Requirements

Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences Residency Program

Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences

Application, Requirements and Appointment Process

Applicants for Admission to the First Year:

Quillen College of Medicine and the Department of Psychiatry are participants in the National Residency Matching Program. Applicants must apply directly through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS) for PGY I positions. (See link below.) 

  • We recommend that applications to our program are submitted to us through ERAS by November 1, 2024.
  • Applicants must be eligible to get a temporary training license in the state of Tennessee.
  • Applicants must submit certified or original copies of transcripts of their medical education.



  • Applicants should have passed USMEL Step 1 or COMLEX Level 1 at time of application.
  • Applicants must have passed USMLE Step 2 or COMLEX Level 2 prior to starting residency, ideally on the first attempt. We accept either USMLE Step or COMLEX Level scores.
  • Three letters of recommendation addressing the applicant's qualifications and  Psychiatry interest, and the Dean's letter (or MSPE equivalent) are required.  
  • A personal statement and current curriculum vitae must be included in the application.
  • Some U.S. Psychiatry experience will be expected.
  • Applicants who are International Medical Graduates (IMG's) are required to have current ECFMG certification.

  • Successful candidates must meet all eligibility requirements for appointment to ETSU’s GME programs, and all our affiliated hospitals. Verification of compliance with the Selective Services System registration requirements is a condition for appointment to our affiliated Veterans Affairs Medical Center.
  • We only sponsor J1 visas.



  • All matched candidates must also have COVID vaccinations as all residents rotate at the VAMC.
  • All matched candidates must pass a background check.

We will hold a virtual open house in late July or early August.

Interview and Selection:

We are participating in signaling in ERAS which may be one component of our holistic review of applications. We do not expect or prohibit pre and post interview communications from applicants.

Applicants will have virtual interviews for admission to the program during the 2024-25 application cycle. The program will begin releasing interview invitations on Thursday, October 3rd, the final date being Thursday December 19th. Interview invitations when ready, will be sent on Tuesdays and Thursdays, using Thalamus. However, there may be occasions when, due to cancellation, someone would be contacted on a different day of the week or later in the season.

Candidates who have been scheduled for an interview, if cancellations are necessary, should notify the program as soon as possible and at least 5 business days in advance.

Since there are no in-person (only virtual, using Zoom) interviews, we strongly suggest that applicants review the detailed information on our website and the videos which will give you a better sense of the area, the campus, and the educational sites for the program.

We will hold a second look in late January or early February.

It is the policy of East Tennessee State University, and this Residency Program, not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, ethnicity, age, sex, physical or mental disability, pregnancy status, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, or covered veteran's status in its admissions policies and all its departments, activities, or employment practices.