Medical Degrees

Canada is home to 17 internationally acclaimed medical schools known for their academic rigour and innovative research, with four more opening their doors by 2026. Following their pre-med undergraduate programs, Canadian medical students have the chance to train in a wide range of specialties and health-care environments – from bustling urban hospitals to rural clinics that serve remote, underserved populations. This hands-on experience equips graduates with the skills needed to address diverse medical challenges and meet the health-care demands of different communities.

A recent national survey, published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal, reveals that over 6.5 million Canadians – more than one in five – do not have a regular family physician or nurse practitioner. And with a significant portion of Canada’s current physician workforce nearing retirement, the pressure on the health care system is set to increase.

As the demand for physicians continues to rise, new graduates can expect strong job stability and competitive salaries. According to the Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI), family physicians in Canada earn an average of $299,000 per year, while specialists average $382,000. Specialized medical practitioners, including anesthesiologists, rank among the top-paid professionals in the country, according to CourseCompare’s analysis of highest paying Canadian jobs.

While a medical doctorate degree or MD is the required degree for practicing medical doctors, which is followed by post-graduate medical education including residency, some schools offer unique hybrid degree programs where students can earn both an MD and an MBA, or an MD and a PhD. Aspiring doctors can peruse this directory of medical degrees to find the program that’s right for you, or explore CourseCompare’s ranking of the best medical schools in Canada.

From primary care to specialized fields, Canada’s physicians are instrumental in shaping the future of health care.