Training
How do I become a Clinical Biochemist?
There are several routes to become a Clinical Biochemist (alternate name Clinical Chemist) in Canada. The most common is first to obtain a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in a branch of chemistry or life science (often biochemistry or physiology) and then to enter a two-year CACB accredited Postdoctoral Training Program in Clinical Chemistry or Clinical Biochemistry (one centre has a 3-year program).
Such programs, available at 6 universities in Canada are directed toward acquiring professional competence as well as a small research complement. Professional competence is assessed through written and oral examinations set and supervised by the Canadian Academy of Clinical Biochemistry (CACB), a body within the Canadian Society of Clinical Chemists (CSCC). A Specialty Certificate is awarded following successful completion of the certification examinations.
Please go to the Certification & Fellowship page for more information on certification and fellowship application process after graduation from a CACB accredited Postdoctoral Training Programs and information on alternative routes to become a Clinical Biochemist in Canada.
CACB Accredited Training Programs
University of Alberta
Edmonton, Alberta
Program Co-Directors:
Dr. Anna Füzéry
Dr. Miranda Brun
University of Calgary and Alberta Precision Labs
Calgary, Alberta
Program Co-Directors:
Dr. Hossein Sadrzadeh
Dr. Jessica Gifford
University of Toronto
Toronto, Ontario
Program Co-Directors:
Dr. Vathany Kulasingam
Dr. Paul Yip
Memorial University of Newfoundland
St. John’s, Newfoundland
Program Director:
Dr. Berna Aslan
University of Saskatchewan
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
Program Co-Directors:
Dr. Fang Wu
Dr. Jay Kalra
Syllabus
The syllabus serves as a guide to trainees to assist them in their training and prepare for the certification examinations of the Canadian Academy of Clinical Biochemistry and L’Ordre des Chimistes du Québec. The examinations are based on the syllabus but may also contain questions on topics pertinent to Clinical Biochemistry beyond the scope of the syllabus.
Foreign Credentials
If you have a university degree from a university outside Canada or the USA, and need your credentials assessed and recognized for one of these programs, please consult the Government of Canada Foreign Credentials Referred Office (1-888-854-1805).
For more detailed information on the examination process, please go to the Certification page.