For more information on off-campus wait times, visit the Government of Ontario’s Wait Times in Ontario webpage.
Understanding wait times
Getting health care can sometimes mean long wait times. When the number of patients trying to access care is higher than the number of available appointments or other resources, you may be put on a wait list.
On-campus services
Available at the Student Health and Wellness Centre
Physical health appointments
Appointment release: 2 weeks ahead of time
*Appointments will not display on the web portal or UpPatient app if there are no appointments available. Please visit the Health Care - When and Where page for alternative options.
*At the Student Health and Wellness Centre, appointments with a psychiatrist are only available by referral. Depending on your needs, the wait is currently 8 months or more.
Please note that a limited number of appointments will be released via the web-application every morning (at 8am), Monday to Friday for minor emergencies. Appointments will be given on a first come first served basis.
Available at the Student Health and Wellness Centre
Mental health appointments
Initial consultation regarding mental health must be made through the Mental Health Intake. Appointments are available 4 days in advance, and limited number of same day appointments are released (Monday-Friday)
Appointments will not display on the web portal or UpPatient app if there are no appointments available. Please visit the Getting Help page for alternative options.
*At the Student Health and Wellness Centre, appointments with a psychologist are only available by referral from a health care provider. Depending on your needs, the wait is currently 8 months or more.
Available at the Student Health and Wellness Centre
Personalized health education
These appointments are only available via referral from a health professional within the Student Health and Wellness Centre.
Appointments are usually bookable within 2 to 3 weeks of the request.
Available at the Student Health and Wellness Centre
Student support team – Case management
- Following a referral, the Student Support team will reach out within 3 business days.
- An appointment is set up with the student based on their availability (usually within the next week).
Off-campus services
Visiting the emergency department
Depending on your needs, you may wait 5 hours or more to first be assessed by a doctor or nurse practitioner in the emergency department. After the initial assessment, you may need to wait for tests or care. Visit the Health Care – When and Where? page to discover other options for care based on your needs.
To learn more and to see the average wait times of different locations in your area, visit the Government of Ontario’s Time spent in the emergency department page.
Getting diagnostic imaging (CT and MRI)
Depending on your needs, you may wait between 4 days and 4 months to get an magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) test and between 1 day and 6 months for a computerized tomography (CT) scan.
To learn more and to see the average wait times of different locations in your area, visit the Government of Ontario’s Wait times for diagnostic imaging page.
Seeing a specialist or getting surgery
Depending on your needs, you may wait up to 5 months or more to see a specialist or to get a surgery.
To learn more and to see the average wait times of different locations in your area, visit the Government of Ontario’s Wait times to see a specialist and for surgery page.
Tips to reduce wait times
Travel
Ask about specialists/hospitals who may have a shorter wait time outside your region (if you are willing to travel)
Follow instructions
Be sure to follow your pre-appointment instructions (example: providing a urine/stool sample, not eating/drinking, etc.) to avoid rescheduling
Time flexibility
Ask about evening, night or weekend appointments for diagnostic imaging (for example: x-ray, MRI, CT scan, etc.) as these times may be more available
Wait list
Ask if they have a wait/cancellation list so you can be contacted if there are any changes in scheduling
