Practice Ready Assessment – Manitoba
Are you an internationally trained and educated family or specialty physician?
Practice Ready Assessment Manitoba (PRA-MB) is reviewing applications from physicians interested in working in Manitoba.
The Practice Ready Assessment Program is designed for internationally trained physicians who have completed residency training and can practice independently. The candidates are expected to demonstrate skills acceptable to the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Manitoba (CPSM) and in line with standards for Canadian trained family physicians (as determined by College of Family Physicians of Canada) or specialists (as determined by Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (RCPSC). Enrollment in the program requires an approved sponsor and a job offer in a clinical area deemed to be of high need in the province of Manitoba.
Successful candidates are required to fulfill a return-of-service with the sponsoring Health Service Delivery Organization.
There are two PRA-MB streams:
Family Medicine Physician Assessment
Information coming soon.
Specialty Physician Assessment
Information for the Practice Ready Assessment Manitoba – Specialty Practice Program (PRA MB-SP) can be found below.
Process for PRA MB-SP
Steps to take before you start your PRA MB-SP
Below are the steps you need to take before a PRA can be approved. Once these steps are completed, the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Manitoba will find you an assessor or supervisor and arrange your assessment dates. This may take some time as we are very thorough in finding assessors and supervisors that are available, qualified and do not have conflicts of interest.
- Complete a Provincial Intake Form
Fully complete all requirements and submit relevant documentation. - Apply for posted positions
Positions can be found here. Follow instructions on how to apply. - Shortlisted Candidates/Applicants will be required to submit supporting documents to CPSM.
You will be contacted and provided with direction on required documentation. - Selected Candidate(s) proceed to PRA
Applicants will be notified on whether or not they have been approved for a PRA. If a PRA has not been approved, someone will advise of other available options.
More details on the PRA MB-SP Program
What is the PRA MB-SP Program?
- The practice-ready assessment program is designed to assess internationally trained medical specialists who are able to practice independently and do not need further residency training.
- PRA candidates must demonstrate skills acceptable to the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Manitoba (CPSM), in line with standards for Canadian trained specialists, as determined by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (RCPSC).
- Candidates must meet requirements for registration as a provisional (specialty practice-limited) member with the CPSM before they can be approved to commence the PRA-Specialty Practice.
- Enrollment in the PRA MB Program requires an approved sponsor and a job offer deemed to be of high clinical need in the province of Manitoba.
- Candidates who meet the required criteria and are accepted into the Program must fulfill a return-of-service with the sponsoring health Service Delivery Organization (SDO)/employer.
How do I apply?
- Register on the Health Careers Manitoba website. As part of your registration, you will be asked to provide:
- An electronic copy of your resume/CV;
- A copy of proof of your Canadian Residency/Immigration status (preference will be given to Manitoba Residents and those who have Canadian Permanent Resident status); and
- To fully complete the Provincial Intake form
- Review the available job postings on the Health Careers Manitoba website, and follow instructions to apply.
- Where instructed, apply to the CPSM for registration for PRA. Candidates will be required to satisfy mandatory requirements including English language proficiency
How are candidates selected for sponsorship?
Vacancies across Manitoba are posted on the Health Careers Manitoba website.
Health Service Delivery Organizations work with the provincial medical specialty leads and Shared Health to identify positions of high clinical need in Manitoba. Posted positions on the Health Careers Manitoba website are the only positions eligible for sponsorship through the PRA pathway.
PRA candidate files are reviewed regularly to assess applications based on the established screening criteria:
- Candidate fulfillment of mandatory requirements
- Physician vacancy / sponsor availability
A list of potential candidates who have met the requirements is maintained for each posted position. The list is provided to the International Medical Graduate (IMG) program and candidates are screened by a panel of representatives from the University of Manitoba (IMG Program), Specialty Department of Assessment, and sponsoring health service delivery organization.
Successful candidates will be provided direction by the University of Manitoba IMG Program on next steps to complete their PRA.
How does the assessment work?
The assessment is coordinated by the University of Manitoba International Medical Graduate (IMG) Program and is conducted in the appropriate department at the University of Manitoba’s affiliated hospitals. The assessing Department arranges a screening evaluation (typically an interview, OSCE or written examination) prior to agreeing to undertake an assessment.
The duration of the assessment will vary by department, ranging from a minimum three to six months, and may need to be lengthened if further assessment time is needed.
Reports will be completed by supervisors, colleagues, nurses and allied health professionals and are submitted to the Head of the Department or designate. The Head of the Department will then submit a final report to the IMG Program, indicating whether the candidate has the clinical skills and knowledge to practice independently and safely, equivalent to the level of a final year resident in the specialty.
The final recommendation is forwarded to the CPSM from the IMG Program.
What happens after the assessment?
Following successful completion of the assessment, the PRA candidate will fulfill their return-of-service to Manitoba, as laid out in their sponsorship agreement.
The candidates are also required to complete a one year mandatory Mentorship Program through the IMG Program.
Licensing requirements are coordinated by the CPSM.
PRAs are not for:
- International medical graduates who have not done their residency with acceptable rotations.
- International medical graduates seeking a full residency.
- International medical graduates seeking to be trained or undergo assessment to work in other provinces.