Health care providers 101
Nurses
Registered practical nurses (RPNs)
- Administer medication (prescribed allergy injections, etc.)
- Document patients' symptoms and progress
- Support doctors and other nurses
- Complete student placement requirements, forms
- Vaccinations
- Tuberculosis testing
- Blood tests (with requisition)
- Bandage changes, removal of stitches
* Cannot prescribe medications
Registered nurses (RNs)
- Administer care
- Assist doctors with gathering medical history
- Monitor symptoms
- Provide health education and psychotherapy
- Can do all things Registered Practical Nurses can do
* Cannot prescribe medications
Nurse practitioners (NPs)
- Play a similar role to a doctor
- Diagnose complex conditions
- Prescribe medications and tests
- Provide referrals to specialists
- Maintain/manage the overall care of a patient
- Drain abscesses, provide wound care, and stitches
- Can do all things Registered Nurses can do
Access: No referral is needed to see a NP. They can be accessed through various clinics, or hospitals. Here is a resource that could help:
- Book an appointment at the Student Health and Wellness Centre
- Find a doctor or nurse practitioner in Ontario
- Register with Health Care Connect to find a doctor or nurse practitioner that is accepting new patients. It is encouraged to register early for the program due to long wait lists.
Medical doctors
General practitioners (GPs)/Family medicine doctors
- Diagnose and treat issues with body function
- Provide simple mental health diagnoses (depression, anxiety)
- Provide referrals to specialists
- Establish care plans for ongoing and new conditions
- Prescribe medications
- Minor procedures (stitches, wart removal, taking skin samples, etc.)
Access: No referral is needed to see a GP. They can be accessed through various clinics, or hospitals. You can only be registered with one GP per province in Canada. Registering with a GP has become difficult because of an overwhelming demand. Here are some resources that could help:
- Book an appointment at the Student Health and Wellness Centre
- Find a doctor or nurse practitioner in Ontario
- Register with Health Care Connect to have a nurse find a doctor or nurse practitioner that is accepting new patients. It is encouraged to register early for the program due to long wait lists.
- Use the Find a Doctor Search affiliated with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario. Find a doctor near you based on your needs and language preferences. You must then contact the clinic/doctor to see if they’re accepting new patients.
- Quebec has a family doctor finder: Quebec residents with health cards can sign up to search for a family doctor near them and join the waiting list.
General practitioners (GPs) with specialty
Mental health:
- Diagnosis and treatment of more complex mental health issues (ADHD, bipolar disorder, personality disorders, major depression, PTSD)
- Can do all things General Practitioners can do
Women's health:
- Contraception consultations
- Contraceptive implant insertion
- Intra-uterine device (IUD) insertion
- Can do all things General Practitioners can do
Access: A referral could be needed to see a specialized GP. They can be accessed through various clinics, or hospitals.
Medical specialists
Practice care in a specialized topic of health (i.e. dermatologists for skin care, obstetric gynecologists for sexual and reproductive health, oncologists for cancers, etc.)
- Psychiatrists (available at the Student Health and Wellness Centre):
- Can provide patients with a complex mental health diagnosis
- Can prescribe medication to help treat complex mental health issues (for more serious cases)
Access: A referral is needed to see a specialist. Depending on your needs, your family medicine doctor or nurse practitioner can make a referral. The specialist’s office will then call you to book an appointment with the specialist. They can be accessed through various clinics, or hospitals.
Pharmacists
Pharmacists
- Medication review and education
- Dispensing medications
- Long-term disease management
- Vaccinations
Access: Pharmacists can be accessed through pharmacies. No referral is required. Some pharmacies require appointments for vaccinations.
For more information, visit the Scope of Practice page on the Canadian Pharmacists Association website.
Mental health professionals
Registered psychotherapists (RPs)
- Specialize in various types of therapy (single or group therapy)
- Provide support in dealing with a mental health issue
- Provide community referrals
* Cannot prescribe medication
Access: No referral is needed to see a RP. They can mainly be accessed through mental health clinics or virtual therapy programs. To find a RP in your area, you can use the Find a Therapist tool on the Psychology Today website.
Psychologists
For issues around thinking, feeling, and behaviour:
- Provide an assessment
- Form a diagnosis
- Develop a treatment plan
* Cannot prescribe medication
Access: A referral could be needed to see a psychologist. They can be found in mental health clinics and specialized locations. To find a psychologist in your area, you can use the Find a Therapist tool on the Psychology Today website.
Case management professionals
Student support coordinators
- Offer non-clinical case management for complex academic, medical, or personal needs
- Promote student success and empowerment
- Identify needs and provide resources
Access: A self-referral or community referral is necessary to access the service. Visit the Case Management page to access the referral forms and to learn more about the student support team.
Health promotion and education professionals
Health promotion specialists
- Non-medical professional
- Provide patient health education
- Help with goal setting, navigating diagnoses, and resource navigation
Access: A referral is needed to see a Health Promotion Specialist at the Student Health and Wellness Centre. This may vary in the community.
