Q: I want to remain in the medical field but I don’t want to go through the emotional and mental stress of obtaining my license to practice as a medical doctor here in Canada. What alternatives do I have?
A: There are several options. Some of them are not strictly medical but you will be dealing with other people regularly, similar to how you would as a doctor. For most of them, however, you might need to take a course and/or earn a diploma or degree.
Since my arrival in Canada, I have considered these alternatives and even visited some schools here in Alberta for a tour.
Even though I really want to practice medicine here, I have signed up for job alerts to get a feel of what’s out there. I use:
- Indeed Jobs Canada
- Government of Canada Jobs
- Job postings – Alberta careers, learning, and employment information
- Occupations in Alberta – Alberta careers, learning, and employment information (ALIS)
- Occupations in Demand – Alberta careers, learning, and employment information (ALIS)
- Emerging Occupations – Alberta careers, learning, and employment information (ALIS)
Most of the information below was culled from the website of the Alberta Careers, Learning and Employment Infomation.
1. Clinical Assistant/Physician Assistant. This is almost like being a doctor but you cannot work unsupervised. The working conditions and remuneration are however quite good.
Clinical Assistant ≠ Physician Assistant. If you want to be a Clinical Assistant, you do not need to go back to school. To become a Physician Assistant on the other hand, you will be required to do a Physician Assistant Course ranging from 2 to 4 years. Visit the Canadian Association of Physician Assistants website for more information.
Although each province has its own eligibility criteria for Clinical Assistant positions, a minimum of one-year clinical experience is a general requirement.
- Alberta Clinical and Surgical Assistant Program
- College of Physicians and Surgeons of Nova Scotia
- Clinical Assistants Manitoba
2. Research Assistant. You will probably work in a medical school or departmental research unit. I don’t think you need further training to get this type of job. In addition, if you still want to apply for residency, this experience will look good on your CV.
3. Medical Office Assistant. Medical office assistants mostly work in clinics, and they perform a wide variety of clerical and administrative tasks such as scheduling appointments, word processing, bookkeeping and accounting, photocopying, filing and answering telephone calls and correspondence. Most clinics require you to have a one-year (or less) Medical Office Assistant Diploma.
4. Hospital Unit Clerk. This is also a one-year (or less) diploma course. Unit clerks perform a variety of reception, clerical and administrative duties at nursing stations on the units or wards of hospitals. They do also work in continuing care centers, physician’s offices, and other medical facilities.
5. Medical Office Assistant & Unit Clerk. This combined option gives you an advantage over just doing either the Unit Clerk or the Medical Office Assistant Course because you can work in either a hospital or an office setting.
6. Health Administrator. You need to get some extra education/certification.
7. Community Service Worker/Community Support Worker. Also requires a one-year diploma
8. Addictions Counsellor. A related university degree is the preferred credential for addictions counselors. Depending on the place of employment, a related two-year post-secondary diploma plus related work experience or training may also be acceptable.
9. Massage Therapist. This is a growing career which has high demand. In order to be a member of the Massage association and be eligible to bill for health insurance, it is a requirement that the student attends an educational institution offering a minimum of 2200 hours of training.
10. Health Care Aide. If you take this on a full-time basis, you can be qualified in as little as 4 months and some schools even allow you a shortened program if you are already a health professional.
11. Medical Lab Assistant. Medical laboratory assistants perform clerical and pre-analytical tasks such as data entry and blood collection in medical laboratories. If you like working in labs, then this might be for you. A diploma program is usually required.
12. Ultrasound Technician/Diagnostic Medical Sonographer. With this type of career, you stay within the health profession by operating ultrasound equipment to produce and record images of body organs, masses, and fetal imaging. The minimum educational requirement is a three-year diploma program in diagnostic medical sonography.
13. Emergency Medical Personnel. There are 3 levels of this career: an Emergency Responder, then Emergency Medical Technician and lastly an Emergency Medical Technologist-Paramedic. If you like adrenaline-packed action, you might enjoy this career.
14. Fitness Instructor. There are many opportunities for you to help people on their fitness journeys.
15. Pharmacy Assistant. Pharmacy assistants assist pharmacists and pharmacy technicians by compounding, packaging, and labeling pharmaceutical products, and maintaining prescription records and inventories of medications and pharmaceutical products. Usually requires a diploma.
16. Dental Administrative Assistant and Dental Hygienist/Therapist. These will require entire new training. Dental Assistants do clerical work while Dental Hygienists assess, diagnose and treat oral health conditions. They also provide therapeutic, educational and preventive dental hygiene procedures and strategies to promote wellness. You will need a degree to be a Dental Hygienist but a one-year diploma course to be a Dental Administrative Assistant.
17. Marriage and Family Counsellor. A good choice if you enjoy interacting with people and making a difference in people’s lives. Most marriage and family counselors have at least a master’s degree in marriage and family therapy, social work, psychology or a related discipline.
18. Social Worker. Social workers help individuals, families, groups, communities, and organizations develop the skills and resources they need to enhance their social functioning and social environments. Social workers must have a diploma, bachelor’s degree or master’s degree in social work. Some employers require a minimum of a bachelor of social work (BSW) degree. Other requirements may include a criminal record check, child welfare intervention record check, a valid driver’s license and the use of a vehicle.
19. Mental/Psychiatric Aide. Mental health aides work under the direct supervision of health care professionals caring for people who are mentally ill, developmentally handicapped, cognitively impaired or brain injured.
20. Occupational Therapist Assistant. Occupational therapist assistants help occupational therapists implement treatment programs that are designed to develop, improve or maintain clients’ abilities to function independently. Employers generally prefer to hire graduates of related post-secondary diploma programs.
21. Physical Therapist Assistant. Physical therapist assistants assist physiotherapists in the implementation of treatment programs designed to improve or maintain clients’ abilities to function independently. Employers generally prefer to hire graduates of related post-secondary diploma programs.
22. Recreational/Athletic Therapist. Moderate demand job but quite rewarding. Recreation therapists work with people who have illnesses and disabling conditions to improve their health and quality of life through leisure and recreation. The minimum education requirement is a degree or diploma in recreation with a specialization in therapeutic recreation. A four-year degree is generally required for employment as a recreation therapist in acute care hospitals. Two-year diploma program graduates may be hired as recreation therapy assistants.
23. Nursing. You would need to go back to nursing school. Options include doing a Registered Nursing (RN), Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN) or BSc Nursing course.
24. Patient Advocate. In general, a patient advocate works with patients receiving health care and their caregivers to help them navigate the health care system and ensure they receive the best possible care. Educational requirements for patient advocates vary based on the employer. A minimum of a two-year post-secondary diploma in a relevant discipline such as nursing, social work or business is sometimes required. Work experience related to patient advocacy may also be required by some employers.
25. Infection Control Professional. Infection control professionals work in health care settings to ensure adherence to Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) standards and protect patients and healthcare workers from the spread of infection. Infection control professionals usually require a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in nursing or another health-related science, as well as previous experience working in a healthcare setting. Infection control professionals are generally required to obtain their Certification of Infection Control (CIC) from the Certification Board of Infection Control within a certain time period after being hired.
26. Health Coach. Health coaches support, guide and motivate clients with chronic and often preventable diseases, such as obesity and diabetes, to make behavioral, nutritional and other changes to improve personal health and well-being. Educational requirements for health coaches vary based on the employer. Some employers may also prefer to hire individuals with work experience related to health coaching. Individuals serious about setting up and maintaining a coaching business may pursue an International Coach Federation (ICF) credentialing.
27. Medical Radiation Technologist. This career group comprises of Magnetic Resonance Technologists, Radiological Technologists, Nuclear Medicine Technologists, Combined Laboratory and X-Ray Technologist, Radiation Therapists, etc. They all require 2 – 3 years of schooling.
28. Dietitian/Nutritionist. Dietitians assess, develop, implement and evaluate food and nutrition strategies and programs; develop and analyze food and food products; manage food service systems; promote food security and safety; and conduct research. The minimum education requirement is a four-year degree in foods and nutrition followed by a provincially approved internship.
29. Respiratory Therapist. Respiratory therapists work with health care team members in diagnosing, treating, educating and promoting wellness in patients who suffer from cardio-respiratory disease and related disorders. The minimum educational requirement is a three-year diploma in respiratory therapy.
30. Life Skills Coach. Life skills coaches prepare learners to deal effectively with personal issues by guiding them through activities such as self-discovery and behavior identification exercises. They work with individuals and groups. Its job description is quite similar to a Community and Social Services Worker.
Still not found anything that interests you? Check out this post: 20+ More Career Alternatives for Canadian IMGs Who Want to Remain in the Medical/Humanities Field
Would you ever consider doing an alternative career? Do you have a plan B if you are unable to practice Medicine? I would love to hear your thoughts!
Is masters in public health a marketable course?
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I’m not sure I understand you but you could use it to get a job in health promotion, research or probably within the public health sector. You can’t use it to practise as a doctor though.
It can however slightly improve your chances of getting into a 5-year public health preventive medicine residency. If you haven’t done it already, it’s best if you do it here. That can also help you meet relevant people in the public health sector here and get you a job when you are done with the degree.
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I am IMG having 4 years Experience in Hospital as Resident Doctor, wants to fit any Healhcare Job in Canada.
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Which ones are you interested in?
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Health Coaching, I have a Certification in Wellness and currently doing the Competency course of the American College of Lifestyle Medicine
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Hi Ezinne. It’s great that you have the Wellness certification and are also working towards completing the competency course you mentioned. In Canada, many employers prefer to hire people who have some sort of Canadian training or experience, in addition to your current qualifications.
What province do you intend settling in? In Calgary, there is a Health Coaching course I came across and I’m sure you can find something similar in most provinces.
http://www.mtroyal.ca/ProgramsCourses/ContinuingEducation/healthhumanservice/healthcoach/index.htm
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İ am internal medicine resident in Turkey. Afterwards planing to get gastroenterology subspecialty. Can I practise gastroenterology in Canada?
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To practice as an gastroenterologist, you will need to have passed the QE1.
In addition to the QE1, you will need to apply to the College of Physicians and Surgeons or Health Authority of the province you wish to practice. They will inform you if you’re eligible to practise gastroenterology or possibly internal medicine here. Depending on the province, you will also need to have passed the NAC and/or QE2. If you’re deemed to be eligible, you will be assessed and when you successfully complete this, you can apply to sit the Royal College exams for gastroenterology or internal medicine. I have written a little bit about this process here. https://internationalphysicianintraining.wordpress.com/2018/05/20/pathway-to-practising-medicine-in-canada-for-international-medical-graduates-imgs-specifically-for-specialists
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Hi, I am gynaecologist from India.how can I get into midwifery program in Ontario. And is midwifery nice branch to settle down with for future.thanks.
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Hi Dr Pooja. Thanks for your comment. You can follow this link to see the midwifery schools in Canada.
https://canadianmidwives.org/education/#1465331807737-16fe6ce5-d1f4
Midwifery seems like a reasonable alternative. It is usually a 4-year degree program here in Canada. They have bridging programs for internationally trained midwives so they may be able to give you some concession. It’s best to enquire from all the programs so you can find out if there’s any of them which will give you a positive response.
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Hi,
I’m an IMG, I didn’t come yet to Canada, but I plan to do it. I have a large experience in pharmacovigilance and some basic skills in clinical research. Can you tell me which alternative career could fit with my profile ? And how to join it ? any tips please.
Regards.
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Hi Chomsky36, with your experience in pharmacovigilance, you can look for a job asa Quality Manager in a pharmaceutical and/or nutrition product manufacturing company. The requirements vary between companies and between positions but the basic is a Bachelor of Science degree and previous related experience including drug development and clinical trial experience for some positions. In addition, some positions might require knowledge of ICH-Good Clinical Practice guidelines and medical coding skills.
As a side note, a job as a pharmaceutical marketing sales rep is also an entry-level position for pharmacovigilance in some companies.
With regards to clinical research, the requirements also vary with the position. The entry level position is a research assistant job. You can advance to an associate, senior associate, scientist, etc. Some research assistant positions only require a Bachelors degree and others a Masters degree. Some require some experience. Knowledge of SPSS and research ethics and regulations for granting agencies is also essential.
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Thanks a lot Fomski for these precious information.
Regards.
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I’m glad I could help. Good luck
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Hi,
As I said, I’m planning to practice an alternative career, so, my question is about Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) which is required for express entry, should it be done exclusively by MCC (medical council of Canada) or I could an other accredited organism, since I’m not planning to practice medicine ?
Regards.
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If you are planning to declare your medical degree, then you probably need the mcc. If you aren’t , it can be another organisation.
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THANKS A LOT FOMSKI. IT SOUNDS LOGICAL.
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You’re most welcome
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Hi,
I’m a Family Physician (Family Medicine Specialist) from Nigeria and I also have a Masters in Public Health from a UK University. I intend to seek permanent residency in Canada but I’m discouraged because I heard it’s career suicide to come to Canada. Is it possible to practice clinically and if not I’ll appreciate some guidance on an alternative career in Medicine/humanities. Thanks
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I apologize for the delayed response. If you still have questions, please send me an email at internationalphysiciantraining@gmail.com
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Hi doctor Fomski,
I wonder if you can help me in some confusing issues about Express Entry for specialist doctor.
Indeed many confusing issues about procedures for physicians who plan to request en express entry.
For example, I’m an MD and I have also a specialty certificate in pharmacology, when I contacted MCC for ECA, they answered me that they provide ECA only for primary degree, other organizations don’t assess medical degrees (WES or ICAS for example), so where to get an ECA for specialty degree ?
How to apply under NOC 3211 if you are a specialist ?
Do we get only 23 points even with specialty certificate.
Unsolved questions !!
For all viewers, any prior experience will be very helpful for hundreds of doctors who are confused about that.
Regards.
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I apologize for the delayed response. If you still have questions, please send me an email at internationalphysiciantraining@gmail.com
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Hi Doc,
I am IMG from India. Did post graduation in medical biochemistry. Then have almost 5 year of experience in laboratory as quality manager. Have applied for PR. Can you tell me how I can fit in the health care system. If I apply for Canadian medical examination with PR, does it add on while applying as it helps in usmle exams. Need ur advice and suggestions.
Regards
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I deeply apologize for the delayed response. If you still have questions, please send me an email at internationalphysiciantraining@gmail.com
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Hi Doctor Fomski
I have completed my MBBS degree from india and did internship in a Government hospital for a year. I am Planning for canada(Ontario), Can you please suggest some cources those are related to my field as a doctor in which i can further persue my career ?
I will be glad.
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I apologize for the delayed response. If you still have questions, please send me an email at internationalphysiciantraining@gmail.com
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Hi I am also as IMG from india looking to move to Ontario . Can you please tell what are the alternative courses for IMG thanks
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Hi Deepthi, I’m not sure I understand your question. What type of alternative courses do you mean? Like degree programs or diplomas?
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I know this is for doctors but can medical lab scientists work in Canada? Can you give me an idea of what exams I need to take?
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Hello I’m so sorry I’m not aware of the process for medical lab scientists. Thanks !
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Hi there, I know you posted this a while ago but I was wondering if you know if an IMG with an M.B.B.S degree(which a lot of us have) can use that as a Bachelors to enter into a Master’s program at a Canadian university. I’m definitely open to doing a Master’s in something healthcare related if they can accept my medical degree for entry.
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hi Christy, did you get a chance to research about some good masters programs here, if so pls let me know – would love to connect..
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Hello, I am urologist, 47 years, has a big experience in urology, planning to come to Canada. May ask for your advice, which one of the alternative careers gives me a chance to find a job in Canada close to medicine and my specialty. Thank you for your attention
Sincerely,
Bahrom Narkabilov
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Hi Dr Narkabilov, urology is very specialized and thehe only alternative I think which is close to medicine and your specialty is being a clinical assistant. I’m not sure if any of these other alternative careers will help you find a job close to your specialty. Thanks!
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Which quick 2 to 3 years study will allow a IMG who fail the mcc criteria to find a job in Canada.
Is occupational health diploma done in Canada a good option?
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I think an occupational health diploma or public health masters are reasonable options. Check this link https://conted.ucalgary.ca/public/category/programArea.do?method=load&selectedProgramAreaId=10548&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI8PfL1pHU5wIVhobACh0xDgYXEAAYAiAAEgJAOPD_BwE
Have you ever considered a career in education?
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Hello Dr. Fomski, i have done my MBBS , 1year clinical internship, passed UK PLAB exams and currently working in Dubai as a part time GP in clinic. Im expecting my Canadian PR soon and plan to move there but unable to decide what career option would be best for me, i prefer to stay in clinical field only. Can i get a clinical assisstant job easily? Is it a good career option? Or doing some diplomas/masters can help me get better jobs? Which programs have a better career scope? I would really appreciate some help
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Getting a clinical assistant job is possible but competitive. Doing a Master’s/Diploma can help you get better jobs. To be honest, I’m not sure which ones have a better career scope. Have you considered a Master’s in speech pathology or audiology ? They look like interesting programs and might have good prospects.
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Hi Doctor Fomski
I have completed my General medicine degree from Panama city, Panama and recently i moved to Edmonton from panama on a PR base. Can you please suggest some cources those are related to my field as a doctor in which i can further persue my career and get a job?
I would really appreciate some help.
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Hello Vatsal, I’m sorry I’m only just responding to this. I missed this unfortunately. Please email at interphysiciantraining@gmail.com if you still need some answers.
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i am an img and don’t want to practice medicine in canada.My ECA is equivalent to Doctor of medicine, Canada (MCC ECA). is it possible for me to get pr and other job in canada considering my medical background?
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Yes, it is possible to get another job but for many of them, you might need to do a retraining. Many thanks
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Hi,
I noticed for the dietitian alternative career, you posted a 4year degree. Is there an alternative path as an IMG?
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I’m sorry I don’t know much about that. Kindly contact the school that you’re interested in. Many thanks
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Hi, I’m an IMG with no experience except for the Internship program that was included in my degree. Would I be able to get into a bridging program for doctors or would I take the MCCQE exams and the residency route to actually practice to become a doctor in Canada? Thanks.
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Hello Teresa, I apologize for only just responding. There are no bridging programs so you’ll have to do the exams and do the residency route in that case.
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is there any test that could be done online that give certificate as medical assistant or surgical assistant ? without having to come to canada?
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To the best of my knowledge, I don’t think so
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