Quick facts
Category
Information
Application Service
ERAS®
Match Program
NRMP®
Positions
8 PGY-1
Interview Format
Virtual
Interview Season
October–February
Visa Sponsorship
J-1 Only
How to Apply
Begin Your Journey with UNR Med Psychiatry
Thank you for your interest in the University of Nevada, Reno Psychiatry Residency Program. We are excited to learn more about you and appreciate your interest in joining our collaborative, supportive training community.
We participate exclusively in ERAS® and select all PGY-1 residents through the NRMP®. Applicants must be eligible for a Nevada training license prior to beginning residency.
Required Application Materials
- Completed ERAS application
- Personal statement with 150–200 words describing interest in the UNR Psychiatry Residency Program and Reno/Northern Nevada
- Medical School Performance Evaluation (Dean's Letter)
- Three recent letters of recommendation (one psychiatrist preferred)
- Explanation of any gaps in education or training
- Medical school transcript
- USMLE or COMLEX scores
- Recent photograph
- ECFMG certificate (if applicable)
- Documentation of authorization to work/live in the United States (if applicable)
We prefer individuals who have graduated from medical school within the past three years. For any applicant who graduated from medical school more than one year ago, we will want to know that you have been active in significant medical experiences in the intervening years and have kept current in your medical knowledge.
The State of Nevada is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. Qualified persons are considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, political affiliation, or disability as outlined in the State Affirmative Action plan.
Frequently Asked Questions
Applying
We seek applicants who are passionate about psychiatry, committed to compassionate patient care, and eager to learn. Our residents come from diverse backgrounds and share a collaborative spirit, intellectual curiosity, and a dedication to serving patients and communities. We value individuals who will contribute positively to our supportive learning environment.
Yes. We welcome applications from both allopathic (MD) and osteopathic (DO) physicians.
We do not have a strict graduation year cutoff. However, we prefer applicants who have graduated within the past three years. Applicants who have been out of medical school longer should demonstrate continued clinical activity and explain any gaps in training.
Yes. Applicants must pass:
- USMLE Step 1 and Step 2 CK or
- COMLEX Level 1 and Level 2 CE
Applicants may be interviewed before completing all examinations but must have passing scores before they can be ranked for the Match. We do not have a minimum score requirement. We review applications holistically and encourage applicants to explain any examination difficulties or repeated attempts within their application.
Applications are accepted through ERAS when the application season opens. We continue reviewing applications throughout the interview season, with our final application deadline occurring in January.
International Medical Graduates are reviewed using the same holistic selection process as all applicants. The Psychiatry Residency Program sponsors J-1 visas only.
Applicants must:
- Be ECFMG certified before beginning residency.
- Be eligible to live and work in the United States.
- Apply through ERAS.
Interviews
Interview invitations are extended after a holistic review of ERAS applications. Interviews are typically conducted between October and January.
Interviews are conducted virtually and are approximately one-half day in length. During the interview experience, applicants will:
- Meet individually with faculty
- Interact with current residents
- Learn about our curriculum and training sites
- Discover what it's like to live and train in Northern Nevada
- Have opportunities to ask questions in an informal setting
Our interview process is conducted entirely virtually, and we do not offer formal second-look visits or program tours. However, applicants have opportunities to meet and interact with current residents during the interview sessions to learn more about our training program, culture, work-life balance, and life in Reno.
If you happen to be visiting Reno outside of the interview session, we are happy to help connect you with current residents for an informal conversation, based on their availability. We encourage applicants to take advantage of these opportunities to gain an authentic perspective on our residency community.
Residency Training
The Psychiatry Residency Program offers 8 PGY-1 positions through the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP).
No. We only offer categorical Psychiatry Residency positions.
Yes.
Yes. Incoming residents participate in a mandatory 10-day paid orientation beginning in mid-June. Orientation introduces residents to the program, clinical sites, electronic systems, and foundational psychiatry topics before the academic year begins.
Yes. All residents participate in scholarly activity during residency. Those with additional research interests may use elective time to pursue research, quality improvement, education, or other scholarly projects with faculty mentorship.
PGY 2-4 residents have elective time that can be tailored to individual interests, including subspecialty psychiatry, research, medical education, administration, and community-based experiences.
Yes. Residents who are interested in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry may fast-track after completing the required general psychiatry training, allowing them to enter a Child & Adolescent Psychiatry Fellowship as a PGY 4.
Yes. Outside electives may be approved when educational objectives, supervision, and funding requirements are met.
Residents in good academic standing may participate in internal or external moonlighting opportunities, provided moonlighting does not interfere with educational responsibilities or ACGME duty hour requirements. Moonlighting requires institutional approval.
Salary and Benefits
Residents receive a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits through the University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine Graduate Medical Education Office, including:
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance
- Retirement benefits
- Professional development support
- Educational resources
- Paid vacation and educational leave
Current salary and benefit information is available through the UNR GME Office.