Psychiatry School



Psychiatry Schools are very competitive, as they are medical schools. Psychologists and psychiatrists are often confused with one another. The primary difference, although not the only difference, is that psychologists can not prescribe medications while psychiatrists can. This is because a psychiatrist is, in effect, a medical doctor. They are required to attend at least four years of medical school after graduating with a bachelor’s degree. If you are considering a career helping people who have severe psychiatric problems, here is what you need to know regarding the top psychiatry schools.

Psychiatry Schools

Education
Because psychiatrists are doctors, they must go to medical school. Here are the basic requirements for the education.

    A bachelor’s degree from an accredited four year college or university is required. The bachelor’s degree can be in anything, but a major in pre-med or science is highly desirable. Consider adding the following courses to your repertoire for graduate school admission: chemistry, biology, English, math, physics and psychology classes.
    Psychiatry schools typically require a background rich in the natural sciences for admission. The first two years will typically be spent working in the classroom while the next two will involve supervised clinical coursework and practical experience.
    Because psychiatrists are able to prescribe medications, they are required to attend a medical school for four years. Courses in anatomy and physiology will be required along with classes in pharmacology and pathology. Special clinical electives for psychiatry are available in the later years. Students will also learn about medical exams and how to diagnose patients for different psychiatric disorders and problems.

Clinical Training
Psychiatrists are required to participate in clinical rotations while in medical school. Rotations specifically designed for psychiatrists are available for them to get the most out of their training.

Upon graduation, they are required to participate in a residency program for a minimum of four years. The residency is usually done in a hospital setting although outpatient opportunities also exist. Their training includes:

• emergency and crisis evaluations
• medication management of psychiatric disorders
• inpatient treatment programs
• outpatient treatment programs
• family medicine
• internal medicine
• neurology
• emergency care

Schools
Now that you have an idea of what is required for the schooling, here is more detailed information on some of the top schools in the country.

University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, PA
One of the best hospitals and a highly ranked medical research facility are connected with this school. 4 year general residencies are available along with elective specializations in fields such as psychotherapy, community psychology and psychiatric research. Students can take advantage of training seminars, clinical rotations and case conferences to help them gain the necessary skills for success. Students must possess a baccalaureate degree that includes coursework in English, biology, chemistry, physics and math. The student’s score on the Medical College Admission Test will also be taken into account. A minimum of two letters of recommendation from faculty members the student has taken courses with is also required. Median GPA required is 3.8 and the minimum required MCAT score is 37.

Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, MD
The Henry Phipps Psychiatric Clinic at this university is renowned for being the first psychiatric training facility in the nation. Dating back to 1908, this university has a long history of preparing future psychiatrists. Johns Hopkins offers training in child and adolescent psychiatry as well as adult psychiatry. Students will also have the opportunity to receive training in emergency settings and can take advantage of research fellowships and specialty fellowships that includes areas such as community psychiatry, neuropsychiatry and substance abuse. Students must have a BA from an accredited university. There are special pre-med courses that are required for admissions. The student must also pass the Medical College Admissions Test and submit two letters of recommendation.

University of Michigan at Ann Arbor, MI
The university features an impressive Hospitals and Health Centers organization that gives students the opportunity to study different disciplines. Researchers at the university are currently conducting research on artificial tissue, organs and bone as well as working on other important projects. The university offers a total of 25 different clinical and science departments, allowing students a wide range of choices. Every year the university accepts about 170 students and more than 5,000 will apply for these coveted positions. Students are required to have at least 90 hours of undergraduate work in courses including inorganic chemistry and organic chemistry, biochemistry, biology with lab, physics with lab, intensive writing and non-science courses. Minimum GPA is 3.2 and minimum MCAT score is 24. While the minimums seem lower than with other universities, keep in mind that this institution has thousands of people applying for a limited number of spots. Only the brightest and most committed students will make the cut.

Duke University in Durham, NC
Duke has students dedicate the first year of learning to the core science requirements and the second year is spent in clinical clerkships. Year three sees the student being devoted to scholarly investigation and the elective rotations will be completed in the fourth year. This particular program allows students a unique opportunity to pursue those subjects and fields that are of greatest interest to them. Students wishing to attend Duke are required to have a minimum of 90 semester hours of college credit from an accredited institution. They must have general chemistry with lab work, organic chemistry with lab, biochemistry, biology with lab, English, physics with lab and calculus. The science classes must be taken within 7 years of applying for admission to Duke. To make it into Duke your gpa will need to be 3.74 or better and MCAT scores should be at least 34.

There are many excellent psychiatry schools offered in different medical schools around the country. It’s important to take your time and choose a school that best fits your ultimate goals. Some focus more heavily on research while others focus more on the clinical aspects of care. Knowing what you are interested in focusing on can help you make a decision. All graduate programs have high standards in regards to grades and test scores, so it’s vital that the grades throughout the undergraduate program show your commitment to learning.

Psychiatry School