A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who has decided to specialize in the treatment of mental diseases. It takes about 12 years of post-secondary school to become a psychiatrist. According to the Canadian Psychiatric Association, an individual must have a medical degree, a license to practice medicine in their province, and specialist certification in psychiatry from either the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada or a provincial college. To become a psychiatrist, you will require about 12 years of post-secondary school.
Preparation while in High school
While still in high school, take the prerequisite courses for a university science program. It could entail taking Advanced Placement physics, chemistry, biology, and math in high school. Participating in extracurricular activities is an excellent way to show universities that you are a well-rounded student. It could be a great time to volunteer at a nursing home or a local hospital to gain experience in the medical profession.
UG degree
Enroll in a four-year scientific undergraduate degree program at a university. A Cégep premedical program would be the equivalent in Quebec. Complete necessary courses in biology, physics, biochemistry, and chemistry in preparation for medical school. It can usually accomplish in two years. Participate in extracurricular activities and volunteer work relevant to medicine, as these can help you stand out in your medical school application. Know some of your instructors and focus on improving your relationship with them, as their favorable opinion can help you receive more powerful reference letters while applying to medical school.
Medical school
Check with the medical school of your choice to see if the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) is required; only 11 of the 17 Canadian medical schools do.
Apply to medical school, and apply to multiple schools, if possible, as competition is becoming hard. Premedical students typically begin studying for the MCAT at least three months ahead of time. Reference letters and three interviews are a must as part of the application process. To get your M.D., you’ll have to go to medical school for four years. An M.D. is a university diploma, not a license, and the holder is not permitted to practice medicine.
Postgraduate residency
In your final year of medical school, apply for postgraduate psychiatric residency through the Canadian Resident Matching Service. You must get your postgraduate education certification before beginning your residence. Apply for this accreditation through your residency program’s provincial medical authority. For five years, you will work as a psychiatric resident, receiving training in diagnosis, psychopharmacology, mental health therapy, and other parts of medical care not related to your psychiatric specialty.
Final steps and certification
To receive your psychiatric certification, you must pass the examination and meet the conditions set forth by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons or, in Quebec, the Collège des médecins du Québec. Apply to your province’s College of Physicians and Surgeons for a Certificate of Registration to practice psychiatry. This certificate allows the possessor to practice medicine in the region where it was issued.
