Can you become a medical doctor with a psychology degree?

In this post we are going to answer the question ‘’Can you become a medical doctor with a psychology degree?’’ We will explain how the degree in psychology can help you in your medical career and what you need to get into med school. 

Can you become a medical doctor with a psychology degree?

Yes, you can become a medical doctor with a psychology degree. 

The study of psychology is an important element in the integral preparation of the medical practitioner, since their diagnosis is usually based on the anatomical, physical and chemical fields, leaving aside the psychosociocultural factor.

Now, let’s face it, is a degree in psychology a smart choice for going into medical school?

Yes. That is, you will attend medical school with any major (including one in English), but you would not have any issues if you need to finish those classes. Some of them are actually the same or equal to what you need to join every school of health science.

But you have to review your undergraduate degree program for this and verify if it satisfies the criteria. What happens if the premed classes are not done for my undergraduate degree? Oh, no fear.

That means that you have to complete these courses externally, in addition to having your major in psychology.

In reality, you need them to train for the MCAT, in addition to needing those courses themselves.

Of instance, you need to explain why you took it if you plan to select psychology as your undergraduate degree. What is pharmacy connected to that? What does psychology react to? And guarantee that the research you have performed applies to the field of medicine (mental health, child development, etc).

We recognize Biology and Chemistry are the most popular undergraduate degrees to attend medical school. Still, though, colleges don’t want to see if you’ve taken the “easy route.’ Ideally, on the entrance test you should have decent grades (a good GPA), and a good ranking.

If you plan to study psychology as a graduate degree, we suggest that you take classes in neuroscience and cognitive psychology that have a strong dimension. Since they have solid biochemical roots.d

But the main thing is that your undergraduate degree leads to your career in medicine and encourages you scientifically. Taking it if you would like to study psychology in order to train for med school. We just tell you: work hard.

What do I need to study medicine?

In order to study medicine in the US there are 2 essential requirements that you must meet in order to be admitted to one of its prestigious schools:

1. Obtain a Bachelor’s Degree

Unlike in Europe and other countries in Central and South America, in the United States you cannot study medicine as soon as you finish high school.

This is because Medicine is considered a career for graduate students (“graduates”) and not for undergraduate students (“undergraduate”).

The same is true when studying law in the United States.

It is for this reason that if you want to study Medicine in the United States, you must first obtain your Bachelor’s Degree in a career related to natural or applied sciences such as Biology, Chemistry, Physics or pre-medicine.

Once you have obtained your undergraduate degree after four years, you may already be eligible to apply to a medical school, but not without first …

2. Pass the MCAT (Medical School Admission Test) exam

The Medical School Admission Test (MCAT) is a standardized test that is taken on a computer for prospective medical students in the United States.

It is designed to test problem solving, critical thinking, written analysis, and knowledge of scientific concepts and principles.

Before 2006, the exam was a pencil and paper test; since 2007, all exam administrations have been computerized.

The most recent version of the exam was presented in April 2015 and takes about 7.5 hours. The test is scored in a range of 472 to 528.

The current MCAT consists of four distinct sections that are scored individually. Each section is allocated between 90 and 95 minutes and evaluates between 50 and 60 questions.

The information for each of the science sections is organized into 10 foundational concepts and four scientific inquiry and reasoning skills.

How to study medicine in the United States?

Now that you know the requirements to study in the United States, let’s go a little deeper and show you what your path will be like until you become a doctor in the USA.

These are all the stages you will go through before becoming a doctor:

• (4 years) Bachelor’s Degree in Biology, Chemistry or Pre-medicine.
• (4 years) School of Medicine.
• (2-3 years) Residence.
• (2-4 years) Specialization.

You are finally a doctor!

After more than 10 years you will finally be able to be a doctor in the United States, so as you can imagine it will not be a bed of roses and you will have to study a lot.

How much does it cost to study medicine in the United States?

The average price to study medicine in the USA is between $ 25,000 and $ 46,000 dollars per course. Very similar to the average price of studying in the United States.

To give you an idea, below you have the price list of some of the best universities to study medicine in the United States.

• Harvard University: $ 40,000 – $ 42,000
• Johns Hopkins University: $ 44,000 – $ 46,000
• Stanford University: $ 40,000 – $ 42,000
• University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA): $ 34,000 – $ 36,000
• Yale University: $ 44,000 – $ 46,000
• Columbia University: $ 44,000 – $ 46,000
• New Jersey Institute of Technology: $ 12,000 – $ 15,000
• University of Nebraska: $ 29,000 – $ 31,000
• University of Alabama: $ 25,000 – $ 27,000

Universities to study medicine in the United States

You already know how much it costs to study medicine in some of the universities in the ranking of American universities.

However, below I will talk to you in more detail about the best universities to study medicine in the United States:

1. Harvard University

Harvard University School of Medicine has three missions: to educate, research, and provide clinical care.

Founded in 1782, it is the third oldest medical school in the United States.

The school’s faculty also teaches in other science departments at Harvard, and works in clinical departments at some of the university-affiliated hospitals.

There are four major teaching hospitals throughout the Boston area.

Harvard has introduced problem-based learning into the curriculum. There is also a specialized program, accepting only 30 applicants each year, that focuses on biomedical research.

2. Stanford University

Stanford University Graduate School offers master’s and doctoral programs to students who wish to continue their studies in medicine.

Seven Nobel laureates, 31 members of the National Academy of Sciences and 42 members of the Institute of Medicine are among the current professors of the school.

Stanford Medicine researchers are conducting research in different areas, including cancer, immunology, genetics, and neuroscience, among others.

The school also provides medical care for adults and children, with a dedicated center especially for children.

3. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)

The top-ranked university in the 2018 QS World University Rankings®, located in Cambridge, Massachusetts, rose from 12th last year to 9th in the world medicine ranking.

MIT is very close to Boston (about a 30-minute walk), giving students easy access to the historic city.

Although it does not have its own medical school, MIT runs a popular joint MD-PhD program with Harvard Medical School (HMS), and also offers a Harvard-MIT program in Health Sciences and Technology (HST), offered by MIT and Harvard along with Boston-area hospitals for a unique collaboration that “integrates science, medicine and engineering to solve problems in human health.”

4. Yale University

Ranked 8th among the best medical schools in the world for one more year, Yale University School of Medicine was founded in 1810 and is responsible for medical innovations, such as the first X-ray performed in the USA, the first successful use of penicillin in the country. , and the first use of cancer chemotherapy.

The Yale School of Medicine employs the Yale System, which makes it a unique study experience compared to other medical schools.This means that students are not graded or ranked among their classmates in years one and two, the exams are anonymous, and teaching takes place through small seminars, lectures, and tutorials.

Students are also encouraged to assess themselves and think independently within their studies.

5. University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)

The David Geffen School of Medicine at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) is the seventh-highest ranked medical school this year, named after business magnate David Geffen, who donated $ 200 million to the school in 2002 .

The school is located adjacent to the main UCLA campus and plays an integral part of the university in both proximity and function, allowing students to collaborate with other groups of students and immerse themselves in student life.

In addition to studying at one of the most respected medical schools in the world, students at the David Geffen School of Medicine benefit from the school’s idyllic location in sunny Los Angeles, a large city with a diverse population and a excellent cultural scene.

FAQS: Can you become a medical doctor with a psychology degree?

Can you get into medical school with a psychology degree?

Yes, with a psychology degree, you can get into med school. … The psychology degree program must contain the requisite pre-medical classes, such as biology, anatomy, chemistry, etc, in order for you to attend medical school.

What can I do in the medical field with a psychology degree?

Clinical Psychologist. 

Psychiatric Technician. 

Recreational Therapist. 

Medical Laboratory Technician. 

Psychiatrist.

Is Psych a good pre med major?

Between pre-medical students, as well as those involved in other health-related professions, psychology is a common major. Global figures suggest that students who specialize in psychology are as likely as those who major in biology or chemistry to be accepted to medical school.

Can I work in a hospital with a psychology degree?

Hospitals can employ psychology professionals from approved schools to serve in clinical therapy, laboratory research, gerontology, pharmacy, mental health, rehabilitation, human resources, nutrition or social services departments as technicians or assistants.

Is Psychology hard to study?

No career is easy, period. … While it is true that mathematics applied to psychology is less complex than engineering -for example-, it is also true that they are present in all careers.

In this post we answered the question ‘’Can you become a medical doctor with a psychology degree?’’ We explained how the degree in psychology can help you in your medical career and what you need to get into med school. 

If you have any questions or comments please let us know!

References

Miller, R. H., & Bissell, D. (2006). Med School Confidential: A Complete Guide to the Medical School Experience: By Students, for Students. Macmillan.

Mensh, I. N. (1953). Psychology in medical education. American Psychologist, 8(2), 83.