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Calgary Clinical Asssistants - FAQ

 Frequently Asked Questions
 Application Cycle
 Requirements And Selection
 CA Status In The Zone
 CA Route In The CCAP
 Information For Applicants
 Relevant Links
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AIMG = Alberta International Medical Graduate program

AIMGA = Alberta International Medical Graduates Association

AMA = Alberta Medical Association

CA = Clinical Assistant

CCAP = Calgary Clinical Assistant Program

CFPC = College of Family Physicians of Canada

CMO = Chief Medical Officer

CMPA = Canadian Medical Protective Association

CPP = Canada Pension Plan

CPSA = College of Physicians & Surgeons of Alberta

CV = Curriculum Vitae

ECFMG = Educational Council for Foreign Medical Graduates

EI = Employment Insurance

EICS = ECFMG International Credentials Services

FRCPC = Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians (Canada)

FRCSC = Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons (Canada)

GST = Goods & Services Tax

IMG = International Medical Graduate

LMCC = Licentiate of the Medical Council of Canada

MCCEE = Medical Council of Canada Evaluating Exam

MCCQEI = Medical Council of Canada Qualifying Examination I

MCCQEII = Medical Council of Canada Qualifying Examination II

RCD = Regional Clinical Department

RCDH = Regional Clinical Department Head

RCPSC = Royal College of Physicians & Surgeons of Canada

SIPAT = Security Information & Privacy Awareness Training

TOEFL = Test Of English as a Foreign Language

TSE =Test of Spoken English

WHO = World Health Organization
 

   Calgary Clinical Assistants Program
Frequently Asked Questions
 




What is a Clinical Assistant (CA)?
An individual who is appointed as a Clinical Assistant in a recognized program, has attended medical school and completed their post graduate medical training or practiced medicine outside of Canada and has not received a license to practice medicine in Alberta.

What is the Calgary Clinical Assistants Program (CCAP)?
 The CCAP represents an opportunity created for International Medical Graduates to be selected and prepared for Canadian medical practice in particular Clinical Departments in Calgary.

Who can apply to CCAP?
International Medical Graduates who are landed immigrants, Canadian citizens, or have employment authorization/work permit from the Canadian government and fulfill the program requirements.

When is the Application for CCAP deadline date?
This information is available on the page: Calgary Clinical Assistants - Registration Info

How many Clinical Assistant positions will be available for the upcoming year?
This information is available on the page: Calgary Clinical Assistants - Registration Info

What documents are needed for the Application file?
The following documents are requested for completion of the Application Package:

  • Medical Diploma from a medical school approved and listed by the World Health Organization (WHO);
  •  Transcripts;
  •  Canadian citizen, landed immigrant, work permit;
  •  Test Of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL);
  •  Test of Spoken English (TSE);
  •  MCCEE;
  •  MCCQEI;
  •  Three reference letters;
  •  Personal Statement;
  •  CV.

A Document check list is provided at the end of the Application Form (click here).

What score is accepted for the TOEFL test (Test Of English as a Foreign Language)?
TOEFL is a requirement for the CCAP Program. Click here for required level of English language fluency or equivalent tests.

Is TSE (Test of Spoken English) required? What is the accepted score?
TSE represents a requirement for the Program. The accepted score is 50.

What documents need to be certified? Who can certify my documents?
You must have all copies of official translations notarized by a lawyer or a notary. Other documents and copies do not require certification.

What documents need to be translated?  Who can translate my documents?
Documents that are not originally in English must be accompanied by a dated translation. The accepted translations are prepared by an independent, certified translator. The translation must be accurate and a true copy to original document must be attached. The translator must sign and date both the translation and copy to the original.

Some CA's have difficulty obtaining documentation from their country of origin due to political or social situations.  How does the CCAP deal with this?
Generally, certification by EICS represents a requirement to the CCAP and upon recommendation from the CPSA an exception may be made.

What are the selection criteria for the Applicant?
The selection criteria are as follows:

  • confirmation of credentials
  • interview
  • references checked

How long is the CCAP placement?
There are two stages in the CCAP program: a probationary period of up to 6 months when the CA is under Limited Practice - Orientation & Assessment License with the College of Physicians & Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA) and a Clinical Assistant practice period when the CA is under Limited Practice - Clinical Assistant License with the CPSA. The total amount of time for CCAP is one year.

Is the Calgary Zone considering increasing the number of CA positions in the future?
Yes, depending on future funding.

What Clinical Departments will be assigned CA positions?
The Clinical Assistants will be blended into different Clinical Departments depending on the Department’s needs or aligned into existing programs requiring resident equivalent service. Not all Clinical Departments will have positions for Clinical Assistants this round of the program.

What qualifications does a CA require?
The individual should meet requirements for application to the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA) to obtain Limited Practice - Clinical Assistant license.  For a detailed list of the required documents please click here.

What steps does a candidate have to follow in the selection process?
The applicant has to follow the updates on the AHS website related to the application deadline, complete documents requested in the application package, meet requirements for application to CPSA, successfully pass the screening process, and match with the positions requested by the Clinical Departments.

Once I start the program, what are the stages that I have to complete?
During the Probationary Period (up to 6 months) there are certain requirements related to the status of the Clinical Assistant:

  • Employee of Alberta Health Services;
  • Limited Practice - Orientation & Assessment License obtained from the CPSA;
  • Liability coverage from the Canadian Medical Protective Association (CMPA);
  • Information Security Course (offered by Alberta Health Services).

At the end of the Probationary Period the status of the Clinical Assistant will be:

  • Employee of Alberta Health Services;
  • Limited Practice - Clinical Assistant License obtained from the CPSA;
  • Liability coverage from the CMPA.

What is the next step after completing a 1 year term in the CCAP?
Subject to mutual agreement with the Clinical Departments, the physician may continue in the position of Clinical Assistant for up to one additional year.

What are the terms of employment with Alberta Health Services?
Clinical assistants will be hired as Temporary, Full Time employees for a 1 year duration.

What method of evaluation is conducted during the program?
There will be an evaluation of clinical skills. The purpose is to determine the candidate's success in meeting pre-defined learning objectives considered necessary to function as a competent Clinical Assistant.

Is CCAP going to be considered as credit for residency program?
No, the CCAP is not affiliated with any of the University of Calgary post graduate medical education programs.

How long can a Clinical Assistant stay on a Limited Practice License?
The CPSA no longer places any restrictions on how long a physician can work under a particular register.  A Clinical Assistant can stay on a Limited Practice – Clinical Assistant License indefinitely.

How do I go from Clinical Assistant to Residency?
At the end of the CCAP contract, the Clinical Assistant can apply to a residency program, for example AIMG program.

What happens if a CA is accepted to residency while registered in CCAP?
This represents no problem. The employment will be terminated and they can proceed to residency.

What happens if the contract is terminated early?
It depends on the reason of termination; there will be two contracts - one for probationary period (duration up to 6 months, when CAs have Limited Practice - Orientation & Assessment License) and one for the end of probationary period (duration 1 year, when CA's have Limited Practice - Clinical Assistant License).

Who do I have to contact in order to apply to the Calgary Clinical Assistants Program?
The contact person for details related to the Calgary Clinical Assistants Program is:

Mr. Simon Chi
Coordinator - Calgary Clinical Assistants Program (Interim)
Southport Tower
10301 Southport Lane SW, #5108
Calgary, Alberta Canada T2W 1S7
Phone: 403 943 2801
Fax: 403 943 2872
Simon.Chi@albertahealthservices.ca

 

Please send us your feedback:  Simon.Chi@albertahealthservices.ca

Updated: 2010-06-07

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