He received a Bachelor of Science Degree from Muhlenberg College in Allentown, Pennsylvania in 1944 and graduated from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine in 1947. Dr. Ferrier worked in private solo practice from 1949 to 1951 before joining the Russellton Medical Group in general practice from 1951 to 1952.

He served as the Medical Director of the Russellton Medical Group from 1952 to 1957. Dr. Ferrier earned his Masters Degree in Public Health from the University of Pittsburgh School of Public Health in 1959 while working for the United Mine Workers Welfare and Retirement Fund.

In September 1962, Dr. Ferrier accepted the position as the first Medical Director of the Group Health Centre and worked closely with its Board of Directors and the founding members in establishing the Centre and formulating the program that is the Group Health Centre today. He served as Medical Director of the Algoma District Medical Group until 1982 and continued as a family physician until his death.

Posthumously, Dr. Ferrier was awarded the Dr. William (Bill) Hutchinson Award for 1994 in recognition of his distinguished contribution to health services in the District of Algoma.