Current therapist, hoping to study psychiatry in Argentina

[cecipatino]

Hi! I am currently a licensed therapist in North Carolina and hope to continue my education in Argentina (I was born there but moved to the U.S. when I was young).

I have a B.S. and M.A. and would like to know if anyone here has gone through the process or is familiar with obtaining a PHD in Argentina. I am hoping to focus on completing a PhD in Psychiatry, and work in Argentina for a few years, but eventually move back to NC. Would my PhD be valid in the US? What is the process of validating my degree here?

I appreciate any help or insight!

 

[Caribbean Cool]

Hi! I am currently a licensed therapist in North Carolina and hope to continue my education in Argentina (I was born there but moved to the U.S. when I was young).

I have a B.S. and M.A. and would like to know if anyone here has gone through the process or is familiar with obtaining a PHD in Argentina. I am hoping to focus on completing a PhD in Psychiatry, and work in Argentina for a few years, but eventually move back to NC. Would my PhD be valid in the US? What is the process of validating my degree here?

I appreciate any help or insight!

It is a terrible business in Buenos Aires. There are more mental health professionals than bus drivers. The rest of it, using proposed medical licenses cross borders sometimes requires waiting periods of two years (fact). Your living in a fantasy world.

 

[cecipatino]

It is a terrible business in Buenos Aires. There are more mental health professionals than bus drivers. The rest of it, using proposed medical licenses cross borders sometimes requires waiting periods of two years (fact). Your living in a fantasy world.

I am more focused on Cordoba than on Bs. As.
I didn't know it had a two-year waiting period; that's insightful and something to keep in mind.
And you're not far off. Right now, I am just dreaming of what could be, and that's why I am looking for help and determining what a more realistic plan could look like. So I appreciate your insight!

 

[LuckyLuke]

I have too many questions....have you ever studied advanced medical papers in Spanish? How fluent are you in Spanish?

You want to compete against local, native Spanish therapists part-time as your only source of income while you study down here?

 

[steveinbsas]

I have a B.S. and M.A. and would like to know if anyone here has gone through the process or is familiar with obtaining a PHD in Argentina. I am hoping to focus on completing a PhD in Psychiatry, and work in Argentina for a few years, but eventually move back to NC. Would my PhD be valid in the US? What is the process of validating my degree here?

I asked Google AI and recieved this reply:

A PhD in Psychiatry from Argentina is not automatically recognized for independent practice in any US state, but it can be validated and recognized through a rigorous, state-by-state process. The recognition depends on whether the degree is intended for academic research or clinical practice, with the latter requiring significantly more steps.

Key Takeaways for Recognition in the US
No Automatic Reciprocity: There is no international recognition of equivalence for psychology/psychiatry qualifications between Argentina and the US.

Credential Evaluation: The degree must be evaluated by a member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) to determine if it is equivalent to a U.S. doctoral degree.

Licensure Requirements: To practice, you must be licensed by a state board, which requires passing the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP) and demonstrating supervised clinical experience.

State-Specific Rules: Some states, such as California, may have different requirements regarding APA accreditation than others, but most will require a comprehensive evaluation of the foreign training.

Pathways for Recognition
Clinical Practice (Psychologist): You must show that your educational and supervised experience is equivalent to U.S. standards. The Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards (ASPPB) provides resources for this.

Academic/Research: A PhD from an accredited Argentine university is often accepted by U.S. universities for academic or research roles.

Medical Practice (Psychiatrist - MD): If the PhD is considered a medical degree, it must be certified by the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG), which includes passing USMLE exams and completing a U.S. residency.

Challenges
Substantial Equivalence: Licensing boards may find that foreign training does not match U.S. standards in content or clinical hours.

English Proficiency: Fluency in technical English is required.

It is highly recommended to contact the specific state board of psychology or medicine in the state where you intend to practice for their specific requirements regarding foreign-trained professionals.

 

[steveinbsas]

And, in order to enroll in a PhD program in Argentina:

To get a bachelor's or master's degree certified for a PhD in Argentina, you must have your documents apostilled (or legalized) in the country of origin, translated by a certified Argentine public translator, and sometimes recognized by the university or Ministry of Education. A 4-year degree is generally required for doctoral admission.

Key Procedures for Degree Certification

Apostille/Legalization: If your country is a member of the Hague Convention, you must have your diploma and transcripts apostilled. If not, they must be authenticated by the Argentine Consulate in the country of origin.
Translation: All documents not in Spanish must be translated by a certified public translator in Argentina.

Validation for Postgrados: For PhD admission (postgrado), you usually do not need to validate your degree with the Argentine Ministry of Education (a long process), but you must have it recognized by the university to which you are applying.

University Recognition: The university will review your transcripts to ensure your previous studies are equivalent to the 4-6 year undergraduate studies required, or a previous Masters.

Steps to Enroll in a PhD Program:

Contact the University: Determine specific requirements for international students at the desired institution.

Submit Documentation: Submit the apostilled, translated diploma, and academic transcript of grades.

Obtain Student Visa: Once accepted, you will need to apply for a visa at an Argentine consulate, providing the letter of acceptance, a clean criminal record certificate, and proof of funds.

Language Proficiency: If your native language is not Spanish, you will need to demonstrate proficiency, often at a B2/C1 level.

Key Documents Required
Original Diploma (Apostilled/Legalized).

Transcript of Records (Apostilled/Legalized).

Certificate of no criminal record (from the last 5 years).

Valid Passport.

 

[nikad]

Not to discourage you, but it will be a very complex and lengthy process. We are talking years. If you are fluent in Spanish and want to work with local patients, it may be best to pursue a BS in psychology, that takes 4 years and can be done online at a private university ( compared to US tuition costs it is very affordable ).

 

[carride]

I have a B.S. and M.A. and would like to know if anyone here has gone through the process or is familiar with obtaining a PHD in Argentina.

Apply for a fellowship to become a researcher. PHD and postdoc, ect.. With CONICET. My understanding is your thesis and most of what you publish would/could be for the international audience in English. Stay and contribute science for 10-20 years maybe. https://www.conicet.gov.ar/scholar/?lan=en

 

[zensailor]

Apply for a fellowship to become a researcher. PHD and postdoc, ect.. With CONICET. My understanding is your thesis and most of what you publish would/could be for the international audience in English. Stay and contribute science for 10-20 years maybe. https://www.conicet.gov.ar/scholar/?lan=en

unfortunately, science does not seem to very respected, encouraged, or funded these days ... here, or in the US ... can't imagine how or whty that happened !!!