Alberta Clinical and Surgical Assistant Program (ACSAP)
AHS provides alternative job opportunities for those International Medical Graduates (IMGs) who are not able to obtain independent licensure and/or are unable to obtain a residency position.
A Clinical or Clinical/Surgical Assistant (CA) functions as a mid-level provider under the supervision and direction of physician supervisor(s) to provide acute care coverage in a variety of departments. Job duties often include examination of the patient, documenting the history, conducting a complete physical examination, developing a treatment plan in consultation with the attending/supervising physician, writing appropriate orders, and entering these orders into the patient care electronic or manual system. If the CA also works in the surgical ward, the CA might also provide pre- and post-operative care as well as intra-operative surgical assistance. The CA is an important member of the collaborative care team in the provision of patient care.
If the Clinical or Clinical/ Surgical Assistants continue in the current career pathway with AHS, they will remain on a Limited Practice Register Practice Permit, working under the supervision of a licensed physician.
Average Hourly
$40.01
Range Hourly
$22.41 – $55.26
Average Yearly
$112,028
Range Yearly
$62,747 – $154,722
Not Applicable
Clinical Assistant; Surgical Assistant
Applicant must be a Permanent Resident or Canadian Citizen
Must possess a medical degree from a recognized medical school outside of Canada and the USA (check World Directory of Medical Schools)
Must have passed the MCCQE1
Proficient in English (i.e., recent IELTS Academic with minimum score of 7 in each module)
1-year Post Graduate Medical Education (PGME)
Average hourly |
Range hourly |
Average yearly |
Range yearly |
$40.01 |
$22.41 - $55.26 |
$112,028 |
$62,747 - $154,722 |
Unknown
This program does not lead to full licensure with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA), or to independent practice.
At least one full year of hands-on training or post-graduate medical education after having obtained degree
Not available
Stellar communication skills; administrative skills; empathetic; problem solving skills; Clinical skills; Strong ethics
ACSAP is the best way to practice medicine in Alberta before residency. The skills and knowledge acquired as well as references can help a participant get matched for a residency program. This program, however, entails long hours and initially does not pay very well. Note that this program only exists in Alberta.
Evaluate the medical degree and medical school transcripts through physiciansapply.ca
Obtain the evidence of 1-year PGME experience from back home. Internship, Residency, Clinical Rotations, Housemanship etc. undertaken after undergraduate medical training for a minimum of one year, generally tend to meet this requirement amongst many other supervised postgraduate hands on training.
Pass the MCCQE1 with good score
Get 7 in each module of IELTS (academic) score.
Meanwhile volunteering at different hospitals/doctor’s office and as observer can improve the profile
Apply for ACSAP