Med students, if you are looking for a robust picture mnemonic study aid to increase knowledge retention and improve test scores from Day 1 of medical school through USMLE® Step exams, Picmonic and SketchyMedical are two amazing mnemonic-based med student resources.
Your time is valuable. You don't want to invest time in a study tool or app that doesn't help you achieve your goal of a dream USMLE® Step score. It's important to carefully evaluate the exam study tools you choose, so you know how they stack up.
But, have no fear, we've done the hard work for you! Take a look at Picmonic vs. SketchyMedical to see how they compare as USMLE® Step study tools!
Learn more about Picmonic and Sketchy, and choose the retention-building tool that's right for you.
Picmonic® | SketchyMedical® | |
Library coverage |
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# of videos |
1,300+ |
500+ |
Courses covered Micro Pharm Path Biochem Physiology Behavioral & Psychiatry Anatomy & Embryology Dermatology Epidemiology Internal Medicine Obstetrics & Gynecology Pediatrics Surgery |
# of Videos 260+ 325+ 900+ 150+ 120+ 150+ 100+ 50+ 15+ 880+ 140+ 220+ 95+ |
# of Videos 105+ 100+ 150+ 55+ 0 0 0 0 0 120+ (separate product) 25+ 55+ 50+ |
Body Systems covered Cardiovascular Endocrine Gastrointestinal Genitourinary (Renal) Hematologic Immune System & Oncology Integumentary Musculoskeletal Nervous Reproductive Respiratory |
# of Videos 120+ 75+ 90+ 55+ 110+ 65+ 30+ 80+ 220+ 105+ 60+ |
# of Videos 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 |
Additional academic info |
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Content discovery |
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Community additions |
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Content revision process |
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Picmonic® | SketchyMedical® | |
Efficient way to memorize a topic’s most important facts, with some context, in under 5 minutes each. Broad library and includes quizzing, Spaced Repetition, real medical imagery, and create your own images. | Detailed information while illustrating an image of memory anchors. Videos are up to 30 minutes each. | |
Example topic: NSAIDs |
2 minute video |
34 minute video |
Learning design |
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Mnemonic Videos to help you learn and retain difficult to know topics | ||
Both utilize:
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Avg time per video |
2 - 3 minutes |
10 - 30 minutes |
Audio speed controls | ||
Picmonic® | SketchyMedical® | |
Spaced Repetition | ||
Quizzing |
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Track your progress |
Tracked by:
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Tracked by:
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Picmonic® | SketchyMedical® | |
Add a fact or character to a video | ||
Create your own audiovisual flashcard from scratch | ||
Picmonic® | SketchyMedical® | |
Android and iOS apps |
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Paper versions |
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Picmonic® | SketchyMedical® | |
Concept mapping |
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Playlists |
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Note taking | ||
Community discussion boards | ||
Audio transcripts | ||
Picmonic® | SketchyMedical® | |
Validated by science |
IRB approved research study *Pubmed link |
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Pass the Boards Guarantee | ||
Picmonic® | SketchyMedical® | |
Current 12 month price |
$179.88 |
$399.99 |
Monthly breakdown |
$14.99 / month |
$33.33 / month |
Free trial available |
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*Picmonic is a registered mark of Picmonic, Inc. 2012
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Learn more about Picmonic and Sketchy, and choose the retention-building tool that's right for you.