Complete a three- or four-year undergraduate degree. Some medical programs in Canada will accept applications from graduates of a three-year undergraduate program, but a four-year degree is the most common requirement. In addition, completion of certain undergraduate courses, including Biology, Mathematics, Organic and Inorganic Chemistry, Biochemistry, Physics and English, is necessary. A 3.0 grade point average (GPA) is the minimum requirement to apply to a program, but a much higher GPA is needed to increase your chances in highly competitive programs.
Take the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT). Most medical schools require applicants to write this test to be eligible to apply to the program. It is comprised of several components including verbal reasoning, physical sciences, biological sciences and writing samples.
Apply to an accredited medical school. An application will require undergraduate transcripts, an autobiographical essay, letters of reference and extracurricular activities, particularly those involving public or health-related service and volunteer work.
Attend a personal interview with the medical school admissions committee or the multiple-mini interview (MMI), depending on the medical school. The MMI consists of 12 eight-minute interviews during which the applicant will be asked to address a number of issues. The questions posed do not address a student's prior scientific or medical knowledge but rather focus on critical thinking skills and ethics.
Complete a three or four-year Medical Doctor (MD) program. In addition to classroom learning, problem-based learning will take place in a variety of settings, such as teaching hospitals and research facilities, depending on the university. The first two years of medical school teaches the science vital to medicine and exposes the student to a range of medical topics. The second two years offers a hands-on approach to learning and involves clinical rotations.
Take the Medical Council of Canada Qualifying Examination Part I, a one-day, computer-based test and apply to The Canadian Resident Matching Service (CaRMS) for a post-graduate residency position in family medicine in the final year of medical school. The family medicine residency is a two-year program in Canada.
Complete the Medical Council of Canada Qualifying Examination Part II. This is a three-hour clinical examination that measures the proficiency of candidates, particularly the knowledge and abilities necessary for medical licensure.
Pass the certification examination in family medicine in order to obtain certification through the College of Family Physicians of Canada (CFPC). Through the comprehensive exam, the CFPC establishes if candidates have been suitably prepared for medical practice. The exam is comprised of both a written and oral component. The written exam contains approximately 40 to 45 short answer questions. The oral exam is comprised of five 15-minute oral simulation scenarios.
Apply to the College of Physicians and Surgeons for a Certificate of Registration to practice. A certificate of Registration for Independent Practice allows for independent, unsupervised medical practice in the areas in which the applicant is educated and experienced.