September NAC OSCE exam Dates

If you want to apply to CaRMS for the 2016 match it is imperative that you complete the NAC OSCE by September 2015.

The official dates have been uploaded to the Medical Council of Canada’s website.

The exam registration will be opening shortly, you can sign up for updates from the MCC here

Examination session for Sept. 2015
 Expected application opening timeframe : Late April 2015
Examination session Examination centres*
September 2015 Province City
Sat., Sept. 12 Alta. Calgary
Ont. Toronto
Sun., Sept. 13 Alta. Calgary
B.C. Vancouver
 N.S. Halifax
Ont. Toronto
Sat., Sept. 19 Alta. Edmonton
Man.  Winnipeg
Ont. Toronto
Que. Montreal
Sun., Sept. 20 Alta. Edmonton
Man. Winnipeg
Ont. Toronto

 

How much time do I need to prepare for the NAC OSCE?

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The September 2015 NAC OSCE is available to those who have passed the MCCEE in March 2015.

The exam consists of variety OSCE stations where you will be tested on your communication skills, physical exam skills, and therapeutic knowledge. Seeing as most individuals will complete this exam during or after their 4th and final year of medicine the exam should require about 30 days of focused study. It is possible to complete this study during a core or elective rotation. Listed below are items you should be comfortable doing and familiar with the associated knowledge. This should help you plan the time you will need to prepare for the NAC OSCE

  • Physical exams – including special tests and peripheral signs/symptoms
    • Neurological
    • Cardiovascular
    • Respiratory
    • Peripheral Neurological/Vascular Exam (i.e. Diabetes
    • Obstetric
    • Gastrointestinal including liver and kidneys
    • Musculo-skeletal – Knee/Shoulder/Back/Neck/Hand
  • MMSE
  • Depression Screening
  • Common Pediatric Hx (a pediatric physical exam is unlikely for this OSCE)
  • Social Hx – smoker/alcoholic/sexual health – be aware of all possible questions/treatments/coaching regarding these issues
  • Be able to diagnose the most common items for the above exams/history stations and what tests you require.

Please note, this OSCE is drastically different from the USMLE Step 2 and will require more advanced preparation. You should be able to function as a GP in this exam, talking to, examining, making a diagnosis, as well as treatment/further tests.

Medical Council of Canada OSCE Guidelines

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In preparation for the National Assessment Collaboration (NAC) it’s important to cover as many resources as possible to familiarize yourself with the format of the exam. The Medical Council of Canada released a book of guidelines for objective structured clinical exams (OSCE) cases. They state that the National Assessment Collaboration (NAC) Examination Assesses the readiness of an international medical graduate (IMG) to enter into a Canadian residency program.

We suggest reading through this short pdf to gain a better understanding and insight into the NAC as well as how to familiarize yourself with sample checklists to see how you will be graded during this milestone in your quest to obtaining a residency position in Canada.

CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE PDF.