Psychiatrists are medical doctors. In Ontario, that means the route is fixed: medical school → psychiatry residency → specialist certification → provincial licence. If you’re deciding between psychiatry, psychology, and psychotherapy, the biggest difference is simple: only psychiatrists practise medicine and prescribe medication.
First, make sure you mean “psychiatrist”
These three roles sound similar, but they’re trained and regulated differently.
| Role | What they train in | Medication? | Ontario regulator |
|---|---|---|---|
| Psychiatrist | MD + psychiatry residency | Yes | CPSO |
| Psychologist | Graduate-level psychology training + registration | No | CPBAO |
| Registered Psychotherapist | Therapy-focused training + supervised hours | No | CRPO |
Important update (late 2025): Ontario’s psychology regulator is now the College of Psychologists and Behaviour Analysts of Ontario (CPBAO), and CPBAO has been moving through major proposed changes to how psychology titles/registration work. Because this is evolving (and controversial), readers should treat any “Master’s path = Psychologist title” claims as not guaranteed until the regulator/government formally finalizes the change.
If you’re comparing healthcare roles, you might also want to look at free PSW programs in Ontario as a faster path into patient-care work.”
How to become psychiatrist ? The standard Ontario path (high school -> psychiatrist)
1) High school: focus on prerequisites and habits
You don’t need a special “psychiatry” program in high school. You do need a strong base for university science and writing:
- Biology and chemistry (and usually physics if your program encourages it)
- Strong English (you’ll be writing, interviewing, documenting)
- A few long-term commitments you can explain honestly (not a random pile of hours)
2) Undergraduate study (usually 3–4 years)
Most Ontario med applicants complete a 4-year degree, though some schools allow applying earlier. Pick a program you can do well in. A high GPA is hard to “fix later,” and it’s one of the biggest gates in the whole process.
3) Apply to medical school (OMSAS) + required tests
Ontario med schools apply through OMSAS, but requirements vary by school and year. Depending on where you apply, you may need:
- MCAT (some schools use it differently)
- CASPer
- References + autobiographical sketch
- Interviews (often MMI-style)
Don’t assume last year’s requirements will be identical for your cycle. Schools update policies.
4) Medical school (MD)
In Ontario, medical school is usually 4 years. You’ll do classroom learning first, then clinical rotations (clerkship). This is also where most students start building a clearer specialty direction.
5) Write the MCCQE Part I (separate from psychiatry specialization)
The MCCQE Part I is the Medical Council of Canada qualifying exam that sits alongside medical training. It’s different from the Royal College specialty exam (which comes later).
- Many Canadian grads take MCCQE Part I near the end of medical school.
- For international medical graduates, MCCQE Part I is often a key requirement for eligibility steps (including many residency pathways).
6) Match to a psychiatry residency (CaRMS)
To become a psychiatrist, you must complete a Royal College–accredited psychiatry residency, which is 5 years in Canada. Residency is paid training, and it’s where you learn psychiatry in real clinical settings: inpatient, emergency, outpatient, consult-liaison, community care, and subspecialty exposure (like addictions, child/adolescent, geriatrics).
7) Become a certified specialist (Royal College)
At the end of residency, you complete Royal College requirements for Psychiatry, including:
- finishing the accredited program
- scholarly work expected by the program
- passing the Royal College Psychiatry certification exam
8) Get licensed to practise in Ontario (CPSO)
To practise medicine in Ontario, you need the appropriate CPSO certificate of registration. Independent practice is tied to recognized certification (for specialists, this is typically Royal College certification).
To keep costs down during school, check out free and discounted software for students that can help with notes, research, and exam prep.
Timeline: what most people are really signing up for
A typical plan after high school looks like:
- Undergrad: 3–4 years
- Medical school: 4 years
- Psychiatry residency: 5 years
Total: often 12–13 years after Grade 12 before independent practice (more if you add fellowship training).
Optional fellowships (extra training)
Not required, but common if you want a narrower scope:
- Child & Adolescent Psychiatry
- Addiction Psychiatry
- Geriatric Psychiatry
- Forensic Psychiatry
- Consultation-liaison psychiatry
Ontario medical schools: updated note (TMU is now in the mix)
Ontario’s newest medical school is Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU), and its first MD cohort began in September 2025. For applicants, the practical takeaway is that Ontario med school options and seat distribution are changing — but admissions remain extremely competitive.
If you’re an IMG: the Ontario rules can change quickly
IMG pathways are real, but they’re not “one-size-fits-all.” Two common routes are:
A) Residency in Canada (CaRMS)
This is the most common long-term route to practise as a specialist in Canada.
Late-2025 Ontario example of why you must verify annually: Ontario introduced a requirement tied to two years of Ontario high school for IMG eligibility in the first iteration, and that policy became the subject of legal challenges. In late November 2025, a court order stayed the requirement temporarily, and CaRMS created an extended application window to adjust timelines. This is exactly why your post should say: check CaRMS + Ontario policy pages for your specific match year.
B) Royal College assessment routes (PER) + CPSO pathways
Some internationally trained specialists may pursue Royal College assessment pathways (including practice eligibility routes where applicable), then apply through CPSO routes that may involve supervision/restrictions depending on the certificate class.
The right answer depends on your training country, exams, recency of practice, and whether a supervision position exists.
If you’re still exploring regulated careers, this overview of becoming a real estate agent in Ontario can help you compare timelines and licensing steps.
Quick checklist
- Confirm you want psychiatry (MD route), not psychology/psychotherapy
- Plan an undergrad path you can excel in (grades + steady experiences)
- Track OMSAS + each school’s MCAT/CASPer rules for your cycle
- Complete MD + write MCCQE Part I at the appropriate stage
- Match through CaRMS into psychiatry (5-year residency)
- Complete residency + meet Royal College requirements + pass the exam
- Apply for CPSO registration for Ontario practice
For newcomers, strong communication matters at every stage—these free English classes for job seekers in Ontario can help you build confidence for interviews and clinical settings.
FAQ
How long does it take to become a psychiatrist in Ontario?
Often 12–13 years after high school (undergrad + MD + 5-year psychiatry residency). Fellowships can add 1–2 years.
Can I become a psychiatrist with a psychology degree?
A psychology degree can be a strong undergrad choice, but psychiatrist = medical doctor. You still need medical school + residency.
Do all Ontario med schools require the MCAT?
No. Requirements vary by school and can change by year. Always verify for your application cycle.
Can IMGs become psychiatrists in Ontario?
Yes, but the path usually requires Canadian residency or a structured Royal College/CPSO route that depends on your credentials. Ontario IMG eligibility rules can change quickly, so verify annually.
