Cardiology is a field of medicine that deals with disorders of the heart and major blood vessels of the cardiovascular system. Studying cardiology in Canada will give you the knowledge to diagnose and treat congenital heart defects, coronary artery disease, and heart failure. The cardiology program offered in Canada has a rich curriculum to give students a hands-on, skills-focused learning experience.
However, studying cardiology in Canada can be highly competitive. Starting from medical school to applying for residency training in cardiology, you must have the right qualifications to be able to gain admission to study cardiology in Canada.
In this piece, I will walk you through the processes and requirements that are needed for studying cardiology in Canada.
Requirements to Study Cardiology in Canada
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Obtain a First Degree
Firstly, you need to apply to a medical school. You must have a first degree from a recognized program and school. Most Universities in Canada would require you to have a first degree in biology or a related field. Additionally, your degree should contain science-related courses as well as a laboratory course. Furthermore, your grades should equal a minimum of 60 transferable units of course weight.
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Meet the Required CGPA
You must have a minimum of 3.0 CGPA on the 4.0 grading scale.
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Transcript
You need to send all the transcripts of your completed degrees during your application. However, you must not send unofficial copies, photocopies, or hand-delivered copies. The transcript should be officially sent while making your application. Additionally, the official academic transcripts should be assessed by ICES or WES.
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English Language Requirement
You will be required to write an English Language proficiency test if English is not your first language. Additionally, you must show proof of your English proficiency test. You can use tests such as IELTS or TOEFL. The minimum score for the IELTS is 6.5 – 7.0 while the minimum score for TOEFL is 85.
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Write the MCAT
The Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT) is compulsory for all applicants. This test must be written within the last five years before the application period. Therefore, the minimum MCAT score for Canadian applicants is 124 in all categories. Additionally, the minimum MCAT score for non-Canadian applicants is 128 in CARS and 124 in other categories. The categories for the MCAT are tests such as CPBS, CARS, BBFL, and PSBB.
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Recommendation Letters
You need two recommendation letters to apply to a medical school in Canada. The recommendation letters should come from a professional or your employer. Therefore, you should not get recommendation letters from a friend or family.
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Additionally Testing (CASper)
You need to take an additional test after submitting your application. This online assessment costs $60. Additionally, you must complete this test to remain eligible to study Medicine in Canada. Furthermore, this test is valid for one application cycle. Therefore, it will expire if you do not get an admission offer. The minimum score for the CASper is 6.5 – 7.5.
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Interview
The next phase in the application process is the interview stage. This interview can be held virtually or physically for every applicant.
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Pass the licensing examinations
After completing medical school, you need to complete and pass the certifying examinations of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. Additionally, you also need to be licensed by the provincial or territorial licensing authority.
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Undergo Residency Training
You need to participate in cardiology residency training. This will give you the required knowledge and skills that you need to function as a cardiologist.
How to Apply
Firstly, you should start by applying to a medical school. You can apply to a medical school in Canada by visiting the school’s website and submitting your documents as well as your application form. Additionally, you need to make sure that you verify the requirements of each school before making your application.
Duration
The duration for studying cardiology in Canada can take about ten years. It takes about three to four years to attend a medical school. You will also spend four to five years in residency training. Additionally, if you want to specialize in a particular area in cardiology, you will spend about two years.
Tuition fee
The average tuition fee for attending a medical school is between 30,000 – 70,000 CAD. However, this depends on the university you are applying to.
Universities in Canada that offer Cardiology
- University of Toronto, Ontario
- McMaster University, Ontario
- University of British Columbia, British Columbia
- University of Montreal, Quebec State
- University of Alberta, Alberta
- University of Calgary, Alberta
- McGill University, Quebec State
- University of Ottawa, Ontario
- Western University, Ontario
- Laval University, Quebec State
- University of Manitoba, Manitoba
- Queen’s University, Ontario
- Dalhousie University, Nova Scotia
- University of Saskatchewan, Saskatchewan
- Memorial University of Newfoundland, Newfoundland and Labrador
- University of Guelph, Ontario
- University of Waterloo, Ontario
- University of Sherbrooke, Quebec State
- York University, Ontario
- Simon Fraser University, British Columbia
- Polytechnic School of Montreal, Quebec State
- Concordia University, Quebec State
- Brock University, Ontario
- Ryerson University, Ontario
- University of Quebec in Montreal, Quebec State
- Carleton University, Ontario
- University of Victoria, British Columbia
- Lakehead University, Ontario
- University of Windsor, Ontario
- University of Prince Edward Island, Prince Edward Island
- Laurentian University, Ontario
- University of New Brunswick, New Brunswick
- University of Regina, Saskatchewan
- University of Quebec at Chicoutimi, Quebec State
- Wilfrid Laurier University, Ontario
- University of Lethbridge, Alberta
- School of Higher Technology – University of Quebec, Quebec State
- University of Quebec, Trois-Rivieres, Quebec State
- Mount Allison University, New Brunswick
- Mount Royal University, Alberta
In Conclusion, you need to apply early for this course. The medical schools in Canada are strict on deadlines and might not have an extension for applicants. Therefore, you should frequently check the school’s website to stay updated with information. You can reach out to us for further inquiries or assistance.
Good luck!
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