Diagnostic Radiology in Canada

Informative Guide on Training, Practice Settings, and Salary Expectations

What is a Diagnostic Radiologist?

Diagnostic Radiologists are medical specialists who use imaging technology to inspect and determine potential diseases in patients.

Practitioners of Diagnostic Radiology are trained to identify and diagnose diseases and injuries. They provide comprehensive diagnostic services, ensuring that patients are given accurate and efficient diagnosis of potential health issues and are trained to use the latest diagnostic radiology technology.

The role includes diagnosing illnesses and injuries by using non-invasive techniques such as Computed Tomography, X-Rays, (MRI) Magnetic Resonance Imaging, and Ultrasound technology to identify and diagnose specific diseases.

Delivery of Care Settings

Diagnostic Radiologists deliver care in many settings. They usually work in hospitals, physician offices, imaging centers, and outpatient clinics.

In hospitals they consist of a large percentage of the workforce in clinical imaging departments, and work with other physicians and health care workers. Their care settings predominantly focus on ensuring efficient workflow, maintaining good doctor-patient communication, and using the latest technology in Diagnostic Radiology. They offer consultation services and interpret a large volume of images such as CT scans, MRI scans, ultrasounds, and CT scans.

In clinical and private practice settings, Diagnostic Radiologists usually adhere to scheduled appointments and work with a team of healthcare workers. This ensures that all their patients are given the best tests and treatments possible.

Canadian Training General Requirements

Upon completion of medical school, to become certified in Diagnostic Radiology requires a 5-year residency in both practical training and academic coursework. The training must include:

• 1 year of basic training. This will give the resident an opportunity for independent responsibility and develop clinical decision making. The resident will also develop competencies in primary clinical and technical skills across a broad range of medical practice.
• 3 years of Royal College-approved resident training in “general diagnostic imaging” is also required.
• 1 year of Royal College-approved residency is also required. This usually consists of a 1 - 12 month period, and will include training in diagnostic radiology, ultrasound, CT, and other clinical specialties related to radiology.

A certification from the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (RCPSC) is required for radiologists to practice in Canada. This includes passing the RCPSC’s certification exam and necessary fellowship requirements.

Applying to Canadian Medical Schools

Canada has 17 accredited faculties of medicine, distributed geographically across the country. Canadian medical schools are accredited by the Committee on Accreditation of Canadian Medical Schools (CACMS) and the Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME).

According to The Association of Faculties of Medicine of Canada (AFMC), the number of places available is determined by provincial governments based on educational and financial resources, as well as Canada’s future physician workforce requirements. Medical schools have an increasing number of applicants every year, while the number of positions available for entry does not increase significantly.

Can International Students Apply to Canadian Medical Schools?

Since the universities are under provincial jurisdiction, the majority of places in a faculty of medicine are allocated to permanent residents of the province in which the university is located. So, although 14 out of the 17 medical schools accept international students, the number of actual positions is limited.

What International Medical Schools are Recognized in Canada?

Anyone with a Medical Degree (MD) from outside of the accredited Canadian and American programs who wants to undertake residency training or practice medicine in Canada is considered an International Medical Graduate (IMG). This includes Canadian citizens and permanent residents.

The Medical Council of Canada (MCC) has a helpful guide to the acceptable medical schools as defined in the Model Standards for Medical Registration in Canada.

How are Diagnostic Radiologists Paid?

The Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI) which provides essential information on Canada's health systems and the health of Canadians and has the following data:

• Most physicians receive compensation through multiple models, including both fee-for-service and alternative payments.
• Alternative methods of paying physicians include salaries, sessional and hourly rates, capitation models, and contract-based payments.
• The largest payment program as a proportion of total gross clinical payments to physicians in Canada is fee-for-service, at about 73% of total payments in 2018–2019.
• Fee-for-service services provided by physicians can be split into 2 broad types: consultations/visits and procedures.

What are Diagnostic Radiologists Paid in Canada?

The gross range of potential annual earnings can vary based on factors including hours, experience, province, rural or urban location, clinic setup, as well as incentives and bonuses offered. A range we see for Diagnostic Radiologist across Canada is $300,000 to $600,0000.

Demand for Diagnostic Radiologists in Canada

The demand for Diagnostic Radiologists is high in Canada. This occupational group is expected to face labour shortage conditions over the period of 2019-2028 at the national level.

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This page is a general guideline only and is not intended as financial or other professional advice. Remuneration ranges are from both source information and our job board. All content is subject to change.