All About Royal College Of Physicians And Surgeons Of Canada
Discover why Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada is a top choice for aspiring medical students. Learn about its programs, campus facilities, and the opportunities it offers to shape a successful medical career.
Affiliation and Recognition of Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada
The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (RCPSC) is Canada’s national authority for specialist physician and surgeon training and certification.
- Established in 1929
- Recognized by the Government of Canada
- Works in coordination with the Medical Council of Canada (MCC)
- Oversees specialist training standards nationwide
- Certification recognized nationally and internationally
- Collaborates with Canadian medical universities and teaching hospitals
- Awards FRCPC (Physicians) and FRCSC (Surgeons)
Why Choose Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada?
- Canada’s highest authority for medical and surgical specialization
- Ensures uniform national standards in specialist training
- Internationally respected fellowship credentials
- Mandatory pathway to become a consultant/specialist doctor in Canada
- Strong focus on patient safety, ethics, and competency-based education
- Recognition across Canada, UK, Australia, and Commonwealth countries
Advantages of Training Under RCPSC
- Award of FRCPC or FRCSC titles
- Official specialist recognition across Canada
- High professional credibility and employability
- Competency-Based Medical Education (CBD model)
- Mandatory Continuous Professional Development (CPD)
- Global recognition of Canadian specialist standards
Duration of Training under RCPSC
- Residency Training: 4 – 6 years
- Subspecialty / Fellowship: 1 – 3 years
- Total Duration: 5 – 8+ years (after MD)
Note: This is postgraduate specialist training, not undergraduate medical education.
Faculties / Specialties Under RCPSC
Physician Specialties (FRCPC)
- Internal Medicine
- Pediatrics
- Cardiology
- Neurology
- Gastroenterology
- Endocrinology
- Nephrology
- Pulmonology
- Medical Oncology
- Geriatric Medicine
Surgical Specialties (FRCSC)
- General Surgery
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Neurosurgery
- Cardiothoracic Surgery
- Plastic Surgery
- ENT (Otolaryngology)
- Urology
- Ophthalmology
Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada Ranking 2026
| Category | Details |
| Institution Type | National Specialist Medical College |
| Country Standing | Highest authority for specialist certification in Canada |
| Global Reputation | Highly respected internationally |
| Certification Offered | FRCPC / FRCSC |
| Primary Role | Postgraduate specialist training & accreditation |
Training Structure / Curriculum Framework
| Stage | Focus Area | Key Components |
| Transition to Discipline | Orientation | Clinical onboarding, basic skills |
| Foundations of Discipline | Core Training | Core specialty competencies |
| Core of Discipline | Advanced Training | Specialty-focused rotations |
| Transition to Practice | Consultant Level | Independent practice readiness |
| Final Certification | Examination | Written + Clinical (OSCE / Oral) |
Accommodation & Living
- RCPSC does not provide hostels
- Trainees arrange independent accommodation
- Residents earn salaries (approx. CAD 60,000 – 75,000/year)
- Living costs depend on city
Average Monthly Living Cost: CAD 1,800 – 2,500
Scholarships / Financial Support
- Government-funded resident salaries
- Research grants
- Provincial health authority support
- Continuing education funding
