What is needed to become a psychiatrist?

Answer 1

I'm aspiring medical school though I am only twelve and have researched colleges. I suggest that you consult with a college planner or at least do research before pursuing psychiatry because it can also affect one's personal mental health or private life. talking to people with disturbing thoughts can often make an impacts on a person. But if you really want to know it is 4 years of basic college and probably you'll want to major in something to do with the studies of human behavior or social interaction. After that you'd have to endure an even more challenging 2-3 years of neurological medical school then residency to either a mental health ward or private psychiatric practicing doctor. 16 years

Answer 2

A psychiatrist specializes in prescribing mental health medications, and rarely provides psychotherapy. A psychiatrist's training is identical to that of a medical doctor, involving four years of pre-med studies (i.e. a Bachelor Degree with a pre-med emphasis), then four years of medical school. After medical school, like all MDs in training, one has to choose a post-graduate 'residency.' In the case of a psychiatrist, they will then go to a four year psychiatric residency. A psychiatric residency usually involves training at an inpatient (hospital or hospital like) setting. Residents are supervised by other psychiatirsts, and have 'seminars' on various topics, such as: Psychopharmacology, Mood disorders, Eating disorders etc. Many of the topics are electives, so no one psychiatrist has the exact same training. 'Seminars' are different than typical graduate school classes in that in a seminar less time is devoted to one particular topic, and exams are not required. Most seminars last around an hour or two, once a week, for around four to six weeks.

Assuming one has passed his/her 3 part Medical boards after the first year of the residency, one can begin practicing medicine, but until the psychiatric residency is complete and the psychiatric board exam is passed, one cannot be a psychiatrist.

After one has passed one's psychiatric board exam, one is now, officially, a psychiatrist, and has the option of continuing their education, for example, to become a psychoanalyst. The vast majority do not do so, however. Most psychiatrists spend the rest of their profession writing prescriptions for antidepressant, antianxiety, and mood stabilizing, and anti-psychotic medications. The average visit to a psychiatrist lasts between 5 - 10 minutes.

People often ask, "what is the difference between a psychologist and a psychiatrist in training." Psychologists obtain a BA (usually - but not always- in psychology), then go to a five year graduate program that focuses exclusively on behavioral science. They take in-depth classes that provide training in psychotherapy and behavior modification. Classes include psychopharmacology, but except for New Mexico and Louisiana, they cannot prescribe medications. They are the only profession legally allowed to administer psychological exams, such as IQ and personality tests. Before they can be licensed, they need to obtain between approximately three years of hands-on training, supervised by a licensed psychologist. It takes the average psychologist, after their BA, to become licensed, around 7 - 8 years.

Bottom line:

A psychiatrist is medical doctor with specialized training in mental health medications.

A psychologist is a behavioral doctor, with specialized training in psychotherapy

Answer 3

In high school, take science and math courses, any psychology courses they offer and then apply to college. You will need an undergraduate degree before applying to medical school. Any extracurricular jobs with children or camp counseling would increase your practical knowledge of children.

Answer 4

After High School graduation:

College - 4 years

Medical School - 4 years

Psychiatric Residency - 3 years

(You need to be a physician licensed to practice medicine in your state - you can apply for that after the 1st, 2nd, or 3rd year of your residency (depending on the state).)

(You should also be Board-Certified in Psychiatry - you can sit for that exam after completing your residency.)

Answer 5

Four years of college (including two courses plus lab in General Chem, two courses plus lab in Organic Chem, two courses plus lab in Physicis, two courses in Calculus, two courses plus lab in Biology, and any major of your choice). Then, four years of medical school. Then four years of psychiatry residency training. After than board certification exams are recommended but not mandated.

Answer 6

A doctorate is an appropriate degree to start your own practice. If joining an existing practice, a bachelor degree may be acceptable, though it limits you to assisting a practicing doctor.

Answer 7

Med School, and a masters in Psychiatry.

Answer 8

Bachelors Degree