Interested in Psychiatry?
Interested in Psychiatry? Psychiatrists work with patients who are dealing with a variety of issues including trauma, mental illness, and addiction. They assess and treat mental illness and often focus on working with specific populations. Psychiatrists work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, government offices, private practices, and mental health clinics. What does […]
Interested in Psychiatry?
Psychiatrists work with patients who are dealing with a variety of issues including trauma, mental illness, and addiction. They assess and treat mental illness and often focus on working with specific populations. Psychiatrists work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, government offices, private practices, and mental health clinics.
What does it take to become a psychiatrist?
Complete Bachelor’s Degree Program
During your undergraduate studies, it is recommended that you complete courses that will help you prepare for medical school and make you a better candidate. The best option here would be to go pre-med!
Take the MCAT for Medical School
The MCAT (Medical College Admissions Test) is a vital component of the admissions process for medical school. This examination is a standard test comprised of three multiple-choice sections. You are allowed to take it as many times as necessary in order to pass.
Complete an MD or DO Degree Program
After being admitted to medical school, you will choose between a Doctor of Medicine (MD) program or a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) program. Both focus on the same methods of treatment. However, a DO degree also focuses on osteopathic manipulative medicine. Medical school takes about four to five years to complete.
Complete Residency
Upon completion of Medical School, you are now more prepared for real world practices. During residency, students work for three to eight years in a clinical or hospital setting. This stage is focused on honing in on skills learned from medical school, while being under the direction of a licensed psychiatrists.
Get Licensed and Board-Certified
Once you complete medical school and a successful residency, you can then apply for your medical license and board certification. After receiving your medical license, you can take the examination for board certification, which is offered through the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology (ABPN). Certification must be renewed every ten years.
Continuing Education
Earning a psychiatry degree and becoming licensed does not mean the education ends. Those who earn their board certification must enter into continuing education programs throughout their career in order to remain certified.
If this interests you, find out more information from the American Psychiatric Association at https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/what-is-psychiatry.