3 answers
Morgan
Student
Elk River, Minnesota
3
Questions
Asked
424 views
What colleges have the best programs for becoming a psychiatrist?
I am still a Sophomore in High School but it's important to start looking early.
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3 answers
Charanpreet Walia
Public Health Nurse
47
Answers
San Diego, California
Updated
Charanpreet’s Answer
Hello Morgan
We are in the midst of a mental health crisis, so choosing this career is a fantastic decision.
If becoming a psychiatrist (MD/doctor) is your goal, there is a clear path you need to follow. You must research and talk to a college counselor about the best schools to start your journey. While Ivy League institutions are exceptional choices, numerous other universities also pave the way to medical school success.
You must complete a bachelor's degree with a pre-med major. The choice of major is crucial, so it's important to seek guidance from a college counselor who can provide suitable options. Once you have obtained a bachelor's degree, the next step is to tackle the MCAT exam.
Excellent GPA, MCAT score, and voluntary experience will all significantly influence your admission to medical school. After completing 4 years of medical school, the next challenge is to find the best psychiatry residency program in the USA.
Your acceptance to one of the residencies will depend on your performance during medical school and test scores. Schools often require future candidates to pass USMLE Steps 1 and 2 on the first attempt to be shortlisted. USMLE Step 3 can be taken during residency.
It would be best if you established a connection with a college counselor. Your counselor will be the guiding light on your academic journey. Compile a list of all the courses required for your chosen major. Additionally, list potential medical schools and residency programs within and outside your local state. Visit their websites and meticulously note down their specific requirements. This proactive approach will set you on the path to success in your academic and professional endeavors.
If you are open to alternative paths to becoming a mental health provider, there are several options worth exploring, such as physician assistant and nursing. Pursuing a master's in nursing/PA specializing in psychiatry can open doors to exciting and fulfilling opportunities in this rewarding field.
You would not have an MD after your name in these fields, but they do lead you to similar fields and different scopes of practice.
You have got this :)
We are in the midst of a mental health crisis, so choosing this career is a fantastic decision.
If becoming a psychiatrist (MD/doctor) is your goal, there is a clear path you need to follow. You must research and talk to a college counselor about the best schools to start your journey. While Ivy League institutions are exceptional choices, numerous other universities also pave the way to medical school success.
You must complete a bachelor's degree with a pre-med major. The choice of major is crucial, so it's important to seek guidance from a college counselor who can provide suitable options. Once you have obtained a bachelor's degree, the next step is to tackle the MCAT exam.
Excellent GPA, MCAT score, and voluntary experience will all significantly influence your admission to medical school. After completing 4 years of medical school, the next challenge is to find the best psychiatry residency program in the USA.
Your acceptance to one of the residencies will depend on your performance during medical school and test scores. Schools often require future candidates to pass USMLE Steps 1 and 2 on the first attempt to be shortlisted. USMLE Step 3 can be taken during residency.
It would be best if you established a connection with a college counselor. Your counselor will be the guiding light on your academic journey. Compile a list of all the courses required for your chosen major. Additionally, list potential medical schools and residency programs within and outside your local state. Visit their websites and meticulously note down their specific requirements. This proactive approach will set you on the path to success in your academic and professional endeavors.
If you are open to alternative paths to becoming a mental health provider, there are several options worth exploring, such as physician assistant and nursing. Pursuing a master's in nursing/PA specializing in psychiatry can open doors to exciting and fulfilling opportunities in this rewarding field.
You would not have an MD after your name in these fields, but they do lead you to similar fields and different scopes of practice.
You have got this :)
Michael Torio
Consultant - Data Reporting & Analysis (HQ Finance)
362
Answers
Alpharetta, Georgia
Updated
Michael’s Answer
Hi Morgan:
According to U.S. News & World Report, here is a link to the Best Colleges and Universities for a Psychology major:
- Stanford University
- University of California (Berkeley)
- Harvard University
- University of California (Los Angeles)
- University of Michigan (Ann Arbor)
- Princeton University
- University of Illinois (Urbana-Champaign)
- Yale University
- Cornell University
- Northwestern University
- University of Wisconsin (Madison)
- Columbia University
- Duke University
https://www.usnews.com/best-graduate-schools/top-humanities-schools/psychology-rankings
According to VeryWellMind.com, the educational pathway to become a Clinical Psychologist will be between 8-12 years. 4 Years will be to earn a Bachelor Degree. A Masters Degree will be 2-3 years. The Doctorate Degree will be another 4-7 years. Then, there are internships, certifications and licensing that have to be earned and achieved along the way.
https://www.verywellmind.com/how-long-does-it-take-to-become-a-psychologist-2794935
When reviewing colleges and universities, it is best to check the following:
- In-State vs Out of State Tuition
- Internships
- Scholarships
- Career Placement upon graduation
- Course work and offered classes
- Post-Graduate Degrees - Master and Doctoral
There will be a application fee to pay for when submitting college applications. The amount of application fee will depend on the college that you are applying to. If there are questions about the college application process, please reach out to the college's Registrar Office.
College and scholarship applications can start to be submitted during your Junior year and will continue throughout your Senior year in high school. It is best to ask your Academic Advisor/School Counselor on the timeline process as well. College and scholarship applications will have specific deadlines and requirements to meet in order to be submitted for review and consideration.
You may want to start to compile your resume/portfolio since a majority of college and scholarship applications will require academic grade point average (GPA), academic accomplishments, school activities (clubs, sports, etc.), community involvement (volunteer, church, etc.), academic and personal recommendations, etc. There may be essay requirements on why you are a qualified candidate to receive the scholarship and to gain entry to the college of your choice, what your future goals are academically and professionally and other questions centering around who you are, your beliefs, etc.
Here are a couple of links for College Scholarships:
https://www.mometrix.com/blog/scholarships-for-college/
https://www.nchchonors.org/students/awards-scholarships/national-scholarships
Also, it will be best to check with the colleges and universities that you will be applying to. You can check with the School/Department of your desired major, the Campus Career Center and the Register's Office for additional information for college scholarships and grants and specific requirements for qualifications.
There should be no limit on the amount of scholarships that one can apply to. It will take time to fill out the scholarship applications and provide all of the necessary required information. Also, there should no fee and no cost to fill out and submit scholarship applications. If there is a fee or cost that is associated with a scholarship application, then please do not send this particular scholarship application in. It will be a scam and money will be lost.
While in high school, one will need to focus on science and math classes to prepare for a career in Psychology. Chemistry and biology will be the core science courses. For math, algebra and statistics will be needed. Other classes to take will be language arts, social sciences, foreign language and AP psychology. The combination of these concentrations will enable you to focus and refine your analytical skills for research; complex problem solving; investigative and innovative critical thinking; attention to detail; etc.
Other skills that will need to be built upon center around team building, team work and communication. In any work culture, collaboration among team members, staff and partner departments occur on a daily basis. As a Psychologist, communication is essential and critical when dealing with patients, medical personnel and other hospital staff. A college course in public speaking, communications and English will help with one's communication and writing skills.
While in high school, the debate team will provide the opportunity to sharpen communication skills which are backed with research and factual data and information. The guidance counselor at your school can be a great resource and sounding board on how to pursue a career in Psychology. Also, it is best to seek out advice and guidance from your teachers, Physical Education Coaches, club advisors, etc.
There are careers in Psychology that one can pursue. According to Indeed.com, here are some of the top careers for a Psychology major:
- Therapist
- Psychology Program Director
- Behavioral Analyst
- Researcher
- Psychology Professor
- Industrial Psychologist
- Military Psychologist
- Counseling Psychologist
- Correctional Psychologist
- Sports Psychologist
- Clinical Psychologist
- Experimental Psychologist
- Forensic Psychologist
- Neuropsychiatrist
- Child or School Psychiatrist
https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/top-psychology-degree-jobs
Best wishes for your education and career path in Psychology!
According to U.S. News & World Report, here is a link to the Best Colleges and Universities for a Psychology major:
- Stanford University
- University of California (Berkeley)
- Harvard University
- University of California (Los Angeles)
- University of Michigan (Ann Arbor)
- Princeton University
- University of Illinois (Urbana-Champaign)
- Yale University
- Cornell University
- Northwestern University
- University of Wisconsin (Madison)
- Columbia University
- Duke University
https://www.usnews.com/best-graduate-schools/top-humanities-schools/psychology-rankings
According to VeryWellMind.com, the educational pathway to become a Clinical Psychologist will be between 8-12 years. 4 Years will be to earn a Bachelor Degree. A Masters Degree will be 2-3 years. The Doctorate Degree will be another 4-7 years. Then, there are internships, certifications and licensing that have to be earned and achieved along the way.
https://www.verywellmind.com/how-long-does-it-take-to-become-a-psychologist-2794935
When reviewing colleges and universities, it is best to check the following:
- In-State vs Out of State Tuition
- Internships
- Scholarships
- Career Placement upon graduation
- Course work and offered classes
- Post-Graduate Degrees - Master and Doctoral
There will be a application fee to pay for when submitting college applications. The amount of application fee will depend on the college that you are applying to. If there are questions about the college application process, please reach out to the college's Registrar Office.
College and scholarship applications can start to be submitted during your Junior year and will continue throughout your Senior year in high school. It is best to ask your Academic Advisor/School Counselor on the timeline process as well. College and scholarship applications will have specific deadlines and requirements to meet in order to be submitted for review and consideration.
You may want to start to compile your resume/portfolio since a majority of college and scholarship applications will require academic grade point average (GPA), academic accomplishments, school activities (clubs, sports, etc.), community involvement (volunteer, church, etc.), academic and personal recommendations, etc. There may be essay requirements on why you are a qualified candidate to receive the scholarship and to gain entry to the college of your choice, what your future goals are academically and professionally and other questions centering around who you are, your beliefs, etc.
Here are a couple of links for College Scholarships:
https://www.mometrix.com/blog/scholarships-for-college/
https://www.nchchonors.org/students/awards-scholarships/national-scholarships
Also, it will be best to check with the colleges and universities that you will be applying to. You can check with the School/Department of your desired major, the Campus Career Center and the Register's Office for additional information for college scholarships and grants and specific requirements for qualifications.
There should be no limit on the amount of scholarships that one can apply to. It will take time to fill out the scholarship applications and provide all of the necessary required information. Also, there should no fee and no cost to fill out and submit scholarship applications. If there is a fee or cost that is associated with a scholarship application, then please do not send this particular scholarship application in. It will be a scam and money will be lost.
While in high school, one will need to focus on science and math classes to prepare for a career in Psychology. Chemistry and biology will be the core science courses. For math, algebra and statistics will be needed. Other classes to take will be language arts, social sciences, foreign language and AP psychology. The combination of these concentrations will enable you to focus and refine your analytical skills for research; complex problem solving; investigative and innovative critical thinking; attention to detail; etc.
Other skills that will need to be built upon center around team building, team work and communication. In any work culture, collaboration among team members, staff and partner departments occur on a daily basis. As a Psychologist, communication is essential and critical when dealing with patients, medical personnel and other hospital staff. A college course in public speaking, communications and English will help with one's communication and writing skills.
While in high school, the debate team will provide the opportunity to sharpen communication skills which are backed with research and factual data and information. The guidance counselor at your school can be a great resource and sounding board on how to pursue a career in Psychology. Also, it is best to seek out advice and guidance from your teachers, Physical Education Coaches, club advisors, etc.
There are careers in Psychology that one can pursue. According to Indeed.com, here are some of the top careers for a Psychology major:
- Therapist
- Psychology Program Director
- Behavioral Analyst
- Researcher
- Psychology Professor
- Industrial Psychologist
- Military Psychologist
- Counseling Psychologist
- Correctional Psychologist
- Sports Psychologist
- Clinical Psychologist
- Experimental Psychologist
- Forensic Psychologist
- Neuropsychiatrist
- Child or School Psychiatrist
https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/top-psychology-degree-jobs
Best wishes for your education and career path in Psychology!
Martin Brooks
Procurement Manager
7
Answers
London, England, United Kingdom
Updated
Martin’s Answer
If you’re aiming to become a psychiatrist, attending a college with a strong psychiatry program is a great start. Here are some of the top colleges in the United States known for their excellent psychiatry programs:
Harvard University - Renowned for its medical school and research facilities.
Johns Hopkins University - Offers a highly respected psychiatry program.
Yale University - Known for its strong emphasis on research and clinical training.
University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) - Offers comprehensive training in psychiatry.
University of Pennsylvania - Has a well-regarded psychiatry department.
Stanford University - Known for its innovative research and clinical programs.
Columbia University - Offers top-tier education and training in psychiatry.
University of Michigan, Ann Arbor - Provides extensive research opportunities and clinical training.
University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) - Known for its strong psychiatry program.
University of Pittsburgh - Offers a robust program with a focus on research and clinical practice.
These institutions are recognized for their rigorous academic programs, research opportunities, and clinical training, which are essential for a career in psychiatry.
Harvard University - Renowned for its medical school and research facilities.
Johns Hopkins University - Offers a highly respected psychiatry program.
Yale University - Known for its strong emphasis on research and clinical training.
University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) - Offers comprehensive training in psychiatry.
University of Pennsylvania - Has a well-regarded psychiatry department.
Stanford University - Known for its innovative research and clinical programs.
Columbia University - Offers top-tier education and training in psychiatry.
University of Michigan, Ann Arbor - Provides extensive research opportunities and clinical training.
University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) - Known for its strong psychiatry program.
University of Pittsburgh - Offers a robust program with a focus on research and clinical practice.
These institutions are recognized for their rigorous academic programs, research opportunities, and clinical training, which are essential for a career in psychiatry.