Practice Ready Assessment – BC
Last updated on December 6, 2023On this page:
- Program overview
- Assessment positions
- How to apply
- Return of service locations
- Return of service commitment
Program overview
The Practice Ready Assessment – BC (PRA-BC) Program supports equitable access to government-funded health services for residents across B.C. It provides a pathway to licensure for eligible internationally-trained family physicians through a clinical skills assessment. In exchange, successful participants complete a three-year return of service (ROS) in a community in need of medical services.
Assessment positions
Starting in 2024, up to 96 positions will be available annually. Assessments take place in communities across B.C.
Becoming an Assessor
Support physician supply in B.C. Assessors receive training and are compensated during the assessment. Assessors evaluate participants during a 12-week Clinical Field Assessment (CFA). Assessors in Emergency Departments evaluate participants over a two-week (10 shift) period for the higher acuity portion of the assessment.
For more information, please see the PRA-BC website. To apply, please contact your health authority or Division of Family Practice.
How to apply
Prospective candidates for PRA-BC apply through Health Match BC. Further information on criteria and program processes is available on the PRA-BC website.
Return of Service location
Health authorities are responsible for prioritizing communities and recruiting clinics for ROS placements. PRA-BC ROS may be in Rural Practice Subsidiary Agreement communities or Primary Care Network communities. Primary Care Networks may provide input into the health authorities’ community selections.
For further information and to see a map of previous PRA-BC ROS communities, please visit the PRA-BC website.
Participants in rural B.C. communities may be eligible for financial incentives. Learn more about Rural Practice Programs.
Hosting a ROS
Clinics who wish to host a PRA-BC ROS placement should contact their health authority physician recruitment team, Primary Care Network, or Division of Family Practice. In part due to high demand, not all interested clinics may receive a ROS placement. PRA-BC participants require supervision while provisionally licensed by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of BC.
Return of Service commitment
Physicians who accept a PRA-BC position must sign the ROS contract. Each participant’s ROS may have unique requirements. The ROS contract is a legal commitment that warrants independent legal advice. Physicians should consider the contractual requirements before applying. Not fulfilling the ROS contract carries significant financial consequences. For more information on the ROS commitment, see the documents on this page.