Education · 1 of 5

The path

One of the shorter specialist residencies, but still 10 years or more after high school.

1. 1

   High school

   Grades 11 and 12

   Top marks in biology, chemistry, math and English. You need a very high average for a science undergrad.

2. 2

   Bachelor's degree

   3 to 4 years

   Any major works. Keep a GPA (grade point average) above 3.8, volunteer with kids, do research. Write the MCAT (medical school admission test).

3. 3

   Medical school, the MD (doctor of medicine)

   3 to 4 years

   Acceptance rates are 5% to 15%. Two years of classes, then clinical rotations including a pediatrics block.

4. 4

   Pediatrics residency

   4 years

   Matched through CaRMS (the residency matching service). Paid, supervised work on wards, in the emergency department and in the NICU (neonatal intensive care unit).

5. 5

   Certification and licence

   End of residency

   Pass the Royal College exam to become FRCPC (Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians of Canada), then register with your provincial College of Physicians and Surgeons.