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Here are some considerations for students who are considering psychiatry residency programs:

Prospective residents should find a program that is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME).

It can be helpful to find out what the pass rate is for graduates on the American Board of Psychology and Neurology Board Exam for licensure.

Some schools offer general residency programs, while others allow students to specialize in either adult or child and adolescent psychology. Prospective students can choose between these options based on their academic interests and career goals.

Prospective residents who want a career in a more highly specialized area of psychiatry, such as addiction psychiatry, forensic psychiatry or psychosomatic medicine may want to find out what the fellowship placement rate is for graduates of the school.

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Doctoral

Doctorate - Addiction Psychology

Master

Master's - Mental Health Counseling (CACREP-accredited)

Master's - Clinical Counseling

Master's - Forensic Psychology

Bachelor Degrees

BS - Psychology Pre-Counseling

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Doctoral

PhD. in General Psychology - Performance Psychology

PhD. in General Psychology - Cognition and Instruction

Doctor of Philosophy in Counselor Education and Supervision

Ed D in Organizational Leadership - Health Care Administration

Master

M.S. in Mental Health and Wellness with Emphasis in Grief and Bereavement

M.S. in Mental Health and Wellness with Emphasis in Prevention

MS in Addiction Counseling

M.S. in Mental Health and Wellness

M.S. in Mental Health and Wellness with an Emphasis in Community Mental Health Administration

Master - In Christian Counseling

Bachelor Degrees

BS in Health Care Administration

BS in Health Sciences: Professional Development & Advanced Patient Care

Bachelor of Science in Behavioral Health Science

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$193,680

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15%

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All states require psychiatrists to be licensed; board certification in psychiatry is available

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Interview and examine patients; diagnose mental health issues; prescribe medication and therapeutic treatment; provide outpatient and inpatient therapy

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4-year residency

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Doctor of Medicine (M.D.)

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What Are Some Related Alternative Careers?

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What Are Some Related Alternative Careers?

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Psychiatrists have obtained a medical degree and chosen the psychiatric specialty. There are a number of other medical specialties you could choose to specialize in, like anesthesiology, obstetrics and gynecology (OBGYN), or surgery. Anesthesiologists are in charge of administering anesthetic drugs to patients who are about to undergo surgery so they are unable to feel sensations. As an OBGYN, you would focus on women's reproductive health, including pregnancies and hormonal imbalances. Surgeons perform a number of different types of procedures and often collaborate with other doctors.

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Though board certification through the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology (ABPN) is voluntary, becoming certified demonstrates your competence and could improve your employment opportunities. The ABPN offers certification in general psychiatry as well as specializations in such areas as addictions, adolescent and forensic psychiatry. Board certification is valid for ten years. To renew your credentials, you must maintain a good standing in the profession and an active practice in your specialty as well as participate in continuing education and self-assessment practices.

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You must obtain a license through your state's medical board to practice psychiatry in all states. Most states have their own licensure requirements, but you'll usually need to pass an examination that tests your knowledge of state regulations and medical practices. You might also need to register with the state if you disperse medication to your patients.

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As an aspiring psychiatrist, you'll need to take undergraduate courses in biology, chemistry, math and physics to meet medical school admissions requirements. Though any bachelor's degree is usually acceptable, majoring in a science discipline or a pre-med field might offer you the best preparation for medical school. It's also recommended that you volunteer at a hospital or a clinic to gain hands-on experience to improve your standing for medical school admission.

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You'll need to attend four years of medical school to earn your Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) degree. As a medical student, you'll be introduced to basic anatomy, physiology and pathology through lecture and hands-on labs. Your classes will also cover pharmacology, psychology, ethics and medical laws. Typically, you'll learn the fundamental skills, behaviors and practices to become a physician before specializing your studies during your residency.

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After earning your medical degree, you'll participate in a residency in a clinic or hospital. Most psychiatric residency programs last four years and consist of a combination of didactic learning and practical application. You'll usually receive training in a number of disciplines, such as neurology, forensic psychology and chemical dependency before focusing your electives and clinical experience in a particular area during your final year. Under supervision, you may treat a variety of issues, including anxiety, depression, sexual dysfunction, substance abuse, psychosis and developmental disabilities.

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Psychiatrists are medical doctors who treat mental illness, addiction, mood disorders and other mental health issues. As a a psychiatrist, you will treat patients using a variety of methods like counseling, psychoanalysis, and medication. During treatment, you will track the patient's behavior by talking with them regular to assess their mental state and progress. Psychiatrists may sometimes need to alter the amount or type of medication they have prescribed, depending on how it affects the patient.

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By definition, psychiatry is the study and treatment of mental illness, emotional disturbance, and abnormal behavior. Psychiatry is the branch of medicine focused on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of mental, emotional and behavioral disorders.

A psychiatrist is a medical doctor (an M.D. or D.O.) who specializes in mental health, including substance use disorders. Psychiatrists are qualified to assess both the mental and physical aspects of psychological problems.