15
Admission Requirements by Faculty
15.9 Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry
15.9.1 Bloodborne Pathogens Policy
The University of Alberta recognizes its duty to minimize the risk of transmission of bloodborne pathogens to/by individuals studying or working at this University.
The Bloodborne Pathogens policy limits the possibility of transmission of bloodborne pathogens within the educational setting. The University recognizes, however, that it is not possible to completely eliminate the risk of infection.
Because there is a greater potential for transmission of bloodborne pathogens to/by students during clinical experiences in practice settings, students in the Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry are required to undergo testing for bloodborne pathogens.
Note: For updates on changes to medical testing and immunization refer to the Faculty Office.
15.9.2 BSc in Medical Laboratory Science
I. Preprofessional Year
Those wishing to enrol in the BSc Medical Laboratory Science program must complete a preprofessional year before applying for admission to the Faculty. The required courses or their equivalents are available at various universities and community colleges in Alberta. Students should where possible take these courses (equivalent to 30 at the University of Alberta) as one year of full-time study.
II. Academic Requirements
A minimum of 30 are required including courses in introductory chemistry, organic chemistry, microbiology, genetics, and English. For University of Alberta students, appropriate courses would include the following:
English 6 | |
General Chemistry 6 | |
Organic Chemistry 6 | |
Biology 3 (cell biology) | |
3 from Biology, Genetics, Microbiology, or Zoology | |
Statistics 3 | |
3 options (any Faculty) |
This course work is compatible with programs required of students in the preprofessional disciplines of Pharmacy, Medicine and Dentistry; with the specialization and honors programs in the Faculty of Science of Biochemistry, Cell Biotechnology, Genetics, Microbiology. All regulations of the Faculty in which the student is currently registered must be followed.
III. Other Requirements
Selection Process: A minimum GPA of 2.0 is required in preprofessional course work. Except for ENGL, all preprofessional courses are prerequisites for senior courses. Thus, deficiencies would normally have to be made up. The preprofessional program may be completed through full- or part-time study at a number of postsecondary institutions that offer courses accepted as equivalent. The selection process is competitive, and applicants will be rank ordered according to the GPA in the required preprofessional courses. Preference will be given to those students who have completed the required 30 in one academic year. An applicant may not benefit from additional postsecondary courses. | |||||||
Test of Spoken English (TSE): Applicants must meet a spoken English requirement. (See §13.3.2.) | |||||||
Letter of Intent: Applicants must submit a letter with their application for admission stating their career goals, knowledge of the profession, related experience, and reasons for seeking admission to Medical Laboratory Science. Prospective students should have toured a clinical laboratory or spoken to staff members of a clinical laboratory. Please contact the Division of Medical Laboratory Science for assistance. | |||||||
Bloodborne Pathogen Testing:
[See §113.2.5(6)] |
IV. Aboriginal Applicants
The Division of Medical Laboratory Science will give up to one position within the quota for the BSc MLS program to Aboriginal applicants. Students of Aboriginal ancestry within the meaning of the Constitution Act, 1982, Section 35, Part 2, or a person accepted by one of the Aboriginal peoples of Canada as a member of their community, will be considered in this category.
Candidates will be subject to normal minimum admission requirements as outlined in §15.9.2 and approval by the Divisional Admissions Committee. If there are no qualified Aboriginal applicants in any given year, the position will be allocated to the general applicant pool.
Aboriginal applicants should contact the Coordinator, Division of Medical Laboratory Science, for career planning.
V. For More Information
Individuals considering entering the preprofessional year should contact the Division of Medical Laboratory Science, 5-411 Edmonton Clinic Health Academy, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 1C9.
15.9.3 Post-Professional Certificate BSc in Medical Laboratory Science
I. Admission Requirements
In order to be eligible for admission to the post-professional certificate program applicants must have:
successfully completed the Canadian Society for Medical Laboratory Science (CSMLS) General Certificate | |
CSMLS certification within the last 5 years or have been working in the field (at least part-time) in the last 5 years. |
II. Other Requirements
Official transcripts from technical institutes and clinical training sites, CSMLS certification, and other postsecondary institutions. | |
Resumé. | |
Letter indicating history of employment as a medical technologist with particular attention paid to the description of the type of work in which the applicant was involved. In this letter a statement of career goals and reasons for seeking admission to the BSc program in Medical Laboratory Science should be included. |
III. For More Information
Individuals considering entrance to the post-professional certificate program should contact the Division of Medical Laboratory Science, 5-411 Edmonton Clinic Health Academy, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 1C9 or by e-mail medlabsc@ualberta.ca. Paper application only is required.
15.9.4 Dental Hygiene Diploma
Application for Admission and Application for Readmission
Only electronic applications will be accepted. To access the online application for the University of Alberta go to www.registrarsoffice.ualberta.ca
For detailed application and program information please visit www.med.ualberta.ca/education/ugme/admissions/dh.cfm.
Enrolment: Enrolment is limited to an annual quota of 40 students. Of the 40 positions available 85% are reserved for Alberta residents, 10% for Non-Alberta residents and 5% for International students. (See §13.2)
I. Admission Requirements
Academic Requirements: The minimum requirement for admission to the Dental Hygiene Program is completion of 30 transferable, of which 24 must be taken during one Fall/Winter.
The required courses or their equivalents are available at various universities and colleges, including the University of Alberta.
The preprofessional requirements are:
English (6) | |
Organic Chemistry (3) | |
General Chemistry (3) | |
Biology (3) | |
Sociology (3) | |
Psychology (3) | |
Statistics (3) | |
Option any Faculty (6) |
Applicants having sequential high school background courses in English Language Arts 30-1, Pure Mathematics 30 or Mathematics 30-1, Chemistry 30, Biology 30, and a 30 level Subject from Group A or C will be best prepared to succeed in the preprofessional year.
Personal Interview: Interview selection is based on interim transcripts and postsecondary academic record. The interim document deadline is February 1. Competitive applicants will be interviewed by a team to determine if they have the personal qualities necessary for the profession. The interview evaluates an applicant's maturity, motivation, initiative, ability to communicate, personal qualities and interests. The interview schedule differs every year; short-listed applicants will be advised of the interview dates by letter.
II. Other Requirements
Language Proficiency Requirements: All applicants must meet the English Language Proficiency and Spoken English requirements. (See §13.3.) | |
Medical Testing and Immunization Requirements: Prior to orientation students admitted to the Dental Hygiene program are required to undergo medical testing for Hepatitis B and meet all immunization requirements. As well, a varicella titre test and a tuberculin skin test are required in the first year of the program. See §113.2.1(12) for regulations concerning medical testing and immunization. Note: For updates on changes to medical testing and immunization refer to the Faculty Office. | |
Proof of Residency Status: Because residency status determines the competitive pool in which an applicant is ranked, applicants may be required to present proof of residency status. See §13.2 residence requirements. |
III. Final Selection
Applicant profiles are made up of the following:
Overall GPA achieved on all transferable postsecondary work completed as a full-time student taken during Fall/Winter or Spring/Summer Terms. For overall GPA calculation full-time study is equivalent to a minimum of 18 taken during Fall/Winter Terms or 12 taken during Spring/Summer Terms. | |
Interview score. |
In order to be competitive, applicants should strive for a minimum GPA of 3.0. Students with a GPA of less than 2.7 will not be considered for admission.
For applicants who have completed four or more years of transferable postsecondary work, the cumulative (overall) GPA is calculated with the deletion of the lowest Fall/Winter GPA, provided it is not the most recent Fall/Winter or the only Fall/Winter where 24 was taken.
The Admissions Committee reserves the right to use its judgment with respect to individual cases. Applicants who have extenuating circumstances may submit a letter requesting special consideration to the Admissions Committee with supporting documentation. Such applicants must have completed the preprofessional requirements. Special consideration requests must be received by the Admissions Office by January 31 of the year admission is sought.
Deposit: Upon notification of acceptance, applicants will be required to confirm their intention to register by submitting a nonrefundable tuition deposit within a specified time. The deposit will be credited toward payment of tuition upon completion of registration.
IV. Aboriginal Applicants
Besides the regular quota positions, additional position(s) per year are available in the Dental Hygiene program for a qualified student of Aboriginal ancestry, within the meaning of the Constitution Act of 1982, Section 35(2). Applicants interested in this program should contact the Coordinator of the Native Health Care Careers Program, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry. See also §14.1.
15.9.5 Bachelor of Science (Dental Hygiene Specialization)
I. Academic Admission Requirements—Fourth Year
All students enrolled in the diploma program at the University of Alberta will have the opportunity to complete the Bachelor of Science (Dental Hygiene Specialization) if they complete the following:
Successful completion of the diploma program. | |
A minimum GPA of 2.0 in the above program. |
Provisions
None of the courses used toward the Bachelor of Science (Dental Hygiene Specialization) requirements have been used for credit toward another degree. |
Students in the final year of the Dental Hygiene Diploma program will be required to complete an Intent to Continue form.
15.9.6 Bachelor of Science (Dental Hygiene Specialization) Post Diploma Degree Completion Program
Application for Admission and Application for Readmission
Only electronic applications will be accepted. To access the online application for the University of Alberta go to www.registrarsoffice.ualberta.ca
I. Academic Admission Requirements
This program is for graduates of University of Alberta, Dental Hygiene Program or dental hygiene graduates of other accredited Canadian or international dental hygiene programs. Students will be placed in program A, B, or C depending on the year and place of graduation (refer to §114.4). The main criterion for admission is academic standing.
Programs A or C Admission Requirements
Graduation from University of Alberta Dental Hygiene Diploma program. | |
Minimum GPA of 2.0 in the above program. | |
Letter/s of good standing from current and previous licensing bodies. |
Program B Admission Requirements
Graduation from University of Alberta Dental Hygiene Diploma program prior to 1998 or dental hygiene graduates of other accredited Canadian or international dental hygiene programs. | |||||||||
Minimum GPA of 2.0 in the above program. | |||||||||
For graduates of dental hygiene diploma programs of 2 years in length, students must have completed an additional 30 of which the following are required:
| |||||||||
Letter/s of good standing from current and previous licensing bodies. |
II. Other Requirements
All applicants must meet the English Language Proficiency and Spoken English requirements. (See §13.3.)
15.9.7 Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS)
Application for Admission and Application for Readmission
Only electronic applications will be accepted. To access the online application for the University of Alberta go to www.registrarsoffice.ualberta.ca
For detailed application and program information please visit www.med.ualberta.ca/education/ugme/admissions/dofd.cfm.
Enrolment: Enrolment is limited to an annual quota of 31 students. Of the 31 positions available 85% are reserved for Alberta residents, 10% for Non-Alberta residents and 5% for International students. (See §13.2)
I. Admission Requirements
Academic Requirements: The minimum requirement for admission to the DDS Program is the satisfactory completion of 60 of transferable postsecondary work, of which 30 must be taken during one Fall/Winter.
The preprofessional requirements are:
General Chemistry (6) | |
Organic Chemistry (6) | |
Biology(6) | |
Physics (6) | |
English (6) | |
Statistics (3) | |
Introductory Biochemistry (3) |
The requirements can be met in various patterns in different faculties. Students are urged to take the program that they find most interesting and that will still give them these prerequisites.
Applicants having sequential high school background courses in English Language Arts 30-1, Biology 30, Chemistry 30, Pure Mathematics 30 or Mathematics 30-1, and Physics 30 will best be prepared to succeed in the two-year predental program.
Dental Aptitude Test: Each applicant will be required to take the Canadian Dental Association Dental Aptitude Test. The dental aptitude test is an important component in the selection process and must have been written within the last five years.
The latest the test may be written is the autumn prior to admission. If the test is taken more than once the best set of scores will be used. It is up to each applicant to decide whether or not the test should be retaken. Information and application forms are available at www.cda-adc.ca.
The deadline date for submitting Dental Aptitude Test results to the Admissions Office is January 15 of the year admission is sought.
Personal Interview: Interview selection is based on interim transcripts, postsecondary academic record and DAT scores. The interim document deadline is February 1. Competitive applicants will be interviewed by a team to determine if they have the personal qualities necessary for the profession. The interview evaluates an applicant's maturity, motivation, initiative, ability to communicate, personal qualities and interests. The interview schedule differs every year; short-listed applicants will be advised of the interview dates by letter.
II. Other Requirements
Language Proficiency Requirements: All applicants must meet the English Language Proficiency and Spoken English requirements. (See §13.3.) | |
Medical Testing and Immunization Requirements: Prior to orientation students admitted to the DDS program are required to undergo medical testing for Hepatitis B and meet all immunization requirements. As well, a varicella titre test and a tuberculin skin test are required in the first year of the program. See §113.2.1(12) for regulations concerning medical testing and immunization. | |
Note: For updates on changes to medical testing and immunization refer to the Faculty Office. | |
Proof of Residency Status: Because residency status determines the competitive pool in which an applicant is ranked, applicants may be required to present proof of residency status. See §13.2 residence requirements. |
III. Final Selection
Applicant profiles are made up of the following:
Overall GPA achieved on all transferable postsecondary work completed as a full-time student taken during Fall/Winter or Spring/Summer Terms. For overall GPA calculation full-time study is equivalent to a minimum of 18 taken during Fall/Winter Terms or 12 taken during Spring/Summer Terms. | |
Dental aptitude test scores | |
Interview score |
In order to be competitive, applicants should strive for a minimum GPA of 3.5 in their university studies. Students with a GPA of less than 3.0 will not be considered for admission.
For applicants who have completed four or more years of transferable postsecondary work, the cumulative (overall) GPA is calculated with the deletion of the lowest Fall/Winter GPA, provided it is not the most recent Fall/Winter or the only Fall/Winter where 30 was taken.
Applicants who do not meet the minimum criteria will not be considered for admission. The Admissions Committee reserves the right to use its judgment with respect to individual cases. Applicants who have extenuating circumstances may submit a letter requesting special consideration to the Admissions Committee with supporting documentation. Such applicants must have completed the preprofessional requirements. Special consideration requests must be received by the Admissions Office by January 31 of the year admission is sought.
Deposit: Upon notification of acceptance, applicants will be required to confirm their intention to register by submitting a nonrefundable tuition deposit within a specified time. The deposit will be credited toward payment of tuition upon completion of registration.
IV. Aboriginal Applicants
Besides the regular quota positions, an additional position per year is available in the DDS program for a qualified student of Aboriginal ancestry, within the meaning of the Constitution Act of 1982, Section 35, Part 2. Applicants interested in this program should contact the coordinator of the Native Health Care Careers Program, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry. Also see §14.1.
V. Rural Alberta Applicants
Besides the regular quota positions, additional positions for qualified applicants from rural Alberta are available. For information, contact the Department of Dentistry Undergraduate Admissions Office.
15.9.8 DDS Advanced Placement Program
For detailed application and program information please visit www.med.ualberta.ca/education/ugme/admissions/dofd.cfm
Limitation of Enrolment: Enrolment is limited.
I. Admission Requirements
In order to be eligible to apply to the DDS Advanced Placement program applicants must:
Be graduates of a minimum four-year University dental program, not recognized by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of Canada (CDAC) or the Joint Commission for Dental Accreditation of the American Dental Association (JCDA). | |
Have successfully completed the Assessment of Fundamental Knowledge sponsored by the National Dental Examining Board of Canada (NDEB) within two years prior to the application deadline. For information on the NDEB Equivalency Process or to register for the exam please visit www.ndeb.ca. | |
Letter/s from Licensing Bodies: Applicants who are or have been licensed to practice dentistry in any jurisdiction must submit letters of good standing (in English) from current and previous licensing bodies. | |
Language Proficiency Requirements: All applicants must meet the English Language Proficiency and Spoken English requirements. (See §13.3) | |
Citizenship: Applicants must be Canadian citizens or Permanent Residents of Canada on or before the deadline date for applications. A notarized copy of proof of Canadian citizenship or Permanent Resident status must be submitted with the application for admission. | |
Personal Interview: Before acceptance to the Pre-Entry Examination, the applicant will be interviewed by a team to determine if he/she possesses the personal qualities necessary for the program. Candidates will be short-listed and advised of the arranged interview date by letter or e-mail. | |
Pre-Entry Examination: Applicants who are considered to have potential based on their application documents and successful interview may qualify for the Pre-Entry Examination. Prior to the examination, a nonrefundable Pre-Entry Examination fee will be required from each applicant. Upon successful completion of the Pre-Entry Examination, applicants will qualify to proceed to the Pre-Clinical Assessment. | |
Pre-Clinical Assessment: A nonrefundable Pre-Clinical Assessment fee plus a dental instrument kit fee is required from each applicant. Upon successful completion of the Pre-Clinical Assessment course (DDS 829) and formal registration by the applicant, the dental instrument kit fee will be applied toward the first year dental instrument kit cost. Refer to www.dent.ualberta.ca for detailed information. | |
Medical Testing and Immunization Requirements: Prior to orientation students admitted to the DDS Advanced Placement program are required to undergo medical testing for Hepatitis B and meet all immunization requirements. As well, a varicella titre test and a tuberculin skin test are required in the first year of the program. See §113.2.2(12) for regulations concerning medical testing and immunization. | |
Note: For updates on changes to medical testing and immunization refer to the Faculty Office. | |
Final Selection: Applicant profiles are made up of results of the Assessment of Fundamental Knowledge sponsored by the National Dental Examining Board of Canada (NDEB), Language Proficiency/Spoken English results, interview results, Pre-Entry Examination results, and successful completion of the Pre-Clinical Assessment. The Admissions Committee reserves the right to use its judgement with respect to individual cases. The decision concerning admission is final. No appeal mechanism exists. | |
National Dental Examining Board of Canada (or equivalent) Examinations: In accordance with National Dental Examining Board of Canada (NDEB) regulations, students enrolled in Advanced Placement programs are eligible to take the NDEB exams within three months of their expected date of graduation. For further information, refer to the NDEB by-laws governing examinations and certification eligibility, www.ndeb.ca. | |
Deposit: Upon notification of acceptance, successful applicants will be required to confirm their intention to register by submitting a nonrefundable tuition deposit within a specified time. The deposit will be credited toward payment of tuition upon completion of registration. |
15.9.9 Doctor of Medicine (MD)
Application for Admission and Application for Readmission
Only electronic applications are accepted. To access the online application for the University of Alberta go to www.registrarsoffice.ualberta.ca
The Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry offers a four-year program leading to the degree of Doctor of Medicine. Although applicants differ in terms of academic talents and interests, common factors exist relating to the admissions procedure that those contemplating application should be familiar with. Because the number of applicants greatly exceeds the number of places available, a careful selection process is carried out as described below.
Applicants should be aware of the total length of time required to obtain a medical degree and following this a licence to practise–the usual time is a minimum of two years of pre-medical (normally four years pre-medical); four years of medical studies, at which point the MD degree is awarded; and then a minimum of two years of internship before licensure in Alberta.
I. Quotas
A quota exists in Medicine. 85% of the positions are reserved for Alberta residents and 15% of the positions are for Non-Alberta residents.
Additional positions over quota may be available for qualified Aboriginal applicants (see III) and qualified applicants from Rural community (see IV).
II. Academic Requirements
All students considering Medicine must register in a degree program and maintain good standing in that program. Regardless of the degree program, the student must take courses in the following core subjects:
6 in each of General Chemistry (including Inorganic Chemistry); Organic Chemistry; Physics; Biology; English. | |
3 in each of Statistics and Biochemistry. Where possible, students are encouraged to take a full year of Biochemistry when continuing in a degree program. |
Notes | |||||||||||||
To be considered for admission, students must normally have achieved a GPA 3.3 for Alberta residents, 3.5 for Non-Alberta residents, on a minimum of 60. 30 must be taken during one Fall/Winter. Students are encouraged to obtain a baccalaureate degree before admission but may apply after two or three years in a degree program. To be considered for entry after only two or three years at university or college, a student must have all the prerequisites as well as an exceptional GPA (minimum GPA of 3.7) and exceptional personal qualifications. Students are normally required to conform to the stated requirements as the first year of the MD program is structured on the assumption that all the required material has been covered and that there will be neither time nor opportunity in that year to make up deficiencies. Students taking the above courses must be registered in a degree program and are therefore subject to the rules and regulations of that Faculty. For several departments in Science, as well as other faculties, two pre-medical years containing the prerequisite subjects count for full credit toward a four-year degree. The student is advised to study the entrance requirements for the Faculty of choice carefully, paying particular attention to high school courses needed for entrance into programs that might be chosen if the student does not gain admission to the Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry. Please note transcript deadlines in §12. | |||||||||||||
Medical College Admission Test (MCAT): All applicants must take the MCAT. The MCAT is electronic and there are several writings throughout the year. Please refer to the MCAT website for information on test dates and locations. All information and registration is through the MCAT office at www.aamc.org/mcat. Students must release their MCAT scores through the electronic THx system through the AAMC's website by the application deadline in §12. If an applicant has written the MCAT more than once, MCAT scores from the most successful sitting will be considered by the Faculty. The MCAT must have been written within the last five years prior to application deadline in §12. The Faculty will not accept the MCAT written in the spring of the year of admission. All applicants must write the MCAT before making application to the program. | |||||||||||||
Interview and Letters of Reference: Qualified applicants must present themselves for a personal interview. Closed letters of reference are required. Failure to provide these by the deadline in §12 may result in closure of the applicant's file. | |||||||||||||
Test of Spoken English (TSE): Applicants must meet a spoken English requirement. (See §13.3.2.) | |||||||||||||
Personal Requirements: While admission to the MD program is based mainly on academic performance, lack of essential personal qualities in an applicant may be deemed sufficient cause for refusal of admission. There is no discrimination with respect to the applicant's sex or age in the selection process. | |||||||||||||
Selection Factors: Selection of students for admission to the MD program follows guidelines established by the Board of Governors of the University of Alberta, General Faculties Council, and the Faculty Council of the Faculty of Medicine. Selection is the responsibility of a standing committee of Faculty Council, the Committee on Admissions. Selection factors will consist of the following:
For applicants who have completed 4 or more years of postsecondary transferable course work, the admissions GPA (overall GPA) is calculated with the deletion of the lowest year GPA, provided it is not the most recent year, or the one and only year where 30 units of course weight (5 full course equivalents) have been completed. An admission decision is normally valid only for the Fall/Winter term for which it is approved. | |||||||||||||
Criminal Record checks. Applicants should be aware that criminal record checks are required. | |||||||||||||
Deposit: Applicants are advised of the decision of the Admissions Committee in the Spring. Successful applicants, on accepting a place in the first-year class, must send a nonrefundable tuition deposit payable to the University of Alberta. This deposit is credited to tuition fees when the student registers. Should a candidate withdraw after accepting a position or not meet specified conditions within the time allowed as stated in the offer of admission, this deposit is forfeited. | |||||||||||||
Students admitted to the MD program must present all required documentation to the Faculty office before orientation. Documentation includes photos and the College of Physicians and Surgeons form. |
III. Aboriginal Applicants
The Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry may provide up to five positions over the regular quota for the MD program to Aboriginal applicants. Students who are of Aboriginal ancestry within the meaning of the Constitution Act, 1982, Section 35(2) will be considered in this category.
Candidates will be subject to normal minimum admission requirements as outlined in §15.9.9 and to approval by the Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry Admissions Committee. If there are no qualified Aboriginal students in any given year, these positions will not be allocated to other applicants.
Aboriginal student applicants and prospective pre-medical students should contact the Coordinator, Aboriginal Health Care Careers, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry for individual counseling and career planning. See also §14.1.
IV. Rural Applicants
The Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry may provide additional positions over the regular quota to Rural applicants. For more information, contact the Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry Undergraduate Admissions Office.
15.9.10 MD/PhD Program
Highly qualified students motivated toward a career in medical research may wish to consider the MD/PhD program. This program is described in the Medicine and Dentistry as well as the Graduate Programs sections.