Job requirements Medical Specialist in Canada

Find out what you typically need to work as a medical specialist in Canada. These requirements are applicable to all Specialist physicians (NOC 31100).

Employment requirements

This is what you typically need for the job.

  • A bachelor's degree or in Quebec, completion of a college program and one year of pre-medicine university studies is usually required.
  • Graduation from an approved medical school and specific specialty training are required.
  • Completion of the certifying examinations of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada and licensing by the provincial or territorial licensing authority are required.
  • Specialists in clinical medicine
  • Four to five years of specialty residency training are required.
  • Two years of subspecialty training may also be required.
  • Specialists in laboratory medicine
  • Four to five years of specialty residency training are required.

Source National Occupational Classification

Professional certification and licensing

You might need to get a certification from a regulatory authority before you start working. Find out if this occupation is regulated and contact the regulatory authority to learn about the certification process.

New Brunswick

Job title Physician (specialist)

Newfoundland and Labrador

Job title Physician (specialist And Surgeon)

Nova Scotia

Job title Physician (specialist)

Saskatchewan

Job title Psychiatrist

Source Foreign Credential Recognition Program - ESDC

Do you want to work in another province or territory?

If you are already certified to work in a regulated occupation in your province or territory, it will be easier for you to have your certification recognized in another province or territory. See the Workers Mobility's website to learn more.

Labour Market Information Survey
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