SCHOOL POLICIES
The Washington School of Psychiatry does not discriminate on the basis of age, gender, race, creed, sexual orientation, disability, nationality or ethnic origin in the administration of its admissions or educational policies.
Application
Early application is encouraged. Applications for training programs are due by August 8, 2009. After this date, admissions will be considered on a space-available basis.
Admissions
The Washington School of Psychiatry offers postgraduate training programs for mental health professionals. Specific prerequisite training and experience are indicated where required for admission. Substitution of experience for formal training requirements may sometimes be made with the approval of the Program Chair and the Executive Director.
Most certificate programs require only one scheduled afternoon or evening of class per week during the academic year, September-May. Additional requirements such as casework and supervision are scheduled to meet individual needs.
WSP courses and special events are open to all interested persons who meet specified eligibility requirements.
Tuition, Withdrawals, and Refund Policies
Applicants who cannot be admitted due to insufficient demonstration of eligibility will receive full refund of any tuition payments remitted.
Tuition payments for each semester of training programs are due the first week in September and the first week in January. Late payments will incur penalties and interest. Failure to meet payment deadlines may result in suspension from classes.
Notice of rescission of enrollment or notice of withdrawal from a training program must be given in writing to the Administrative Office of the Washington School of Psychiatry. A student will be considered enrolled in the program and will be charged tuition until s/he has spoken personally with the program Chair and written notice of withdrawal has been received in the office.
All $50 application and registration fees are nonrefundable.
Tuition and all money paid in excess of the nonrefundable portion of the enrollment or registration fee shall be refunded upon receipt at the Administrative Office of the School of a student's written request to cancel before the first session of the seminar, course or program.
If a student enters training and withdraws or is discontinued from training prior to completion of seventy-five percent (75%) of the scheduled program, the School shall refund to the student a sum which does not vary more than ten percent (10%) from the exact pro rata portion of refundable tuition unexpended by the student. This prorated amount shall be determined by the ratio of the number of weeks or lessons in the series completed by the student to the total number of weeks of instruction offered. Any portion of a week's attendance by a student shall be considered a full week's attendance. After seventy-five percent (75%) of the scheduled program has been completed no refund will be made.
This policy is subject to change. Students enrolled in training programs will be notified in writing of all financial policies and procedures at the beginning of the academic year. Any change in policy instituted during the academic year will be distributed in writing to currently enrolled training program students.
The Washington School of Psychiatry reserves the right to cancel any course, seminar or workshop that does not reach minimum enrollment. In such cases registrants will be notified and all fees submitted, including application fees, will be refunded in full.
Attendence
Students are expected to arrive on time for classes and to attend all classes regularly. If a student must miss a class, s/he is expected to contact the faculty member scheduled to teach in advance of the class and notify him/her of the pending absence. Attendance is taken at each class meeting. The attendance record is used as part of the student evaluation process, as well as in determining continuing education credits that may be awarded. Students who are more than 15 minutes late for a class will not earn continuing education credits for that class. At least 80% attendance is required to graduate from a program, as well as to earn any continuing education credits. Each program has requirements for demonstrating proficiency in topics covered during missed classes.
Evaluation
All applicants for certificate programs are interviewed to evaluate their professional experience and credentials. At that time they are informed of the requirements for satisfactory completion of the program for which they have applied. Such requirements include, but are not limited to, demonstrated understanding of reading assignments and theory, demonstrated competence in the performance of clinical work, satisfactory completion of written work, satisfactory attendance and satisfactory participation in classes and other didactic exercises.
Student progress and personal conduct are evaluated by a committee composed of program faculty. The students' classroom teachers and clinical supervisors share their evaluations of the students and other relevant information with the committee, each other, and, when considered appropriate, other faculty members. The committee will provide students with information concerning their status. A student may be dismissed from a program should his or her performance be judged unsatisfactory or unethical. A certificate indicating successful completion of the program may be withheld for the same reasons.
Grievances
A student who wishes to file a grievance regarding a scholastic or administrative decision may do so in writing to the Program Chair within ten days of the event or decision. If the student is not satisfied with the response of the Program Chair, an appeal may be submitted in writing to the Executive Director within ten days of the Program Chair's response. Further details are available from the School's Executive Director.
Accreditation and Continuing Education
The Washington School of Psychiatry (WSP) is licensed as an independent non-degree granting institution by the District of Columbia.
WSP is approved by the Veteran's Administration as a provider of postgraduate education for students choosing to use appropriate veteran benefits.
The Washington School of Psychiatry is approved by the American Psychological Association to offer continuing education for psychologists. The Washington School of Psychiatry maintains responsibility for the program.
For psychologists: Participants are required to attend 100% of the activities that are short term (less than a week) if the components of the activity run consecutively. For long term activities, such as the two year training programs, at least 80% attendance is required in order to receive continuing education credits.
WSP has been approved by the Medical Society (MEDCHI) of Maryland for the award of Continuing Medical Education credits for psychiatrists.
Continuing education credits are awarded for social workers licensed in Maryland, the District of Columbia and Virginia, as well as other states, attending training programs and other educational activities. Contact the School for details. Contact the School office for information regarding continuing education credits for other professionals, including licensed counselors and nurses.
Transcripts
Transcripts are available at a cost of $20 each. Requests must be submitted in writing, and signed by the student. Please allow at least ten days for processing.