Are you looking for healthcare jobs in Canada with visa sponsorship in 2026?
Registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, nurse practitioners, family physicians, specialist doctors, pharmacists, medical laboratory technologists, respiratory therapists, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, paramedics, personal support workers and health care aides are among the people who follow Canada’s health job market most closely. Many registered nurses may earn roughly C$75,000 to C$105,000 a year, and family physicians and specialists may earn well over C$250,000 in gross billings or salary, depending on province, experience, licensing status, union agreements and the employer. Care aide and support worker roles usually pay much less, and none of these figures is guaranteed.
Demand comes from provincial health authorities such as Alberta Health Services and its successor agencies, Fraser Health, Vancouver Coastal Health, Interior Health, Ontario Health and Ontario hospital networks, Santé Québec, Nova Scotia Health, Horizon Health Network and Shared Health Manitoba, along with long-term care operators such as Extendicare, Sienna Senior Living and Chartwell. Canada’s aging population, long surgical wait lists, rural doctor shortages and retirements among health workers all add pressure. In 2026, IRCC ran several Express Entry draws targeting healthcare and social services occupations, issuing 11,500 invitations across three rounds by early September, according to published reports.
If you are ready to find out which healthcare jobs in Canada may pay well, check available positions through official channels, and learn how sponsorship and immigration may work for health workers, you can start by reviewing each section below.
What “Healthcare Jobs in Canada With Visa Sponsorship” Means
“Healthcare jobs in Canada with visa sponsorship” is a common search phrase, not the name of an official Canadian program. No federal department runs a scheme by that title, and no visa guarantees a nursing licence, a medical residency, a salary or permanent residence.
In practice, the phrase links three separate things: a job offer or recruitment interest from a Canadian health employer, a professional licence or registration from a provincial regulator, and an immigration route that lets a foreign national live and work in Canada. Anyone researching the topic may find it helpful to keep three questions in mind.
- Am I eligible, or on a clear path, to register with the regulator for my profession in the province where I want to work?
- Does a genuine Canadian employer have a real role that matches my profession, and is it prepared to support a work permit or provincial nomination?
- Which immigration program fits my background, such as Express Entry, a Provincial Nominee Program or an employer-specific work permit?
Every salary figure in this guide is illustrative. The ranges are examples based on general market patterns and public data, and they are meant to support research rather than describe a specific offer.
Why Licensing Matters More Than the Headline
In Canadian health care, licensing usually decides what a person can do far more than a job advert does. Health professions are regulated by provinces and territories, and each regulator sets its own requirements for internationally educated applicants.
For nurses outside Quebec, the process often starts with the National Nursing Assessment Service (NNAS), followed by an assessment by the provincial regulator, which may include competency assessments, bridging education or exams such as the NCLEX-RN. For physicians, the Medical Council of Canada exams, practice-ready assessment programs and residency matching through CaRMS are common steps. Pharmacists, therapists and lab technologists have their own national or provincial assessment bodies.
Several provinces have moved to speed up licensing for health professionals from certain countries, particularly nurses and doctors trained in the United States, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand and some other systems. Rules vary and change frequently.
Factors that may shape both pay and eligibility include:
- The province or territory and its regulator’s requirements
- The profession and whether it is regulated
- Where the applicant trained and how that system is assessed
- Union agreements, which set pay scales in most public settings
- Shift differentials, overtime and rural incentives
- Language proficiency in English or French
Healthcare Jobs and Canadian Immigration Are Different Decisions
It is easy to assume that a hospital job leads automatically to a visa. In reality, several separate parties decide. The regulator decides on registration. The employer decides on hiring. Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) decides on any LMIA. The province decides on any nomination, and IRCC decides on work permits and permanent residence.
A health authority may want to hire an internationally educated nurse, but the nurse may still need months of assessment and bridging before registration. A physician may pass exams but struggle to secure a residency position. A care worker may have years of experience but face closed or capped immigration streams.
Treating these as separate steps helps applicants plan. A job offer does not create a licence, and a licence does not create a visa.
How Canadian Health Systems Recruit Internationally
Canada’s health systems are publicly funded and organized by province. Hospitals and community services are run by health authorities or hospital corporations, while long-term care homes may be public, non-profit or private.
A typical chain looks like this. A provincial government announces recruitment targets or incentives. Health authorities and hospitals run recruitment campaigns, sometimes abroad, and work with regulators to streamline assessment. Candidates complete licensing steps, receive job offers and then apply for work permits or provincial nominations. Some provinces have dedicated healthcare streams in their nominee programs that connect job offers with permanent residence.
For many workers, the employer is a regional health authority or long-term care operator rather than a national brand.
The Main Steps for an Internationally Educated Health Worker
1. Choose a province and profession pathway
Applicants research which province fits their profession, family and lifestyle, and read the regulator’s requirements for internationally educated applicants.
2. Credential assessment
Nurses usually apply to NNAS, while other professions use their own assessment bodies. Documents are verified directly with schools and regulators abroad.
3. Regulator assessment and exams
The provincial regulator decides whether additional education, competency assessments or exams are required.
4. Job search and offer
Applicants look for roles with health authorities, hospitals or care homes, often while completing licensing steps.
5. Immigration application
Depending on the case, the worker applies through Express Entry, a provincial healthcare stream, an LMIA-based work permit or another route.
6. Arrival and orientation
The worker completes any remaining licensing requirements, receives orientation and begins practice under supervision if required.
Where Healthcare Demand Is Strongest in 2026
Demand is broad, but some regions and settings face sharper shortages.
Rural and remote communities
Northern and rural areas in almost every province struggle to recruit nurses, doctors and paramedics. Incentives may include signing bonuses, housing support and loan forgiveness.
Ontario
Ontario has the largest health workforce and many hospitals, long-term care homes and home care providers. Long-term care has a high need for registered practical nurses and personal support workers.
British Columbia
British Columbia has run recruitment campaigns for nurses and has made changes to speed up registration for some internationally educated nurses.
Alberta
Alberta has reorganized its health system into several agencies and has a dedicated healthcare pathway in its provincial nominee program.
Atlantic Canada
Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland and Labrador have actively recruited nurses and doctors, sometimes with fast-track licensing and dedicated immigration streams.
Quebec
Quebec has large demand but requires French and has its own immigration system and professional orders.
Major Employers in the Canadian Health Ecosystem
The organizations below are illustrative examples of employers often discussed in connection with health care hiring. Appearing here does not mean any organization is currently recruiting internationally.
Provincial health authorities
Organizations such as Fraser Health, Vancouver Coastal Health, Interior Health, Island Health, Northern Health, Alberta’s health agencies, Saskatchewan Health Authority, Shared Health Manitoba, Nova Scotia Health and Horizon Health Network employ most hospital staff in their regions.
Recruitment depends on budgets and staffing plans, and international campaigns come and go.
Ontario hospital networks
Large hospital corporations such as University Health Network, Sunnybrook, Hamilton Health Sciences and many community hospitals hire nurses and allied health staff.
Santé Québec
Quebec’s provincial health agency employs health workers across the province, with French required for most roles.
Long-term care operators
Extendicare, Sienna Senior Living, Chartwell and many non-profit and municipal homes hire nurses and personal support workers.
Home and community care agencies
Home care organizations hire nurses and personal support workers to care for people in their homes.
Employer overview
The table below is a simplified, illustrative summary. It is not a list of current vacancies.
| Employer group | Typical setting | Roles commonly associated |
|---|---|---|
| Provincial health authorities | Hospitals and community care | Nurses, therapists, lab staff |
| Ontario hospital networks | Acute and specialty care | Nurses, allied health |
| Santé Québec | Province-wide health care | Nurses, doctors (French required) |
| Long-term care operators | Residential care | RPNs, LPNs, personal support workers |
| Home care agencies | Community care | Nurses, home support workers |
| Primary care clinics | Family medicine | Family physicians, nurse practitioners |
Other employer types to research
- Rural hospitals and nursing stations
- Community health centres
- Pharmacies and pharmacy chains
- Private clinics and diagnostic labs
- Paramedic services
- Rehabilitation centres
Healthcare Roles That May Reach Higher Pay
The ranges below are illustrative annual examples for experienced, licensed workers and vary by province and union agreement. Applicants can compare median wages by region on the Job Bank wage pages.
Registered nurse
Illustrative range: C$75,000 to C$105,000 a year.
Registered nurses provide care in hospitals, community settings and long-term care.
Typical duties
- Assessing patients and planning care
- Giving medicines and treatments
- Coordinating with doctors and allied health staff
What employers may ask for
Registration with the provincial regulator, recent clinical experience and strong English or French.
Nurse practitioner
Illustrative range: C$110,000 to C$150,000 a year.
Nurse practitioners diagnose, prescribe and manage care, often in primary care.
Typical duties
- Assessing and diagnosing patients
- Prescribing medicines and ordering tests
- Managing chronic conditions
What employers may ask for
Advanced practice education and registration as a nurse practitioner in the province.
Family physician
Illustrative range: C$250,000 to C$400,000 a year in gross billings or salary.
Family physicians provide primary care in clinics, hospitals and communities.
Typical duties
- Diagnosing and treating patients
- Managing chronic diseases
- Referring to specialists
What employers may ask for
Licensure with the provincial college, which may involve exams, practice-ready assessment or residency.
Licensed or registered practical nurse
Illustrative range: C$55,000 to C$75,000 a year.
Practical nurses care for patients in long-term care, hospitals and community settings.
Typical duties
- Giving medicines and treatments
- Monitoring patients
- Supporting care plans
What employers may ask for
Registration with the provincial regulator.
Pharmacist
Illustrative range: C$95,000 to C$130,000 a year.
Pharmacists dispense medicines and advise patients and health providers.
Typical duties
- Reviewing and dispensing prescriptions
- Counselling patients
- Managing drug interactions
What employers may ask for
Licensure through the Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada process and the provincial regulator.
Medical laboratory technologist
Illustrative range: C$70,000 to C$95,000 a year.
Lab technologists run tests that support diagnosis and treatment.
Typical duties
- Running laboratory tests
- Checking quality and accuracy
- Reporting results
What employers may ask for
Certification through the Canadian Society for Medical Laboratory Science or the provincial regulator.
Respiratory therapist
Illustrative range: C$70,000 to C$100,000 a year.
Respiratory therapists support patients with breathing problems, often in critical care.
Typical duties
- Managing ventilators
- Assessing breathing
- Supporting emergencies
What employers may ask for
Registration with the provincial regulator.
Personal support worker or health care aide
Illustrative range: C$38,000 to C$52,000 a year.
Support workers help patients with daily living in long-term care and home care.
Typical duties
- Helping with bathing, dressing and meals
- Supporting mobility
- Reporting changes in condition
What employers may ask for
Recognized training, which varies by province.
Other roles in demand
- Specialist physicians
- Paramedics
- Physiotherapists and occupational therapists
- Medical radiation technologists
- Psychologists and social workers
- Dental hygienists
A Practical Salary Guide
Before comparing offers, applicants may want to ask:
- Is the role unionized, and where on the pay grid will I start?
- What are the shift differentials?
- Is the role full-time, part-time or casual?
- Are there rural incentives or signing bonuses with repayment conditions?
- Is relocation support available?
- Are licensing costs reimbursed?
Illustrative salary table
The table below lists illustrative annual ranges for experienced, licensed workers. These are examples only, not offers.
| Role | Illustrative annual range |
|---|---|
| Personal support worker | C$38,000 to C$52,000 |
| Licensed practical nurse | C$55,000 to C$75,000 |
| Paramedic | C$65,000 to C$95,000 |
| Medical laboratory technologist | C$70,000 to C$95,000 |
| Respiratory therapist | C$70,000 to C$100,000 |
| Physiotherapist | C$75,000 to C$100,000 |
| Registered nurse | C$75,000 to C$105,000 |
| Pharmacist | C$95,000 to C$130,000 |
| Nurse practitioner | C$110,000 to C$150,000 |
| Family physician | C$250,000 to C$400,000 |
| Specialist physician | C$300,000 to C$500,000+ |
Licensed professionals versus support workers
High incomes are mostly in licensed professional roles. Support worker roles are in demand but pay modest wages and face more limited immigration options.
Skills and Qualifications
Canadian health employers generally look for:
- Professional registration in the province
- Recent clinical experience
- Strong English or French
- Commitment to patient safety and teamwork
- Willingness to work shifts and in rural areas
Experience
Recent practice matters, because regulators may require evidence of practice within a set number of years.
Licensing
Each profession has its own process, and timelines can range from months to years.
Language
Regulators set language requirements, often using IELTS Academic, CELPIP or other approved tests for English, and French tests for Quebec and some francophone roles.
Culture of care
Canadian health care emphasizes patient-centred care, informed consent and cultural safety, including respect for Indigenous patients.
Assessment Bodies by Profession
Each health profession in Canada has its own assessment route. The list below is a general guide, and applicants should always confirm current requirements with the regulator in their chosen province.
Nurses
Registered nurses, licensed practical nurses and registered psychiatric nurses outside Quebec usually begin with the National Nursing Assessment Service, followed by the provincial regulator’s review. In Quebec, nurses apply to the Ordre des infirmières et infirmiers du Québec.
Physicians
International medical graduates often take Medical Council of Canada exams and may apply for residency through CaRMS or for practice-ready assessment programs. Provincial colleges of physicians and surgeons grant licences.
Pharmacists
Pharmacists usually go through the Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada evaluation and exams before applying to the provincial regulator.
Medical laboratory technologists
The Canadian Society for Medical Laboratory Science runs a prior learning assessment for many internationally educated technologists.
Physiotherapists and occupational therapists
Physiotherapists generally go through the Canadian Alliance of Physiotherapy Regulators, and occupational therapists through national and provincial processes.
Paramedics
Paramedic licensing is provincial, and foreign qualifications may require assessment and exams.
Personal support workers and health care aides
Requirements vary by province, and some provinces have registries for support workers.
Knowing which body to contact first can save months of uncertainty.
Canadian Immigration Routes for Health Workers
There is no single Canada healthcare visa. Health workers use existing programs.
Express Entry healthcare and social services category
IRCC holds category-based Express Entry draws for healthcare and social services occupations. Reported 2026 draws included 4,000 invitations at a CRS cutoff of 467 in February, 4,000 at 475 in June and 3,500 at 475 in September. See the Express Entry page.
Physicians with Canadian work experience
A new Express Entry category for physicians with Canadian work experience was introduced for 2026, with the first draw reported in February.
Provincial Nominee Program healthcare streams
Several provinces have streams for health workers with job offers. See the Provincial Nominee Program page.
LMIA-based work permits
Employers can apply for LMIAs to hire foreign health workers, although many regulated roles also need licensing first.
Home Care Worker Immigration Pilots
The Home Care Worker Immigration Pilots opened in March 2025 and reached their caps quickly. Ministerial Instructions published in December 2025 stated that no new applications would be accepted from March 31, 2026 to March 30, 2030. The IRCC caregivers page lists the current status.
Employer interest is not approval
Before making big decisions, applicants may want to ask:
- Am I eligible for registration, and how long will it take?
- Which immigration program will be used?
- Has the employer received an LMIA, or will a provincial nomination be used?
- Who pays licensing, exam and relocation costs?
- Is there a return-of-service commitment?
- What happens if licensing is delayed?
What the Healthcare Express Entry Draws Mean
Category-based Express Entry draws have become one of the most talked-about routes for health workers, but they are often misunderstood.
How they work
Candidates create an Express Entry profile under one of the federal economic programs, such as the Canadian Experience Class or the Federal Skilled Worker Program. If their work experience is in an eligible healthcare or social services occupation, they may be considered in category-based draws. IRCC then invites the highest-ranked candidates in that category.
Experience requirement
For 2026, IRCC raised the minimum work experience for renewed categories from six months to one year in an eligible occupation, gained in Canada or abroad within the previous three years.
Cutoff scores
Reported 2026 healthcare draws had CRS cutoffs of 467 to 475. These scores are lower than some general draws but still require strong language results, education and experience.
What the draws do not do
An invitation does not grant a licence. Health workers still need to register with the provincial regulator before practising in a regulated profession. Some workers receive permanent residence and then spend months completing licensing.
Planning tips
- Take an approved language test early, since high scores add many points
- Get an Educational Credential Assessment for degrees obtained abroad
- Keep work experience letters detailed and consistent with the occupation code
- Start the regulator process in parallel rather than waiting for an invitation
How Provinces Are Speeding Up Licensing
In recent years, several provinces have changed rules to reduce delays for internationally educated health workers.
Recognition of comparable systems
Some regulators now recognize nurses and doctors from certain countries more quickly, sometimes allowing them to register without full reassessment.
Practice-ready assessment
Practice-ready assessment programs for physicians let experienced foreign-trained doctors work under supervision while they are assessed, often with a commitment to work in underserved areas.
Bridging programs
Colleges and universities offer bridging programs for nurses and other professionals to meet Canadian standards.
Temporary or provisional registration
Some regulators offer temporary registration so applicants can work in limited roles while completing requirements.
Applicants may want to check each regulator’s website for current pathways, since changes have been frequent.
How to Find Genuine Healthcare Jobs in Canada
1. Search using specific job titles
Generic searches can lead to poor results. Combining a profession with a province and program works better. Examples of search phrases include:
- Internationally educated nurse jobs Nova Scotia
- Registered nurse jobs British Columbia international recruitment
- Practice ready assessment family physician Saskatchewan
- LPN jobs Alberta healthcare pathway
- Medical laboratory technologist jobs Ontario foreign trained
- Express Entry healthcare category nurse
2. Use official health authority careers pages
Health authorities and hospitals list jobs on their own websites and on provincial health job portals.
3. Check regulator pathways
Regulators publish guides for internationally educated applicants.
4. Follow provincial recruitment campaigns
Provinces sometimes announce international recruitment events or incentive programs.
5. Use licensed representatives only
Only lawyers, Quebec notaries and licensed consultants may charge for immigration advice.
6. Never pay for a job offer
Legitimate public health employers do not sell jobs.
A Realistic Timeline From Application to First Day
Months 1 to 12: credentials and licensing
Nurses and other professionals complete credential assessments and any required exams or bridging. Physicians may need longer.
Months 3 to 12: job search
Applicants apply for roles and attend interviews, often online.
Months 6 to 18: immigration application
Depending on the program, applicants receive an ITA, nomination or work permit.
After arrival
Workers complete orientation, final licensing steps and begin practice.
Documents to Prepare
Common documents
- A valid passport
- Professional degrees and transcripts
- Professional licences from the home country
- Verification of registration and good standing
- Employment references
- Language test results
- Police certificates
- Medical exam results
Keep information consistent
Names and dates should match across all documents and translations.
Protect personal information
Documents should only be shared with verified employers, regulators and official agencies.
What to Check in a Job Offer
- Employer: Legal name of the health authority or employer.
- Role and unit: The position and setting.
- Pay: Hourly rate, grid step and differentials.
- Hours: Full-time, part-time or casual.
- Location: City or community.
- Licensing support: Whether costs are reimbursed.
- Immigration support: The program to be used.
- Return of service: Any commitment to work in a specific area.
- Relocation: Travel, housing and moving support.
- Benefits: Pension, health and dental coverage.
Misleading claims to watch for
Phrases that may signal a problem include “guaranteed nursing licence in Canada”, “pay for a caregiver visa”, “no exams needed for any doctor”, “PR guaranteed for PSWs” and “fee to reserve a hospital job”. No recruiter can guarantee a regulator or IRCC decision.
Workers’ Rights in Canadian Health Care
Health workers in Canada are protected by provincial employment standards and, in most public settings, by union agreements.
Pay and hours
Union agreements set wages, overtime and shift premiums. Non-union workers are covered by provincial employment standards.
Safety
Employers must protect workers from hazards, including workplace violence, which has been a growing concern in health care.
Professional standards
Regulators set standards of practice and protect the public. Workers can seek advice from their regulator or union on professional issues.
Where to get help
Unions, provincial employment standards offices and the TFW Program tip line can help with workplace concerns.
Relocation, Cost of Living and Take-Home Pay
Canadian health wages are reduced by income tax, Canada Pension Plan contributions, Employment Insurance premiums and union dues. Many public employers offer defined benefit pension plans.
Housing costs vary widely. Rural communities may offer incentives but limited rental supply, while cities such as Toronto and Vancouver are expensive.
Compare the total package
- Net pay after deductions
- Pension and benefits
- Rent and utilities
- Car costs in rural areas
- Licensing and exam costs
- Childcare costs
- Rural incentives and their conditions
Rural, Northern and Indigenous Health Practice
Some of Canada’s most urgent health care needs are in rural, northern and Indigenous communities.
Working in remote communities
Nurses in remote nursing stations may have expanded responsibilities, working with limited on-site physician support. Physicians in rural areas often provide a broad range of services, including emergency care.
Incentives
Provinces and territories may offer higher pay, northern allowances, housing support, travel benefits and student loan forgiveness for rural and northern practice.
Cultural safety
Working with First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities requires an understanding of cultural safety, Canada’s history of colonization and the importance of community-led care. Many employers provide training.
Lifestyle considerations
Remote postings can be rewarding but may involve isolation, harsh winters, limited shopping and fewer services for families. Short-term or rotational postings can help workers decide whether remote practice suits them.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Common mistakes include:
- Starting immigration before checking licensing requirements
- Relying on closed caregiver programs
- Paying recruiters for job offers
- Ignoring return-of-service conditions
- Choosing a province without researching the regulator
- Underestimating the time needed for licensing
- Resigning from a current job before licensing and immigration are secure
Settling In: The First Months
The first months can shape how well a move works out.
Provincial health coverage
Newcomers should apply for provincial health insurance as soon as possible. Some provinces have waiting periods, so temporary private coverage may be needed.
Social Insurance Number and banking
A Social Insurance Number is needed to work and be paid. Opening a bank account early helps with payroll and rent.
Orientation and mentorship
Many health employers offer orientation and mentorship for internationally educated staff. Joining professional associations can also help.
Housing
Some health authorities help with temporary housing, especially in rural areas.
Building a Healthcare Career in Canada After Arrival
Many internationally educated health workers start in one province and later move to specialized roles, leadership or advanced practice. Permanent residence can open more mobility.
Skills that may support progression
- Full registration and specialty certifications
- Canadian clinical experience
- Leadership and teaching skills
- Bilingual English and French
- Graduate education in nursing or health administration
Frequently Asked Questions
Is “Healthcare Jobs in Canada With Visa Sponsorship” an official program?
No. It is a search phrase. Health workers use Express Entry, provincial programs and work permits.
Do foreign nurses need to pass the NCLEX in Canada?
Many provinces outside Quebec use the NCLEX-RN, but requirements vary by regulator.
What is NNAS?
The National Nursing Assessment Service assesses nursing credentials for most provinces outside Quebec.
Is the caregiver program open in 2026?
The Home Care Worker Immigration Pilots are closed to new applications, according to IRCC.
How do foreign doctors get licensed in Canada?
Through exams, practice-ready assessment programs or residency, depending on training and province.
What CRS score do healthcare workers need?
Reported 2026 healthcare draws had cutoffs between 467 and 475.
Can personal support workers immigrate to Canada?
Some may qualify through provincial programs or LMIA-based work permits, but options are more limited.
Which provinces need nurses the most?
Most provinces report shortages, with rural and northern areas facing the most pressure.
Do I need French?
French is required in Quebec and for some francophone communities elsewhere.
Can I work while my licence is being processed?
Some regulators allow temporary or supervised practice, but rules vary.
Can my family come with me?
Family members can often accompany workers, depending on the program.
What is a return-of-service agreement?
A commitment to work in a specific area or employer for a period, often linked to incentives.
Are signing bonuses common?
Some provinces and employers offer them, often with conditions.
Can US-trained nurses work in Canada quickly?
Some provinces have introduced faster registration for nurses trained and registered in the United States, but each regulator has its own rules.
Do Express Entry invitations require a job offer?
No. Healthcare category draws do not require a job offer, though a job offer can help with provincial nominations.
How can I check a recruiter?
Licensed consultants appear on the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants’ register.
The road to healthcare jobs in Canada with visa sponsorship usually runs through a chain of separate decisions. A regulator assesses credentials and grants registration, an employer offers a job, a province may nominate the worker, and IRCC decides on the work permit or permanent residence. Each step has its own rules, and a strong salary or recruitment campaign at one stage does not guarantee the next.
Start with your licensing pathway, choose a province whose regulator fits your training, and focus on employers and regions where your profession is genuinely needed. Check every offer through official health authority channels, read the IRCC and provincial pages for each program, and treat any guarantee or upfront fee as a reason to stop and verify. A careful approach may take longer, but it is far more likely to lead to a lasting career in Canadian health care.