Before you Apply

Students in the MD program must possess essential abilities and skills for the study and practice of medicine. Dalhousie Faculty of Medicine’s Technical Standards document outlines and describes these essential abilities and skills and can be found here.

Prospective applicants and students are expected to review this document to assess their ability to meet these standards. Students who require disability-related accommodation are responsible for notifying the medical school so that reasonable and appropriate accommodation can be provided in a timely manner and reduce risk of delaying the start or progress of the program.

As part of the application process, Dalhousie asks applicants "Do you have a criminal record?, If yes, explain fully" The purpose of this section in the application form is primarily to determine if the criminal record is likely to impact the individual's ability to complete medical school. 

A medical student with a criminal record may face several challenges and limitations during their education and career, due to legal, ethical, and institutional concerns. Here are some ways in which a criminal record can impact a medical student's journey:

1. Background Checks: Medical Schools, hospitals, and clinical settings often conduct comprehensive background checks on students. Upon receipt of an offer, students are required to submit a criminal record check and vulnerable sector check. Dalhousie then provides details of any checks not coming back clear to each health authority/facility where a student will be training. The health authority/facility then determines if the student can train in their facility. 
2. Licensing and Certification: Provincial licensing bodies (like the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Nova Scotia) require students and physicians to disclose any criminal history as part of the licensing process. A positive criminal record can complicate or delay the licensing process. In some cases, it can lead to the denial of a license, suspension of a license, or revocation of a license. 
3. Clinical Rotations and Internships: Medical students need to complete clinical rotations in hospitals and other healthcare facilities in order to complete medical training. 

Having a criminal record does not automatically preclude an individual from gaining admission to Dalhousie’s medical school. Rather, each applicant’s disclosure of a criminal record is reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Typically, this review includes looking at the nature of the offense, how much time has passed since the incident, whether a record suspension (previously known as pardon) has been sought, and any evidence of rehabilitation before making decisions that has been shared. Transparency, honesty, and demonstrating personal growth and accountability are also generally considered.

To protect the health and safety of faculty, learners, patients, and staff, it is important that medical students have immunizations that are up-to-date and meet the requirements of the local health authorities. 

Students are required to be fully immunized before they enter any clinical setting. Proof of immunity is required for all persons carrying on activity in hospitals and clinical settings. The immunization record and instructions can be found here

All registered students with Dalhousie University Faculty of Medicine must comply with these requirements and continue to provide updates to their immunization profile. Failure to do so will result in not being permitted to participate in clinical activities, therefore causing delays in their education.

Regulations for Immunizations

Basic Life Support Certification must be submitted to the Undergraduate Medical Education Office (UGME) prior to registration day. Basic Life Support Certification can be obtained from a variety of organizations including St. John Ambulance, Canadian Red Cross, Heart & Stroke Foundation of Canada, etc. 

Basic Life Support Certification courses from the Heart & Stroke Foundation of Canada are preferred (this course is a pre-requisite for the Advanced Care Life Support Course, which is currently organized by UGME and completed near the end of clerkship, prior to the start of residency.

Our MD program gives you hands-on learning opportunities starting in your first week of medical school. To explore the curriculum please visit the Undergraduate Medical Education (UGME) website here

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• Accepting an offer at the Dalhousie Medicine Nova Scotia Halifax site acknowledges that the 4-year Doctor of Medicine (MD) program is based in Nova Scotia. This will include core clinical assignments in a variety of urban and non-urban locations throughout the Maritime Provinces. Med 3 Clerkship rotations (minimum of 48 weeks) are assigned to students approximately 7 months before Med 3 begins and will occur in Maritime communities. Students will have an opportunity to submit their preferences for sites before they are assigned although not all preferences can be fulfilled.
• Accepting an offer at the Dalhousie Medicine Cape Breton site acknowledges that the 4-year Doctor of Medicine (MD) program is based in Sydney Cape Breton and will attend classes in Sydney, NS in years 1 and 2. Year 3 and 4 clinical clerkship placements will primarily be located in Cape Breton and rural NS communities, but also occur throughout the Maritime provinces. By accepting an offer to the DMNS-CBMC campus, the matriculant agrees to a 5 year return of service agreement to practice in a rural Nova Scotia community and a commitment to Family Medicine, or other area of generalist medicine need in rural Nova Scotia as determined by the provincial government. 
• Accepting an offer at the Dalhousie Medicine New Brunswick, Saint John site acknowledges that the 4-year Doctor of Medicine (MD) program is based in New Brunswick.  This will include core clinical assignments in a variety of urban and non-urban locations. Med 3 Clerkship rotations (minimum of 48 weeks) are assigned to students approximately 7 months before Med 3 begins and will occur in New Brunswick communities including Saint John, Fredericton, Miramichi, Moncton or Upper River Valley. Students will have an opportunity to submit their preferences for sites before they are assigned although not all preferences can be fulfilled.