Education · 1 of 4
The path
The longest training on this site. Count on 15 years or more after high school.
- 1
High school
Grades 11 and 12
Top marks in biology, chemistry, math and English. A very high average is the entry ticket.
- 2
Bachelor's degree
3 to 4 years
Any major, usually life sciences or neuroscience. High GPA, research, volunteering. Write the MCAT (medical school admission test).
- 3
Medical school, the MD (doctor of medicine)
3 to 4 years
Acceptance rates are 5 to 15%. Neurosurgery electives and published research in your final year are close to mandatory for the match.
- 4
Neurosurgery residency
6 years
Matched through CaRMS (the residency matching service). Paid, supervised. Many programs add 1 to 2 research years, and some residents finish a PhD (research doctorate) along the way.
- 5
Royal College exam, licence, fellowship
1 to 2 years
Pass the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada exam, register with your provincial College of Physicians and Surgeons. Almost everyone does a 1 to 2 year fellowship, often in the US.