Would a chemistry course be beneficial for a Psychiatry career?
I’m currently a high school junior and I’m considering taking an advanced course in Chemistry next year, but I plan on taking a future career in Psychiatry and I’m not exactly sure if an advanced course in Chemistry would be of a benefit for pursuing a career in Psychiatry.
Thanks =D
Posted in Psychiatry
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February 1st, 2010 at 11:54 pm
If you’re planning on becoming a psychiatrist (medical doctor with a specialization in Psychiatry) then you will be going to medical school, and you’ll definitely need lots of Chemistry, so the advanced course would be a great idea.
If you mean you’re planning on becoming a psychologist (someone with a doctoral degree in Psychology), then you won’t need medical school and you could get away with not taking a lot of science…..BUT… Psychology as a field is focusing more and more on biological causes for mental and emotional problems, and is moving more towards Neurology and Psychiatry. So I think the Chemistry (and other science courses too) would benefit you very much in the field of Psychology also.
The only reason I would give you for NOT taking the course is that it’s going to be hard, and if you’re planning on going for an advanced degree you’re going to need money, which a scholarship could provide. Don’t take any classes in your senior year that you might get a "C" in. This will lower your average and make it less likely for you to get financial aid.
Good luck!
February 1st, 2010 at 11:54 pm
Yes, chemistry will be useful for your later studies. Psychiatrist attend medical school and are required to study pharmacology. A basic background in Chemistry will be helpful for your undergraduate and graduate work.
February 1st, 2010 at 11:54 pm
yes it would be. its going to be required in college anyways. look up the requirements to become a pshyciatrist. you will start with a bachelors in sciecnes so you can get into medical school then you go to medical school like a regular doctor. any science & math course is beneficial. go to the dept of labor web site click on the occupational outlook handbook and click on psychiatrist and look up the educatoin requirements. then you should be able to go to the ocllege u want to attend and see the program & degree requreiments for your field of study and i bet you a million dollars there will be a lot of chemistry classes involved.