Study Groups

Directions for Immigrants offers study groups to help you prepare for accreditation exams and employment success. Our clients review materials as outlined in the exam syllabus and/or study materials through a question and answer format. Clients also improve study skills and develop test taking skills. Attention is also paid to the development of relevant vocabulary as well as an understanding of terminology and Canadian business culture. Study groups are also a useful resource for peer support among the participants. The study groups are facilitated by a Career Coach with training in adult education and group facilitation and when possible co-facilitated by a professional in the field of study.

Currently, professional exam study groups are available for:

Engineers

Healthcare Professionals

  • Canadian Registered Nurses Exam (CRNE)
  • Medical Council of Canada (MCC)
    • Qualifying Examination (MCCQE) Part I
    • AIMG OSCE and Qualifying Examination (MCCQE) Part II
    • AIMG OSCE Prep - one day intensive essential skills for OSCE

Job Success Study Groups

Clear Communication for Business, Clear Communication for Health Professionals and Communication Works! are all designed to help internationally trained professionals prepare for and succeed at job search and job maintenance. The purpose of these study groups is to develop effective communication skills and gain familiarity to Canadian workplace culture.  

The study groups are a no cost service available to eligible clients. Clients need to meet with a Career Coach and have a service plan. Individuals, who are not eligible for admittance on a no cost basis, may be able to attend a study group for a fee. For more information call (403) 297-2555.

 

Engineers

APEGGA National Professional Practice Exam (NPPE)

This study group is offered twice weekly; you may choose to attend one of the three hour sessions per week according to which day fits best into your schedule. The 12 week NPPE study group sessions run four times a year in advance of APEGGA’s January, April, July and October exam dates. 

To participate in the NPPE Study Group you are required to:

  • Have applied to be a member of APEGGA.
  • Have a minimum of two years of engineering or geosciences work experience before writing the NPPE.
  • Have submitted the application to write the NPPE and paid the fee to APEGGA before the specified deadline.
  • Purchased the APEGGA Study Material Kit.

NPPE Study Group Calendar

Fridays

Dates: April 23 - July 16, 2010                                                                                                                  Time: 2:00 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.

Dates: July 23 - October 15, 2010                                                                                                             Time: 2:00 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.

Saturdays

Dates: April 24 - July 17, 2010                                                                                                                       Time: 10:00 a.m. - 1:15 p.m.

Dates: July 24 - October 16, 2010                                                                                                                Time: 10:00 a.m. - 1:15 p.m.

 

Healthcare Professionals

Study Groups for International Medical Graduates (IMG Physicians)

Directions for Immigrants offers study groups for the Medical Council of Canada (MCC) Qualifying Examination Part I, MCC Qualifying Examination Part II and the AIMG Program OSCE. The aim of the study groups is to facilitate focused learning and provide a learning environment in which Canadian medical content can be explored, discussed, and modeled with practicing Canadian physician educators and senior residents.

 

Medical Council of Canada (MCC) Qualifying Examination Part I

The MCCQE Part I study group’s objectives are:

  • By review, to deepen and widen clinical knowledge in all focus areas of the exam through interactive learning, mock exams, assignments, and case studies. The emphasis is on identifying personal knowledge gaps for individual focused attention.
  • To develop skills in understanding computer based testing, multiple choice and clinical decision making questions in a medical context.

This study group runs for 12 weeks and study sessions are held twice a week for 3 hours. The 2010 Fall Exam date is scheduled for the last week of October and first week of November.

To participate in the MCC Qualifying Examination Part I study group, participants are required to:

  • Have successfully written and passed the MCC Evaluating Examination or are pending notification.
  • Have registered for the Fall 2010 MCCQE Part I exam or are planning to register.
  • Complete a reading comprehension assessment and a clinical decision making computer quiz  arranged with a Directions for Immigrants Career Coach

 

MCCQE Part I Study Group Calendar

Dates: August 3 - October 23, 2010 (subject to change)

Location: to be confirmed

Tuesdays

Time: 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

and

Saturdays

Time: 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Candidates must meet with a Career Coach for an eligibility assessment. For this summer/fall study group, there will be twelve (12) spaces available. All applicants are waitlisted until notification of acceptance. Final acceptance to the study group is based on available space and personal suitability to the group and the objectives of the study group. For more information, call the main desk at 403-297-2555.

 

AIMG OSCE and Medical Council of Canada (MCC) Qualifying Examination Part II

For the Summer/Fall 2010 session the Alberta International Medical Graduate (IMG) Program OSCE prep will be combined with the MCCQE2 study group. 

The study group’s objectives are:

  • To understand the OSCE exams’ objectives and measurements.
  • To deepen and widen clinical knowledge and critical thinking in all focus areas of the OSCE through interactive learning, quizzes, assignments, case studies, performance feed-back and evaluations.
  • To enhance communication and language skills relative to the passing of the OSCE.

This study group runs for 11 weeks plus two additional sessions for MCCQE2 candidates. Study sessions are held twice a week. To participate in the OSCE Prep study group, participants are required to:

  • Have successfully written and passed the MCC Qualifying Examination Part I or are pending notification.
  • Have registered for the Fall 2010 MCCQE Part II exam or are planning to register or/and
  • Have applied to AIMG for consideration this year and are planning to attend the September 11 OSCE exam.

 

OSCE Prep Study Group Calendar

Dates: July 3 – September 9, 2010 (subject to change) with two additional sessions after the AIMG OSCE for those who are taking the MCCQE2 exam.

Thursdays

Time: 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

and

Saturdays

Time: 1:30 p.m.- 5:30 p.m.

Candidates must meet with a Career Coach for an eligibility assessment. There is limited number of spaces available for this study group. All applicants are waitlisted until notification of acceptance. Final acceptance to the study group is based on available space and personal suitability to the group and the objectives of the study group. For more information, call the main desk at 403-297-2555.

NOTE: This study group is now full.

 

AIMG OSCE PREP ONE DAY INTENSIVE ESSENTIAL SKILLS FOR OSCE REVIEW

As another resource to help AIMG OSCE candidates, Directions for Immigrants will be offering a one day intensive essential skills for OSCE review.

The objectives of this session are:

  • To understand the OSCE exams’ objectives and measurements.
  • To review clinical skills (history taking, physical exams, ER/trauma management and counseling) using clinical case scenarios.

This intensive OSCE review session will incorporate:

  • Interactive, hands on session for all. The morning will be a large group review, in the afternoon we will break into small groups so individual feedback can be given.
  • Practicing physicians and senior residents.
  • Feedback and evaluation in focus areas will be given to each participant.
  • Although there is no “mock OSCE” component, time management and OSCE process will be modeled throughout the day.

To participate in the one day AIMG OSCE ESSENTIAL SKILLS prep, participants are required to:

  • Have confirmation of complete application from the AIMG Program.

AIMG OSCE ESSENTIAL SKILLS Prep Calendar

Proposed date: August 28, 2010 (to be confirmed)

Candidates must meet with a Career Coach for an eligibility assessment. For this one day session, there will be 32 spots available. Preference will be given to current Directions’ clients and previous MCCQE1 study group participants who are not able or accepted to attend the 11 week study group. All applicants are waitlisted until notification of acceptance. For more information, call the main desk at 403-297-2555.

 

Canadian Registered Nurses Exam (CRNE)

Study sessions are held once per week for three hours. Registration for eligible participants is based on a first come first served basis. This exam is held three times per year. It is recommended to purchase the following textbooks to help you prepare for the CRNE:

  • CRNE Prep Guide
  • Taber's Cyclopedic Medical Dictionary
  • Medical Surgical Nursing in Canada
  • Mosby's Comprehensive Review of Nursing
  • Fundamentals of Canadian Nursing  


To participate in the CRNE Study Group you are required to:

  • Be deemed eligible by College and Association of Registered Nurses of Alberta (CARNA) to write the exam.
  • CARNA will provide you with the required application forms and information about the application process. CARNA will also advise of your eligibility to take the CRNE and inform you of upcoming CRNE dates.
  • Take a mandatory Study Skills Workshop at Directions for Immigrants.
  • Adhere to the study group agreement policy outlining participant requirements.

CRNE Study Group Calendar

Fridays

Dates: February 19 - May 29, 2010
Time: 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Tuesdays

Dates: February 23 - May 25, 2010
Time: 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Dates: June 29 - September 28, 2010                                                                                                    Time: 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Wednesdays (Red Deer)                                                                                                                     Dates: February 24 - May 26, 2010                                                                                                               Time: 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Study Skills Workshop

Participants have a choice to take one of the Study Skills Workshop that fits with their schedule.

  • Date: Tuesday, June 22 10 from 3:30 p.m.. to 6:30 p.m. (3 hours)
  • Date: Friday, June 25 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. (3 hours)

Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada

Evaluating Exam

This study group is offered twice weekly; you may choose to attend one of these sessions per week according to which day fits best into your schedule. This exam is administered twice a year. PEBC Schedule link.

To participate in the PEBC Study Group you are required to:

  • Apply and pay the fee to have your documents evaluated by the PEBC. Note: You must have your documents evaluated before you write the Evaluating Exam. 
  • Submit Evaluating Exam application form and pay the examination fee.    

Evaluating Exam Study Group Calendar

Saturdays

Dates: January 16 - July 10, 2010                                                                                                           Time: 8:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

Dates: July 17, 2010 - January 8, 2011                                                                                                   Time: 8:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

Wednesdays

Dates: February 3 - June 30, 2010                                                                                                              Time: 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Dates: August 4, 2010 - January 5, 2011                                                                                                       Time: 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

 

Qualifying Exam Part I (MCQ)

Study sessions are held once per week. This exam is held twice a year with the next exam scheduled for Tuesday May 19, and Wednesday May 20, 2009 (this date is subject to change). Candidates must have permission from the PEBC to write the Qualifying exam.

Qualifying Exam Part 1 Study Group Calendar

Saturdays                                                                                                                                              Dates: November 21, 2009 - May 1, 2010                                                                                                       Time: 8:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

Dates: May 29 - October 30, 2010                                                                                                             Time: 8:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

Thursdays

Dates: June 10- October 28, 2010

Time: 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Qualifying Exam Part 2 (OSCE)

Study sessions are held once per week. This exam is held twice a year with the next exam scheduled for Saturday November 8, 2008 (this date is subject to change). Candidates must have permission from the PEBC to write the Qualifying exam Part 2.

Qualifying Exam Part 2 Study Group Calendar

Saturdays                                                                                                                                              Dates: November 21, 2009 - May 1, 2010                                                                                               Time: 11:30 a.m. 2:30 p.m.

Dates: May 29 - October 30, 2010                                                                                                             Time: 11:30 a.m. 2:30 p.m.

Thursdays

Dates: June 10 - October 28, 2010

Time: 1:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.

 

Canadian Society for Medical Laboratory Science (CSMLS) Certification Exam

Study sessions are held once per week for three and half hours. The eight week CSMLS study group sessions run 3 times a year in advance of the February, June and October exam dates.

To participate in the CSMLS Study Group you are required to register with the Canadian Society for Medical Laboratory Science (CSMLS) to establish your eligibility for the CSMLS national certification Examination.

CSMLS Study Group Calendar

Saturdays
Dates: March 13 - June 5, 2010
Time: 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Dates: July 17 - October 16, 2010                                                                                                                   Time: 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

                                                                                       

     

Job Success Study Groups

Clear Communication for Business, Clear Communication for Health Professionals and Communication Works! are all designed to help internationally trained professionals prepare for and succeed at job search and job maintenance. The purpose of these study groups is to develop effective communication skills and gain familiarity to Canadian workplace culture. 

The study groups are a no cost service available to eligible clients. Clients need to meet with a Career Coach and have a service plan. Individuals, who are not eligible for admittance on a no cost basis, may be able to attend a study group for a fee. For more information call (403) 297-2555.

Job Success Study Group: Clear Communication for Business

This is a facilitated study group, meeting for 3 hours once a week for ten weeks. The focus will be on the development of essential communication skills required to be successful in the workplace. Clients must have already met with a Career Coach and have a service plan in place.

Clear Communication for Business Study Group Calendar

Saturdays
Dates: January 9 - March 20, 2010
Time: 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. (3 hours)

Thursdays

Dates: April 1 - June 3, 2010                                                                                                                   Time: 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Job Success Study Group: Clear Communication for Health Professionals

Developed for health care professionals, this facilitated study group will focus on the essence of effective communication in a health care setting. Learn more about Canadian workplace culture, developing effective listening skills and other techniques designed to help you succeed in the workplace.

Clear Communication for Health Professionals Study Group Calendar

Mondays
Date: January 11 - March 22, 2010                                                                                                                 Time: 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Date: April 12 - June 21, 2010                                                                                                                 Time: 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Job Success Study Group: Communication Works!

This is a facilitated study group, meeting for three hours once a week for six weeks. The focus will be on key workplace communication skills including: Canadian workplace culture, sending and receiving information effectively, problem solving, group skills, conflict resolution and understanding personality.

Communication Works! Study Group Calendar

Fridays                                                                                                                                                      Date: June 11 - July 16, 2010                                                                                                                          Time: 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.