Northern Ontario School of Medicine
Northern medicine for the health of the North.
📍 Thunder Bay, Canada 🇨🇦
Quick Facts about Northern Ontario School of Medicine
- Type: Public
- Students: 224
- International: 0%
- Campus: Multiple Campuses
- Language: English, French
- Intakes: September, January, May
About Northern Ontario School of Medicine
Academics
NOSM University offers a fully accredited MD program, a Master of Medical Studies, a Dietetic Practicum Program (DPP), a Medical Physics Residency Education Program (MPREP), and Physician Assistant programs. The teaching approach emphasizes community-based learning, with students spending a significant portion of their time in off-campus placements across Northern Ontario. The curriculum integrates medical and human sciences with extensive community-based experiences. A notable aspect is the mandatory first-year Integrated Community Experience (ICE), a four-week placement in a First Nation, Métis, or Indigenous health organization in Northern Ontario.
International Students
NOSM University prioritizes Canadian citizens and permanent residents, particularly those from Northern Ontario, for admission. While specific international student acceptance rates are very low, the university is committed to diversity, inclusion, and respect, embracing differences in race, gender, and background. Programs are taught in English, and the university fosters a culture of kindness and social accountability. International undergraduate medical students can utilize the AFMC Student Portal for visiting electives at Canadian medical schools, including NOSM University.
Campus & Location
NOSM University's Thunder Bay campus is situated on the Lakehead University campus, on the shores of Lake Superior. Thunder Bay, with a population of approximately 117,000, offers a blend of city life and access to the wilderness of Northern Ontario. The university does not offer on-campus residence but assists students with housing for compulsory placements outside their home community. Virtual tours are available to explore the campus facilities, including classrooms, labs, and student areas.
Career Outcomes
NOSM University has a strong track record of its graduates practicing in Northern Ontario, fulfilling its mission to address regional healthcare needs. Over half of its MD graduates have remained in Northern Ontario, with a significant percentage choosing family medicine, which is higher than the national average for Canadian medical schools. For those who completed both undergraduate and postgraduate training at NOSM, 89% have stayed in Northern Ontario. The university's community-engaged learning model and compulsory rural community placements contribute to these high retention rates.
Information for International Students at Northern Ontario School of Medicine
Northern Ontario School of Medicine in Thunder Bay, Canada welcomes international students.
- 0% of students are international
- No visa support offered
- No on-campus work
- Student housing not offered
- Work placement / internship opportunities available
- Teaching languages: English, French
Admissions Requirements for Northern Ontario School of Medicine
Here are the key admission requirements for international students applying to Northern Ontario School of Medicine:
- GPA minimum: 3
- Selectivity: Very Selective (<20%)
- Application deadline: Beginning of October
Programs at Northern Ontario School of Medicine (5 programs)
Northern Ontario School of Medicine offers 5 programs across Bachelor, Master, PhD levels.
Bachelor Programs (1)
- Doctor of Medicine (MD) Program (MD) — 48 months · English · $92,988/yr · STEM · Scholarship available
This four-year program prepares students for medical practice with a curriculum organized around six themes, integrating clinical, medical, and human sciences. It emphasizes community-based experiences and aims to promote awareness of living and practicing in Northern Ontario communities.
Field: Medicine
Career outcomes: Postgraduate training in Canada, Practicing physician in Northern urban, rural, remote, Indigenous, and Francophone communities
Master Programs (1)
- Master of Public Health (MPH) (MPH) — English · STEM
This program focuses on public health, preparing students for careers in public health organizations, research, and policy.
Field: Public Health
Career outcomes: Public health organizations, Research, Policy
PhD Programs (1)
- Postgraduate Residency Programs — English · STEM · Scholarship available
These programs provide further specialized training for medical graduates in various fields of medicine, leading to certification in a medical specialty and practice as a specialist physician.
Field: Medical Specialties
Career outcomes: Specialist physician
Scholarships & Tuition at Northern Ontario School of Medicine
✅ Northern Ontario School of Medicine offers scholarships for international students. Check the official website for eligibility, amounts, and deadlines.
Campus & Facilities at Northern Ontario School of Medicine
- No student housing
- No sports facilities
- Disability support available
- Campus type: Multiple Campuses
- Average class size: 64
- Housing cost: ~$1100/month
Key Highlights
- Distributed community-engaged learning model
- Focus on rural and Indigenous health
- Mandate to serve Northern Ontario
- Campus locations in Sudbury and Thunderbay
- First independent medical university in Canada
- Emphasis on social accountability principles
Accreditation
- Committee on Accreditation of Canadian Medical Schools (CACMS)
- Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (RCPSC)
- College of Family Physicians of Canada (CFPC)
Notable Alumni
- Dr. David Savage
- Dr. Jacinta Oyella
- Dr. Lalageh Mirzakhanian
- Dr. Ben Quackenbush
- Dr. Shane Szalai
Frequently Asked Questions about Northern Ontario School of Medicine
What is Northern Ontario School of Medicine?
Northern Ontario School of Medicine is a public university located in Thunder Bay, Canada. It has approximately 224 students, with 0% being international students.
What are the admission requirements for Northern Ontario School of Medicine?
GPA minimum: 3. Selectivity: Very Selective (<20%). Application deadline: Beginning of October.
What language are courses taught in at Northern Ontario School of Medicine?
Courses at Northern Ontario School of Medicine are taught in English and French.
How many programs does Northern Ontario School of Medicine offer?
Northern Ontario School of Medicine offers 5 programs: 1 Bachelor's, 1 Master's, and 1 PhD programs across various fields of study.
Does Northern Ontario School of Medicine offer scholarships?
Yes, Northern Ontario School of Medicine offers scholarships for international students. Visit the university's official financial aid page for current opportunities, eligibility criteria, and deadlines.
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