What is Actuarial Science?

• The collection and analysis of data for the purpose of evaluating the likelihood of future events. In actuarial terms, 'risk' is the possibility that an undesirable event will occur.

What is an Actuary?

• A professional who specializes in actuarial science, and who provides advice and solutions to problems that involve economic risk.
• An actuary might be responsible for providing answers to the following risk-related questions:
• Would as many people be willing to own a home if fire insurance did not exist?
• Would people spend money today and still be confident about their future if there were no retirement programs or social security?
• Would the cars people drive be safe if the parts were not thoroughly tested to last for many years using mathematical techniques that actuaries routinely use?
• Would parents enjoy risky and adventurous recreational activities such as rock climbing or skiing if their children faced financial disaster in the event of an accident?
• Would banks (and the money deposited in them) be safe if their assets and liabilities were not carefully managed to control financial risk?

Becoming an Actuary

• Complete a Bachelor’s degree with concentration on math or business
• Math courses should include calculus, probability, statistics and linear algebra
• Business coursework should include accounting, economics, finance, management and computer science
• Get involved in extracurricular activities that allow you to take on a leadership role or work as part of a team
• Begin taking actuarial examinations and looking into actuarial training programs and internships
• Take courses in English, speech and business writing to develop the communication skills frequently employed by actuaries

Did you know?
Unlike most other professions, actuaries can earn while they learn. Actuaries accumulate work experience while enrolled in the examination process. Employers are usually supportive by paying exam registration fees, granting exam study time during work hours and giving raises for each exam passed. Employers, however, do prefer to hire those who have already enrolled in the examination process and have passed one or two exams on their own.

Click here  for information on programs, exam preparation and associations.  

What is Chiropractic Medicine?

• Chiropractors are involved in the assessment, treatment and prevention of disorders related to the spine, nervous system, joints and extremities
• Approximately 4.5 million Canadians are treated by a chiropractor in the average year
• Chiropractors commonly practice in private offices as a sole-practitioner. Practices in multidisciplinary health care settings is becoming more common

What does a Chiropractor do?

• Take patient's case history, conduct examination, observe patient and perform X-rays and other tests to diagnose patient's condition
• Diagnose neuromuscular-skeletal disorders of the spinal column, pelvis, extremities and associated tissues
• Treat health disorders in a natural manner through adjustments or articular manipulations and complementary treatments such as electrotherapy, nutrition, light and massage with special attention given to the spine
• Advise patients on corrective exercises, posture, lifestyle and nutrition
• Refer patients for medical care when appropriate.

Becoming a Chiropractor in Canada

• Complete a minimum* number of undergraduate years of study
• Complete a 4 or 5 year Doctor of Chiropractic (D.C) program accredited by the Accreditation Commission of the Council on Chiropractic Education
• Completion of the examinations of the Canadian Chiropractic Examining Board and of the provincial licensing body
• Apply for licensure with a regulatory body (e.g. College of Chiropractors of Ontario)

*the number of years depends on the Chiropractic College’s admissions requirements

Click here for information on programs of study, professional associations, and additional links.

What is Clinical Psychology?

• The application of science, theory and practice to understand, predict and ease mental distress in a health and social care context
• This area of study incorporates three primary psychological perspectives: cognitive-behavioral, humanistic and psychodynamic
• Clinical Psychologists may specialize in many areas including: eating disorders (e.g. anorexia), mood disorders (e.g. depression), neuropsychological disorders (e.g. brain injury), learning disorders or substance abuse

What is the Difference between a Psychologist and a Psychological Associate?
Psychologist

• A health practitioner who holds a Doctoral degree in Psychology plus additional training

Psychological Associate

• A health practitioner who holds a Masters degree in psychology plus additional training. Psychological Associates are autonomous practitioners. They are not required to work under the professional supervision of a psychologist.

Reference: http://www.acposb.on.ca/faq.html

Becoming a Clinical Psychologist

In Canada, an individual must be licensed in order to practice as a Psychologist. Licensure is granted by the appropriate provincial regulatory body, and requirements vary from province to province.
In Ontario, the following is required to obtain professional licensure as a Psychologist/Psychological Associate:

• A Doctoral degree to practice as a Psychologist or a Masters degree to practice as a Psychological Associate
• Supervised professional experience
• Completion of the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP), a standardized written examination that evaluates comprehensive knowledge in psychology
• Completion of the Jurisprudence and Ethics Examination (JEE), a written examination that evaluates the ability to provide service in accordance with the ethics, jurisprudence and professional standards outlined by the College of Psychologists of Ontario
• Completion of an oral examination that evaluates readiness for autonomous and independent professional practice

Reference: http://www.ontarioimmigration.ca/em/working/OI_HOW_WORK_PSYCH_CM.html

Did you Know?

In Canada, and America, Clinical Psychologists usually hold a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Psychology or a Doctorate in Psychology (Psy.D.). Clinical Psychologists who hold a Ph.D. are trained using the Science-Practitioner Model of Clinical Psychology - this model places more emphasis on the scientific inquiry process. Those who hold a Psy.D. are trained using the Practitioner-Professional Model - this model places more emphasis on practical experience.

Click here for information about on programs, exam preparation and associations.

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What is a Dentist?

• Dentists diagnose, treat, prevent and control disorders of the teeth and mouth. They work in private practice or may be employed in hospitals, clinics, public health facilities or universities

What does a Dentist do?

Dentists perform some or all of the following duties:

• Examine patients' teeth, gums and surrounding tissue to diagnose disease, injury and decay and plan appropriate treatment
• Restore, extract and replace diseased and decayed teeth
• Perform oral surgery, periodontal surgery and other treatments
• Clean teeth and instruct patients on oral hygiene
• Design bridgework, fit dentures and provide appliances to correct abnormal positioning of the teeth and jaws, or write fabrication instructions or prescriptions for use by denturists and dental technicians
• Supervise dental hygienists, dental assistants and other staff

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Becoming a Dentist

General Requirements:

• Completion of the Dental Aptitude Test (DAT)
• Completion of the Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) degree (According to the Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO), these degrees are the same)

Certification:

• Shows that you have the educational training required to practice
• Administered by the National Dental Examining Board (NDEB) for general dentistry practice
• Administered by the Royal College of Dentists of Canada (RCDC) for specialist dentistry practice

Licensure:

• Shows that you are allowed by law to practice in a specific jurisdiction
• Administered by provincial or territorial bodies
• In Ontario, the regulatory body is the RCDSO

Click here for information on programs, DAT exam preparation and associations.

What is a Dietitian?

• The title ‘Dietitian’ is professionally regulated and protected by law in all Canadian provinces
• The law protects the titles ‘Dietitian,’ ‘Registered Dietitian’ and ‘Professional Dietician’
• All dietitians have a Bachelors Degree specializing in food and nutrition, have completed an accredited internship, have passed a national registration exam and are required to maintain their registration through continuing education

What is a Nutritionist?

• The title ‘Registered Nutritionist’ is regulated and protected by law only in Alberta, British Columbia, Nova Scotia and Quebec
• The title ‘Registered Dietitian-Nutritionist’ is regulated and protected in New Brunswick
• In all other Canadian provinces, the sole title ‘Nutritionist’ is unregulated and unprotected by law
• This title refers to individuals with varied levels of knowledge and training from province to province

Becoming a Registered Dietitian

• Completion of a four-year honours program in Food and Nutrition (or equivalent) that is accredited by the Dietitians of Canada (DC), formerly the Canadian Dietetic Association (CDA)
• Completion of a post-graduate internship or practicum that is accredited by the Dietitians of Canada. Internships are typically 40-50 weeks long with 2-3 week rotations, and expose students to a variety of programs such as general medicine, diabetic education, pediatric and geriatric care and menu planning and budgeting
• Successful completion of the Canadian Dietetics Registration Exam, as administered by the College of Dietitians of Ontario (CDO)

Note: You must be certified by the regulatory body in the province in which you plan to practice. Certification in one Canadian province does not qualify you to practice in another Canadian province. The regulatory body in Ontario is the CDO.
Click here for information on programs, admissions requirements, and professional association.

What is a Lawyer?

• Lawyers advise clients on legal matters, represent clients before administration boards and draw up legal documents such as contracts and wills
• Lawyers also plead cases, represent clients before tribunals and conduct prosecutions in courts of law.
• Lawyers are employed in law firms and prosecutor's offices
• Lawyers are employed by federal, provincial and municipal governments and various business establishments or they may be self-employed. Articling students are included in this group

What does a Lawyer do?

• Advise clients of their legal rights and all matters related to law
• Research legal precedents and gather evidence
• Plead clients' cases before courts of law, tribunals and boards (lawyers only)
  Draw up legal documents such as real estate transactions, wills, divorces and contracts, and prepare statements of legal opinions
• Negotiate settlements of civil disputes
• Perform administrative and management functions related to the practice of law
• May act as mediator, conciliator or arbitrator
• May act as executor, trustee or guardian in estate and family law matters

Becoming a Lawyer in Ontario

• Completion of a minimum of two years of an undergraduate degree (The University of Toronto requires a minimum of three years)
• Completion of the Law School Admission Test (LSAT)
• Completion of a three-year Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) degree. Note: The law degree at the University of Toronto is called a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree
• Completion of the Bar Admission Course (BAC) in the province in which you would like to be a lawyer

LSAT Preparation

• Princeton Review: LSAT Schools & Careers: http://www.princetonreview.com/law/default.asp
• Kaplan: Test Prep and Admissions http://www.kaptest.com/Law/Law_School/LS_home.html?cid=735283
• Law School Admissions Council: http://www.lsac.org/
• Power Score: course offered in Toronto: http://www.powerscore.com/

Did you Know?

• Quebec is based on the Civil Law system, and all other Canadian provinces are based on the Common Law system. This means that a Civil Law degree is required to enter the BAC in Quebec, and a Common Law degree is required to enter the BAC in all other Canadian provinces.
• The BAC has both an articling and a class component. Articling refers to the completion of supervised work with a practicing member of the law profession.
• The Law Society of Upper Canada administers the BAC in Ontario

Click here for information on programs, LSAT exam preparation and associations.

What is an MBA?

• The Master of Business Administration (MBA) is an internationally-recognized post graduate degree designed to prepare students and further develop the skills required for careers in business, management and leadership
• An MBA can also be useful for those pursuing a managerial career in the public sector, government, or private industry

Source: http://www.find-mba.com/what-is-an-mba

General MBA Admissions Requirements

• An undergraduate degree
• Completion of the Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT)
• Work experience

Click here for extensive information on programs, GMAT exam preparation, and professional associations.

What is a MHA?

• The Masters in Health Administration is a post graduate degree designed to prepare students and further develop the skills required for careers in management and leadership in healthcare

General MHA Admissions Requirements

• An undergraduate degree
• Completion of the Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT)
• Work experience

Other Masters Programs in Healthcare

• Masters in Health Care Administration (MHA)
• Masters in Health Services Administration (MHSA)
• Masters in Public Health (MPH)
• Masters of Business Administration (MBA) in Health Care

Related Links

Masters Programs in Healthcare

Association of University Programs in Health Administration

Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education

Council on Education in Public Health

Programs of Study

University of Ottawa

University of Toronto

University of British Columbia

University of Dalhousie

Universite de Montreal

Thinking about going to medical school? Start your research here and learn about admission requirements, deadlines and more. If you have additional questions about medical school, please feel free to make an appointment to meet with our Career Coordinator or drop by our office BSB 127.

Ontario Medical Schools

The Ontario Medical Application Services (OMSAS) is an application service for applicants to the six Ontario medical schools. The OMSAS instruction booklet is a valuable guide for applying to an Ontario medical school. Medical school admissions requirements vary from school to school so be sure to research requirements for EACH school individually.
Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine (McMaster University)
Northern Ontario School of Medicine
University of Ottawa
Queen's University
University of Toronto
Schulich School of Medicine (The University of Western Ontario).

Medical Schools in Other Canadian Provinces

What about Medical School Abroad?

Are you looking south of the border or overseas to apply to medical school abroad? If so make sure you research schools, requirements, residency regulation etc before you do. Click here for some information to help you get started. Remember that it is up to you to make sure all your information is accurate and up to date before applying.

What is a GP/Family Physician?

• General practitioners and family physicians diagnose and treat the diseases, physiological disorders and injuries of patients. They provide primary contact and continuous care toward the management of patients' health.
• They usually work in private practice, including group or team practices, hospitals and clinics. Residents in training to be general practitioners and family physicians are included in this unit group.

What is a Specialist?

• This unit group includes specialist physicians in clinical medicine, in laboratory medicine and in surgery. Specialists in clinical medicine diagnose and treat diseases and physiological or psychiatric disorders and act as consultants to other physicians.
• Specialists in laboratory medicine study the nature, cause and development of diseases in humans.
• Specialists in surgery perform and supervise surgical procedures.
• Specialists in clinical medicine usually work in private practice or in a hospital while those in laboratory medicine and in surgery usually work in hospitals.

Source: http://www.labourmarketinformation.ca/

More Information

Check out the following information for details on application procedures and requirements, interviews, MCAT exam preparation and professional associations:

Alternatives to Medicine
Applying to Medical School in Canada
Health Related Alternatives to Medical School
Ideal Medical School Candidate
Medical School Interviews
Medical Schools Canada
Medical Schools USA
Webcast - So you want to be a Doctor, Eh?
Considering Medical School
Medical School Interview Worksheet

For the latest information on medical schools click here

What is an Optometrist?

Optometrists examine eyes, prescribe and fit eyeglasses and contact lenses and recommend treatments such as exercises to correct vision problems or ocular disorders. They work in private practice, clinics and community health centres.

What does an Optometrist do?

Examine patients' eyes, conduct tests and use ophthalmoscopes, biomicroscopes and other specialized instruments to determine visual efficiency

Prescribe treatment (excluding surgery) to conserve, improve and correct vision and other ocular disorders

Prescribe and fit eyeglasses and contact lenses, educate and counsel patients on contact lens use and care, visual hygiene, lighting arrangements, working distances and safety factors

Refer patients to ophthalmologists or other physicians and surgeons for treatment of ocular or other diseases or conditions

Click here for information on programs, OAT exam preparation and associations.

What is a Pharmacist?

• Community pharmacists and hospital pharmacists compound and dispense prescribed pharmaceuticals and provide consultative services to both clients and health care providers
• They are employed in community and hospital pharmacies, or they may be self-employed.
• Industrial pharmacists participate in the research, development, promotion and manufacture of pharmaceutical products. They are employed in pharmaceutical companies and government departments and agencies

What does a Pharmacist do?
Pharmacists perform some or all of the following duties:

• Check prescriptions for proper dosage
• Compound prescribed pharmaceutical products by calculating, measuring and mixing the quantities of drugs and other ingredients required and filling appropriate containers with correct quantity
• Dispense prescribed pharmaceuticals to customers or to other health care professionals and advise them on indications, contra-indications, adverse effects, drug interactions and dosage
• Maintain medication profiles of customers including registry of poisons and narcotic and controlled drugs
• Ensure proper preparation, packaging, distribution and storage of vaccines, serums, biologicals and other drugs and pharmaceuticals
• Advise customers on selection and use of non-prescription medication

Source: http://www.labourmarketinformation.ca/

Becoming a Pharmacist

• Completion of at least one year of undergraduate study to enter the B.Sc. Pharmacy program
• Completion of the B.SC. Pharm. (Bachelor of Pharmacy) Degree
• Certificate of Qualification from Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada (PEBC)
• Certification shows that you have the educational training required to practice
• Licensure from the appropriate provincial body to practice as a Pharmacist

Licensure shows that you are allowed by law to practice in a specific jurisdiction

In Ontario, licensure is administered by the Ontario College of Pharmacists (OCP)

Did you know?
‘Pharmacy’ vs ‘Pharmacology’:

• Pharmacy is a profession that requires a license to practice as a pharmacist. Pharmacists are responsible for providing safe and effective medication for patients and for the legal distribution of selected drugs.
• Pharmacology is a biological science that deals with the uses, properties and action of drugs in living systems
• A degree in pharmacology is a science degree but it CANNOT be used to apply for a license to practice pharmacy

Click here for information on programs, PCAT exam preparation and professional associations.

Physiotherapy (PT)

Physiotherapists assess patients and plan and carry out individually designed treatment programs to maintain, improve or restore physical functioning, alleviate pain and prevent physical dysfunctioning in patients. Physiotherapists are employed in hospitals, clinics, industry, sports organizations, rehabilitation centres and extended care facilities, or they may work in private practice.
Click here for information on PT programs, and professional associations.

Occupational Therapy (OT)

Occupational therapists develop individual and group programs with people affected by illness, injury, developmental disorders, emotional or psychological problems and ageing to maintain, restore or increase their ability to care for themselves and to engage in work, school or leisure. They also develop and implement health promotion programs with individuals, community groups and employers. They are employed in health care facilities, schools, and by private and social services agencies, or they may be self-employed.
Click here for information on OT programs, and professional associations.

Audiology & Speech-Language Pathology

Audiologists and speech-language pathologists diagnose, evaluate and treat human communication disorders including hearing, speech, language and voice disorders. Audiologists and speech-language pathologists are employed in hospitals, community and public health centres, extended care facilities, day clinics, rehabilitation centres and educational institutions, or may work in private practice.
Click here for information on SLP & Audiology programs, and professional associations.

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Elementary school and kindergarten teachers teach basic subjects such as reading, writing and arithmetic or specialized subjects such as English or French as a second language at public and private elementary schools.

Secondary school teachers prepare and teach academic, technical, vocational or specialized subjects at public and private secondary schools.

General Steps to Becoming a Teacher

• Gather experience working with children and youth
• Decide the level at which you would like to teach
• Complete an undergraduate degree
• Complete a B.Ed. degree at a university that is accredited by the Ontario College of Teachers (OCT)
• Obtain licensure to practice as a teacher in Ontario’s publicly funded schools

Did you know?

Applications for most Ontario Teachers Colleges are processed through the Ontario Universities Application Centre

More Information

Teachers College FAQ’s
Teachers College in Ontario
Ontario College of Teachers
US Directory of Teachers Colleges
Teachers College Overseas
Alternatives to Teachers College

What is a Veterinarian?

Veterinarians prevent, diagnose and treat diseases and disorders in animals and advise clients on the feeding, hygiene, housing and general care of animals. Veterinarians work in private practice or may be employed by animal clinics and laboratories, government or industry.

What does a Vet do?

Diagnose diseases or abnormal conditions in animals through physical examinations or laboratory tests

Treat sick or injured animals by prescribing medication, setting bones, dressing wounds or performing surgery

Perform routine, emergency and post-mortem examinations

Inoculate animals to prevent diseases

Provide obstetrical and dental services

Advise clients on feeding, housing, breeding, hygiene and general care of animals

Provide euthanasia services

Becoming a Veterinarian in Ontario

Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) Degree

Passing grade on the National Examination Board’s (NEB) qualifying exam, which is administered through the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA)

Licensure from the appropriate provincial body

In Ontario, licensure for general and specialist practice is administered by the College of Veterinarians of Ontario (CVO)

Click here for information on programs, exam preparation and associations.