Hey there! I wanted to share a quick update on the path I’m exploring to advance my career in psychiatric medicine. Here's a brief overview of what I’ve been learning:
1st)
Post-Baccalaureate Pre-Med Program – This would help me complete the prerequisite science courses I need for med school and prep for the MCAT. These programs are designed for people like me who already have a degree but want to pivot into medicine.
2nd)
MCAT Prep – The MCAT (Medical College Admission Test) is a standardized exam required for nearly all U.S. med schools. It tests problem-solving, critical thinking, and science knowledge—so I’ll need to study hard for it!
3rd)
Choosing a Degree Path – There are several routes I’m considering to be able to prescribe psychiatric medicine:
1) MD (Doctor of Medicine) or
2) DO (Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine)
3) Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)
4) Physician Assistant (PA) with a psychiatry focus
5) PharmD (Doctor of Pharmacy) with a psychiatric specialty
6) Clinical Psychologist (PhD or PsyD) – not a prescriber, but still highly involved in treatment
I’m still in the early stages, but it feels exciting to be mapping this out. Let me know if you want to hear more!
4/24/2025 1253
Hey there, I wanted to share some things I am learning about as to what I need to to do to advance my career. Here's a very brief overview.
First thing I might want to do is get into a Post-Baccalaureate Pre-Medical programs (this will help me fulfill medical school prerequisites and prepare for the MCAT).
A Postbaccalaureate Premedical Program is designed for college graduates who want to pursue a career in medicine but haven't completed the necessary prerequisite science courses or need to enhance their academic record.
Second I need to prepare for and take the MCAT (Medical College Admission Test).
The MCAT (Medical College Admission Test) is a standardized, multiple-choice exam used for medical school admissions in the US and Canada. It assesses problem-solving, critical thinking, and knowledge of natural, behavioral, and social science concepts. The MCAT is required for admission to nearly all medical schools in the US and many in other countries.
Thirdly I need to decide what degree to go for. Here are a few options:
Types of Degrees:
Doctor of Medicine (MD) or
Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO)
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)
Physician Assistant (PA) – Psychiatry Specialty
Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) – Psychiatric Pharmacist
Clinical Psychologist (PhD or PsyD)
4/24/2025 1235