Top Medical Schools in Alberta Canada 2023

Top medical schools in Alberta Canada: For every student looking to venture into med school there are questions you must ask before you settle for one; how much does medical school cost, and how long will it take for you to finish your program?

Answering this question firsthand gives you a foundational balance to know what to look out for when making a choice from the pool of medical schools in Canada.

There are several reasons why you would desire to study medicine in Canada.

Perhaps you are a Canadian who wants to be educated at home and assist your community OR you are a non-Canadian who is drawn to Canada’s great education system—seven Canadian medical schools are listed in the top 100 in the world by Times Higher Education, allowing graduates to practice globally.

Perhaps you may have been drawn to the low cost of attendance at Canadian medical schools, where annual tuition for Canadian students is roughly $13,000 USD and $23,000 USD for international students.

When compared to the average cost of medical school tuition in the United States—approximately $33,000 USD for in-state students at public institutions and $56,000 USD for out-of-state students at public and private schools—Canadian medical school is relatively cheap.

Or perhaps you’ve heard about the country’s excellent level of living, natural beauty, and poutine—and you want to call it home.

Whatever your motivation for applying, you may already be aware that medical school admissions in Canada differ from those in other countries.

The purpose of this article is to walk you through the process of applying to Canadian medical schools in Alberta (whether you’re a Canadian or not)and describe strategies you should use to increase your chances of acceptance.

Ready?

Welcome Aboard Scholar!!!

Studying Medicine In Med Schools In Alberta Canada

First things first, Canada is one of the most popular study abroad destinations.

Every year, more students flood into Canada on an academic basis from all regions across the world.

We do not mistake the fact that the continuous influx of students into Canada can be traced to the level of quality education and top-notch academic structures which have been groomed over the years.

Canada is globally renowned for delivering quality education at its best. 

Most of the schools in Canada are high-ranking institutions that are open to both local and international students all around the year.

And when it comes to medical studies, Canada is one of the countries you can count on for quality medical training.

For the purpose of this guide, we will stretch to other counties in Canada but our main focus is on Alberta, one of Canada’s best cities for education.

Alberta Canada is home to the world’s finest and most prestigious medical schools and universities. 

So if you are considering medical schools abroad, you will find some of the best in Canada in Alberta.

In Alberta, the most sought-after medical degree program is the Doctor of Medicine (MD) which is equivalent to the MBBS.

The Doctor of Medicine or MD/Ph.D. in Canada is a three to five-year degree program in the medical sciences.

Before applying to any of the medical schools in Alberta offering the Doctor of Medicine degree, you are required to have a prerequisite medical qualification such as a bachelor’s degree in Medical Sciences or MBBS.

Also by pursuing an MD degree in any of the med schools in Alberta, you will in the end get qualified with a certified license.

With this license, you can practice as a medical practitioner or doctor in Alberta and other parts of Canada.

What Is the Structure Of Medical Degree Programs In Alberta Canada?

Although medical programs from all around the world take the same shape and structure, Alberta med school’s structure is slightly different.

The Doctor of Medicine degree in Alberta is not regular because of its unique structure in courses and outline.

Here is the breakdown of how your journey will be obtaining the Doctor of Medicine degree in any of the medical schools in Alberta Canada;

#1. The Doctor of Medicine Degree In Alberta Comes With Pre-clinical Studies.

Unlike most other med schools, a Doctor of Medicine degree in Alberta Canada requires that you take pre-clinical courses.

Preclinical courses prepare you for the actual medical courses that you will take as you proceed.

See it as a foundational course that welcomes and introduces you to medicine.

One of the reasons why medical schools in Alberta Canada take this route is to ensure that even those who do not have any iota of knowledge about medicine gain a firm grasp before launching into the deep.

By doing so, they do not seem confused when the medical languages are used as the courses proceed.

The preclinical courses in Alberta med schools last for two years.

#2. The Doctor of Medicine Degree In Alberta Requires You To Develop Clinical Skills In the First Two Years.

Following its structure Alberta med schools allow you to learn and develop the requisite skills, knowledge, and attitudes for learning medicine in the first two years of the Doctor of Medicine program.

This they do by working out various learning settings that allow students to understand by learning in anatomy labs, other practical sessions, and classroom lectures.

By undergoing these courses, medical students will develop the necessary skills and expertise needed in the medical field.

This singular structure is the difference between a medical student who graduated from Canada and those from other regions.

#3. It’s After the First Two Years That You Go On To Clinical Studies In The Doctor of Medicine Degree In Alberta.

Unlike in most other countries where medical studies start from your first day in school, Alberta does not do the same.

As we mentioned earlier, the first two years of studying in any of the medical schools in Alberta Canada are dedicated to developing the skills and expertise needed in the medical field.

It’s only after you are successful that you can go ahead to learn various clinical topics which are designed to help you develop your clinical skills.

At this stage, you are learning the core of medical science and what it will take to be ready for the workplace. 

This stage of the Doctor of Medicine Degree In Alberta is called Clerkship.

I bet you’ve heard of that!!!

During your clerkship, you will learn while working with healthcare team members and Physicians in various hospitals and clinics.

By doing so, you gain hands-on training.

Now you see, it’s not the usual.

So if you’re going through with studying medicine in Alberta, as you’re considering how long or how many years a medical school in Alberta will take, also consider if you’re okay with the structure and cost of med schools in this region of Canada.

ALSO READ: Medical School Scholarships for International Students In Canada 2022

Who Is Eligible To Enroll In Any Of The Medical Schools in Alberta?

Well, there is no rule as to who can or who cannot apply to med schools in Alberta.

Anyone can as long as you fit the requirements and have the required documents needed for the admission application.

If you have all these in sync, regardless of your nationality you are a perfect candidate to apply to Alberta’s schools of medicine.

Not to worry, you will find the requirements below!!!

What Are The Requirements To Apply To Medical Schools in Alberta?

Although most schools may have exceptions or additional requirements, the list of application requirements we have stated below is what most medical schools in Alberta require if they want to study MD.

Here are the Requirements;

Academic Requirements to Apply For Doctor of Medicine Program in Alberta 

• A bachelor’s degree from a recognized University.
• Applicants must have undertaken subjects like Biology and Chemistry in their undergraduate program.
• Your undergraduate studies must have lasted for 2 or 3 years. (This requirement is school-specific)
• All applicants must complete the MCAT and meet the minimum requirements for each section in a single sitting. (SEE MCAT)
• All applicants must show proof of English language proficiency through tests such as TOEFL, IELTS, PTE, etc.
• If considered a viable candidate, you must come for personal interviews and group discussion.
• Submit official transcripts of all post-secondary institutions to the office of the registrar, except when stated otherwise.

Document Requirements to Apply For Doctor of Medicine Program in Alberta

Most of the medical schools in Alberta Canada will require to submit the following documents;

• Resume 
• Statement of Purpose 
• Two academic references
• Letter of Recommendation
• Scorecard of MCAT exam.
• Certificates and achievements (if any)
• Original diploma/bachelor’s certificate.
• Passport-size photographs in formals
• Official and original transcripts from the previous institutions. (This is school-specific)
• Proof of English language proficiency through IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, etc. (Score Requirement is school-specific)

NOTE: These requirements do not guarantee your admission into any of the medical schools in Alberta.

What this requirement stands for is for you to be considered for admission.

If you do not meet any of the requirements, you will never get a chance.

Secondly, while choosing your referees, writing personal activities and during the interview weekend, you have to be conscientious.

If you provide any information that is not valid, you may likely get a negative assessment which will impact the response you get.

Top Medical Schools In Alberta Canada

Without further ado, it’s time you get to know about the kind of medical school in Alberta.

This will help you to be ready with the right information when making a choice.

And just so you’re rightly informed, there are just two schools of medicine in Alberta offering the Doctor of Medicine Degree program.

Are you ready to find out about them?

Here are the top medical schools in Alberta

#1. University of Alberta Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry

• Location: Edmonton, Alberta
• Average GPA Required: 3.85
• Average MCAT: 128.57 for in-province and 129.43 for out-of-province

University of Alberta Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry is one of the oldest medical schools in Western Canada.

Its date of establishment dates back to the year 1913 and since then, it has been one of the best medicine schools in Alberta and even in the whole of Canada.

The University of Alberta Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry has 21 departments, 2 stand-alone divisions, 9 research groups, and 24 research centers and institutes.

The school houses more than 1,400 support staff, and 2,760 tenure-track and clinical educators who work together to see that the Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry works efficiently.

Talking about the MD program, the Doctor of Medicine Degree program in the University of Alberta Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry seeks to improve health through excellence and leadership in their educational programs.

Also, the school focuses on preparing physicians to provide the highest quality of health care to the people of Alberta and beyond.

And just so you know, the University of Alberta Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry welcomes students from all walks of life.

Last year, the school recorded the number of out-of-province students which was about 15% of matriculants.

Eligibility Criteria And Requirements To Apply To The University of Alberta Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry

To apply to the University of Alberta Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, you must; 

• Be a resident of Canada, either as a Canadian Citizen or Permanent Resident.
• Applicants on study permits are not eligible to apply.

How Much Does the University of Alberta Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry School Cost?

Most students often ask how much a medical school cost in Alberta, what we do know is the cost of the University of Alberta Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry.

The University of Alberta Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry cost is as follows;

• Application fee: $180
• Tuition: CAD$12,887.20
• Supplemental MD Program application fee: $55
• Books, supplies, and instruments fee: CAD$2,100
• Students’ union dental plan, U-Pass (local transportation), and student health and wellness fee add up to CAD$3.850.
• One-bedroom apartment in Edmonton is around $900

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#2. University of Calgary Cumming School of Medicine

• Location: Calgary, Alberta
• Average GPA Required: 3.85
• Average MCAT: 511.86

The next school on our list of top medical schools in Alberta Canada is the University of Calgary Cumming School of Medicine.

The University of Calgary Cumming School of Medicine runs a three-year Doctor of Medicine Degree program.

This program seeks to promote the health and educational needs of Alberta residents by welcoming applications from students all over Canada.

At the University of Calgary Cumming School of Medicine, staff and clinical educators alike are committed to excellence and leadership in education, research and service to society.

As an extension, students who want to study medicine at the University of Calgary Cumming School of Medicine can apply for scholarships and awards that can fetch them $400-$8,000.

Eligibility Criteria And Requirements To Apply To The University of Calgary Cumming School of Medicine

Now, this is not good news for all. To apply to the University of Calgary Cumming School of Medicine, you must be a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident.

What this means is that international students, including American applicants, are not eligible to apply to the University of Calgary Cumming School of Medicine.

Also, even if you’re a Canadian citizen, you must have been physically present in Alberta for two consecutive years at some point between their 15th birthday and the first day of classes in the year of entrance.

Also, students who want to apply to the University of Calgary Cumming School of Medicine must have been on active duty with the Canadian Armed Forces or the RCMP for 2 years before the first day of classes in the year of entrance.

Sometimes, the University of Calgary Cumming School of Medicine will accept residents who have been temporarily out of the province for vacation, employment, or educational exchange.

To be sure of you, the University of Calgary Cumming School of Medicine requires that you provide proof of your residency status.

Out-of-province applicants must score at least 128 on their CARS to be eligible to apply to the MD program while the in-province candidates do not have a CARS minimum to apply.

How Much Does Alberta University of Calgary Cumming School of Medicine Cost?

• Annual tuition for the MD program:  CAD$16,063.02
• Textbooks and supplies: CAD$5,161
• Other program fees(U-Pass, athletics, student union fees, etc): CAD$1,240.46
• A bedroom apartment in Calgary costs around: $1,200
• Food per month should be around: $450
• Gas, insurance, maintenance, and parking will cost:  $600

How Much Does Medical School Cost in Alberta Canada?

The cost of a medical school in Alberta is not specific because each school of medicine has its own tuition cost as well as other payment requirements.

However, on average, Canadian citizens in Alberta pay about CA$6,838for undergraduate programs.

Graduate students pay CA$7,086 per year for a graduate degree. 

Specifically, the University of Calgary Cumming School of Medicine costs CAD$16,063.02.

While the University of Alberta Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry cost CAD$12,887.20. 

So how much a medical school in Alberta will cost will depend on the institution you’re applying to.

How many Medical Schools are in Alberta?

Although Canada has about 17 medical schools, Alberta has just 2 medical schools.

How Long Is Med School In Alberta?

How many years a medical school in Alberta will take depends on the type, of course, you want to pursue.

Also, the duration of the program depends on your previous qualifications. 

Basically, a high school graduate may need to complete a three to four year undergraduate degree program before enrolling in a medical degree program.

But if you are going directly into a medical school in Alberta, you will obtain an MD or Doctor of Medicine degree in a 3-4 year curriculum.

At this point, you should know you don’t have a lot of options when it comes to medical schools in Alberta.

But be rest assured that the number of medical schools is low does not mean they are less in quality.

If you meet the requirements we have outlined above, you can go ahead and apply to any of the med schools in Alberta Canada.

Also, keep in mind that how long or the number of years a med school in Alberta will take will depend on the medical school you choose.

As you choose, consider how much a medical school costs in Alberta, this will help you seek Scholarships or what it’s like.

For such information, we ask that you explore our website and also follow our Facebook page and YouTube Channel.

We wish you immense luck, Scholar!!!!

References

• 15 Best Canadian Medical Schools 2022 | UPDATED
• The 2 Best Medical schools in Alberta| Tuition & requirements

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