements of the province or territory where you would like to work.
  6. To get the licentiate (as above) you need to pass the Medical Council Qualifying Exams (Parts I & II).
  7. Congratulations – you can now practise medicine in Canada.
FAQs
What English language test do I need?

TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) or IELTS Academic.

For IELTS, you will need Band 7.

IELTS Score
Where can I study for IELTS Medicine?

SLC provide online tuition for doctors to reach IELTS at bands 6-7.5.

Find out how one-to-one tuition can help you reach the score you need.

IELTS Medicine Preparation Courses
What’s the salary of a doctor in Canada?

It depends on which area you work in, but the median wage is almost $217,000 (or $158,000 in US dollars / £139,000).

Want to contact us?

We are happy to help you with your preparation for the exam to live in Canada.

If you have any questions on which preparation course is best for you, feel free to contact us.

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