About the Academy

The APA Academy of Educational Excellence is a professional development pathway designed to strengthen the clinical, academic, and leadership capabilities of psychiatrists at every stage of practice. Grounded in evidence-based education, scientific rigor, and the core competencies of contemporary psychiatric care, the Academy offers a curated 75-hour curriculum comprising 50 sessions across core clinical psychiatry, psychopharmacology, psychotherapy, psychiatric subspecialties, ethics, systems-based practice, innovation, and professional growth.

All APA Annual Meeting attendees are eligible to enroll in the Academy at no additional cost. Once enrolled, participants commit to engaging with the program over the course of three to five upcoming APA Annual Meetings beginning in 2026, supporting sustained participation in high-impact learning and continued exposure to the evolving landscape of psychiatric practice.

Upon completion of 75 hours of Academy-approved educational activities, participants graduate from the program and receive an official Certificate of Completion recognizing their achievement and commitment to excellence. Graduates leave the Academy with strengthened clinical expertise, an enhanced professional identity, and a deeper connection to the broader psychiatric community.

How to Earn Academy Learning Hours

Participants earn Academy learning hours by attending educational sessions designated with the "Academy" tag in the APA Annual Meeting program, mobile app, and Academy landing page. Each Academy-designated session is worth 1.5 learning hours.

To receive credit for a session and remain eligible for program recognition, participants must attend an Academy-tagged session and either scan the QR code displayed in the session room or access the session feedback and hours claim form through the session detail page in the Annual Meeting app. After completing the brief feedback form, the participant’s hours are recorded toward their official Academy total.

All verified hours count toward the 75-hour requirement, equivalent to 50 sessions, needed to complete the APA Academy of Educational Excellence.

Self Reporting Hours Form

The APA Academy of Educational Excellence Self Reporting Hours Form allows you to record hours for attending Academy-eligible sessions and begin building your participation in this exciting new program. By completing the form, you confirm your attendance and indicate your interest in pursuing Academy recognition over time. Following the Annual Meeting, you’ll receive a personalized progress report summarizing your activity—giving you a clear and motivating snapshot of your journey within the Academy.

Complete Form ​

APA Academy Curriculum - 50 Sessions/75 Hours