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- work with trauma patients
- illnesses
- addiction
- talking 1 on 1
- diagnosing patients
- outpatient & inpatient therapy
- prescribe medication
- therapeutic treatment

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- undergraduate
- med school
- 4 years of residency
- doctor of medicine degree
- licensed
- board certification

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skills-courses-requirements
- lots science classes
- volunteer in pre-med programs
- AP science classes
- high GPA

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A child psychiatrist position requires a medical degree and specialization in child psychiatry.

Stockbyte/Stockbyte/Getty Images

A child psychiatrist is a medical doctor who specializes in treating children with various mental conditions and works in private practice, hospitals or government settings. An aspiring child psychiatrist must obtain a medical degree, pass state medical boards and achieve a sub-specialization as a child psychiatrist. Careful coursework planning while still in high school is an important component in choosing the best undergraduate university, and ultimately, preparing the student for medical school.

High School

The road to becoming a psychiatrist begins as early as high school. Students wishing to pursue this career should take as many biology, chemistry and science classes as possible. These courses will help with the subsequent pre-med major in college and medical school coursework. Students must also consider serving in a volunteer capacity in a psychiatrist's office or in any local hospital as job shadowing experience is crucial when applying for pre-med programs. Students should enroll in as many Advanced Placement (AP) science courses as possible and must maintain a high GPA.

Undergraduate Coursework

A student desiring to become a child psychiatrist should enroll in a pre-med program at an accredited and well-known university. The pre-med program prepares students by offering coursework in biology, biochemistry, physics, math and English. Students must also complete multiple laboratory-based courses and are encouraged to volunteer their time in clinics or hospitals, or as an EMT. Students striving to enter medical school must have a well-rounded application portfolio, not just a high GPA or MCAT score, although those are essential too.

MCAT

While still in college, students hoping to go to medical school must complete the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) with a score high enough for acceptance. The MCAT is a multiple-choice examination designed to test the student's critical thinking skills, knowledge of science, writing proficiency and problem solving ability. Once scores are released, the student will prepare and submit applications to medical schools.

Medical School

Future child psychiatrists must complete four years of medical school after college. Students may begin medical school without declaring a specialty, but must choose one prior to starting the residency portion. A medical education requires coursework in advanced biological sciences, anatomy, molecular framework and principles of the profession, among many other classes. During medical school, students are exposed to a number of laboratory- or clinic-based classes offering practical experience.

Residency

The two-year medical residency is the time during which the medical student can declare his specialty in child psychiatry and secure a residency position working in child psychiatry. The residency training period is entirely clinical and there is no classroom work involved. Child psychiatry residents work in mental health facilities and hospitals on clinical rotations, each rotation offering a different experience in child psychiatry. Rotations may include working in child or adolescent inpatient units, eating disorder clinics, pediatric emergency services, pain clinics, infant psychiatry services or psychotherapy services. Residents are supervised by a current child psychiatrist.

Certification in Psychiatry

Following residency, candidates must take and pass a certification examination prior to beginning the practice of medicine. This is comprised of a two-part test: one part written, one part oral. Applicants who receive a passing score will be eligible to begin practicing medicine as a child psychiatrist.

Medical Boards

Following residency, all medical students must take and pass the U.S. Medical License Examination. This is a three-step test required before beginning the practice of medicine in any jurisdiction in the United States. Step one consists of questions pertaining to anatomy, physiology, biology, pharmacology, pathology, microbiology, behavioral sciences and interdisciplinary studies. Step two contains two parts: a nine-hour multiple choice examination pertaining to the clinical studies of surgery, pediatrics, gynecology, psychiatry and medicine and a mock patient interaction in which the candidate has 15 minutes to assess the patient's medical condition. Lastly, step three is designed to assess whether a medical school graduate can apply medical knowledge and understanding of biomedical and clinical science essential for the unsupervised practice of medicine. Step three is a two-day, 480-question exam.

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Requirements for Becoming a Child Psychiatrist

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A child psychiatrist is a medical doctor who specializes in treating children with various mental conditions and works in private practice, hospitals or government settings. An aspiring child psychiatrist must obtain a medical degree, pass state medical boards and achieve a sub-specialization as a child psychiatrist. ...

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With more than 55 undergraduate and graduate degrees, options, certificates and concentrations, UW Bothell emphasizes close student-faculty interaction and critical thinking. UW Bothell is one of three University of Washington campuses, serving students from north King and Snohomish counties and the state of Washington.

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What is a Psychiatrist?

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. The following chart provides an overview of the career requirements and information for psychiatrists.

Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)

Step 1: Earn a Bachelor's Degree

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.

Step 2: Pursue a Medical Degree

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.

Step 3: Complete a Residency

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.

Step 4: Obtain a License

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.

Step 5: Become Board Certified

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 ( www.abpn.com). 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.

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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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.

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Psychologists : Occupational Outlook Handbook: : U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

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Psychologists : Occupational Outlook Handbook: : U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

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Psychologists : Occupational Outlook Handbook: : U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

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Psychologists study cognitive, emotional, and social processes and behavior by observing, interpreting, and recording how individuals relate to one another and to their environments. They use their findings to help improve processes and behaviors.

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Psychiatry focuses on mental health. Psychiatrists diagnose, treat, and help prevent emotional and behavioral disorders such as anxiety attacks, depression, and hallucinations. Psychiatrists employ a variety of treatment modalities including psychotherapy, psychosocial interventions, and medication.

This guide includes information on how to become a psychiatrist, including educational requirements, licensure, salary expectations, specialty areas, and much more. Although many psychiatrists establish a private practice, they work in a variety of settings, depending on their area of expertise.

Becoming a psychiatrist takes years of rigorous study. Psychiatrists are medical doctors, which means they go to medical school after earning their undergraduate degree. They have to complete a residency, undergo two or more years of supervised practice, and meet other requirements for licensure, which vary among states.

What Does a Psychiatrist Do?

Psychiatrists spend much of their working day with patients. Away from patients, they review treatment protocols and maintain meticulous notes on their patients' progress.

Psychiatrists working in medical hospitals routinely consult with other professionals to ensure a patient's treatment plan is being followed, or to adjust the plan as needed. Psychiatrists in rehabilitation clinics often meet with a patient's family members and support group to keep them apprised and to actively involve them in treatment.

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Did you know?

Psychiatry, from Medieval Latin psychiatria, literally means "a healing of the soul." The practice of psychiatry can be traced to ancient India.

Psychiatrist Salary and Job Growth

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, psychiatrists earned a mean annual salary of $220,430 in 2019. However, several factors impact salary levels.

Psychiatrists who work for local governments (excluding schools and hospitals) receive the highest compensation ($255,070). Other top-paying industries include home health care services ($253,090), outpatient care centers ($250,230), and residential care facilities ($240,630).

Experience greatly influences a professional's earning potential. PayScale reports that early career psychiatrists (less than one year of experience) typically earn an average salary of $194,486. More experienced practitioners (5-9 years of experience) earn $205,504. Seasoned professionals (over 20 years of experience) earn significantly higher salaries, pegged in 2019 at $237,315.

The state where a psychiatrist practices also influences their annual compensation. The following states pay the highest annual mean salaries for psychiatrists:

State

Wage

Maine

$273,900

Arizona

$270,890

North Dakota

$264,770

Indiana

$264,260

Nebraska

$262,570

4 Steps to Becoming a Psychiatrist

Becoming a psychiatrist involves several steps. The profession requires a significant investment of time and money, considerable planning, and an ongoing commitment to continuing education. Read the steps below for a realistic perspective on how to become a psychiatrist.

The first step to becoming a psychiatrist is to earn a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution. In preparation for medical school, a good choice would be to focus on pre-med, physical sciences or psychology - or a combination of the three by utilizing a double major or minor. To date, no U.S. college or university offers a pre-med major, per se. However, several institutions do offer a pre-med track, including New York City College of Technology, Pepperdine, and Georgetown. In lieu of a pre-med track, popular undergraduate majors for would-be psychiatrists include psychology, biology, and chemistry. Academic advisors typically suggest a program with intensive laboratory sessions, relevant internship opportunities, and comprehensive classroom instruction in subjects like human anatomy, the neurological system, and pharmacology.

Next, students have to sit for the medical college admission test (MCAT). Although medical schools evaluate the merits of a student's total application, a passing MCAT score is a basic requirement for consideration. Most schools consider a score of 511 points (out of a total of 528 points) to be acceptable.

Students accepted to medical school typically receive the same basic instruction whether they opt to become an M.D. (medical doctor) or D.O. (doctor of osteopathy). An M.D. typically offers allopathic treatments that address the specific symptoms of a disease. A D.O. regards the body as an integrated entity and addresses conditions from lifestyle and medical perspectives, instead of treating specific symptoms. After medical school, students begin a residency in a specialty of their choice. A residency program in psychiatry typically takes another four years. Courses taken during medical school vary widely depending upon the program, but students studying psychiatry can expect to take the following, among others:

All states require doctors, including psychiatrists, to obtain a license before they can practice unsupervised. Additionally, psychiatrists must obtain certification from the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology (ABPN). Requirements for maintaining and renewing a license vary by state, but most require doctors to earn a minimum number of continuing education credits to maintain the licensure. Renewal conditions of an ABPN certification depend on a psychiatrist's area of specialty, but are generally required every 10 years.

Preparing to Become a Psychiatrist:
Schools and Programs

Lists from reputable websites typically evaluate key factors such as accreditation, acceptance rates, MCAT scores, and specialty areas. Many students begin their search for the ideal psychiatry program by investigating the schools included in such a list.

The cost for attending medical school continues to climb, and many students need some type of financial assistance to afford enrollment. Several universities administer financial assistance programs including fellowships, scholarships, and research grants. For example, the University of Florida awards a forensic psychiatry fellowship, giving recipients the opportunity to conduct forensic evaluations involving competency, guardianship, and criminal responsibility. Professional medical organizations also award financial assistance packages such as the American Medical Association's Physicians of Tomorrow Awards.

Courses in Psychiatry Programs

Medical students typically focus on a specific field of practice in their third or fourth year of residency. Residents who opt to pursue a specialization in psychiatry can expect to enroll in classes such as the ones described below. Keep in mind, however, that each curriculum is crafted to support specific educational objectives for students. Because of this, course offerings can vary greatly among schools. Psychiatry residents with a clear idea of the specialization they wish to pursue should examine a school's roster of courses closely to make sure it offers the coursework that supports their area of specialization.

In this course students learn about the biochemical, pharmacological, and physiological aspects of behavior. Students gain a broad perspective on human behavior based on various factors such as emotions, personality, and social interactions. The course gives students the chance to examine specific problems from a biobehavioral standpoint.

Through class lectures and laboratory sessions, students gain an in-depth understanding of recent developments in neuroscience. The course gives students the chance to examine the underlying neurological components of cognition and affect: how humans think, remember, process emotions, and make decisions.

This course introduces students to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. Students examine the complexity of various psychological disorders and the conditions of psychopathology, with an emphasis on modern treatment. The material further explores the ethical, legal, and multicultural factors typically present in abnormal psychology.

The course provides a historical context behind contemporary mental health attitudes and practices. Students learn how social factors influence the diagnosis and treatment of mental illness. They also examine the availability and quality of mental health services in different social environments.

In this course, students explore functional neuroanatomy in order to develop a clear understanding of how humans perceive and process information from the environment. The course demonstrates the relationship between the nervous system and behavior. Students learn how the human brain functions and the behavioral implications of neural malfunctions.

Accreditation for a Psychiatry Program

The U.S. Department of Education (ED) and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) oversee the school and programmatic accreditation process. Accreditation refers to the process of evaluating an institution's educational programs to determine its quality and adherence to established academic standards. Accreditation is a voluntary process in the U.S.

Nonprofit public and private colleges and universities typically seek regional accreditation. Vocational for-profit schools (including sectarian institutions) often seek national accreditation. Accreditation not only attests to the quality of education, it also plays an important role when applying for student aid. Federal financial assistance is only through accredited institutions.

ED and CHEA recognize the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) as the primary accrediting body for medical programs. ACGME accredits institutions, residency and fellowship programs, and specific sub-specialties under general medical practice.

Psychiatry Specialties

Psychiatry students can select a subspecialty after completing their residency. Most subspecialties require an additional year of fellowship, although some require longer. For example, fellowships in child/adolescent psychiatry typically require the completion of a two-year fellowship. At the end of a fellowship program, graduates earn a certificate in their subspecialty.

ACGME currently recognizes eight psychiatric subspecialties, including addiction medicine, child and adolescent psychiatry, consultation liaison psychiatry, forensic psychiatry, and hospice and palliative medicine. Although psychiatrists can practice without a sub-specialty, many choose to invest an additional year or two of study and training into a subfield that holds their professional interest.

A subspecialty allows psychiatrists to work with a specific population or in a particular work environment. They keep up with the latest advances in treatment options and pharmacological solutions that work best with patients within their field of specialization. Psychiatrists with a subspecialty can still treat patients outside their specialized arena, which enhances their employability and expands their client base.

Components of a Successful Psychiatrist Career: Skills, Credentials, Tools, and Technology

Psychiatrist Required Skills

Psychiatrists need the ability to show genuine empathy and compassion toward their patients while maintaining a professional demeanor and objectivity. They must also be able to create a non-threatening physical and emotional space that elicits trust and openness from their patients. Psychiatrists need well-developed critical and analytical thinking skills to help patients through their mental, emotional, and sometimes physical struggles.

Recent advances in the study of the human brain and its functions have contributed to the practice of psychiatry, including the enhancement of treatment protocols and increasing pharmacological options. States require psychiatrists to enroll in continuing education courses to maintain or renew their license. This ensures that psychiatrists are well aware of the most recent developments and applications in their field.

Psychiatrists can now take advantage of advanced medical software developed specifically for the mental health profession. For example, the SoftPsych Psychiatric Diagnosis helps psychiatrists compile a thorough psychiatric history, formulate a diagnosis, craft treatment options, and maintain accurate medical records.

Psychiatrist Professional Organizations

Professional organizations give psychiatrists the chance to learn the most recent research findings and developments in the field. They also provide excellent networking and mentoring opportunities. Through membership in professional organizations, psychiatrists provide and receive support to and from colleagues locally, nationally, and globally.

American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry

AACAP members benefit from the organization's extensive resources, including an online learning portal, continuing medical education opportunities, and malpractice insurance information. Members can also access the AACAP Toolbox for Clinical Practice and Outcomes, which includes downloadable instruments such as medical history, record requests, and medication monitoring.

American Association of Suicidology

AAS members include mental health professionals, crisis center volunteers, researchers, and other lay members with an interest in suicide prevention. The organization offers certifications in forensic suicidology, psychological autopsy, and crisis intervention. AAS works closely with national organizations sharing the same advocacy to provide training and volunteer opportunities to members.

American Psychiatric Association

APA provides a variety of resources for practicing psychiatrists, residents, and fellows. These resources include continuing education courses, review and exam preparation, residency training programs, and fellowship opportunities and application requirements. Members can also access APA's Learning Center, which contains books and journals on the latest research findings in the field.

National Association for Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselors

Members include psychiatrists, social workers, rehabilitation center administrators, and other professionals whose work revolves around helping clients living with an addiction. Now known as The Association for Addiction Professionals, the organization provides industry-recognized certifications, clinical training, and educational opportunities for mental health practitioners.

National Association for Rural Mental Health

NARMH provides a forum for psychiatrists committed to the promotion of rural mental health. The organization sponsors an annual conference and several regional workshops throughout the year. NARMH maintains a strong advocacy focus to influence state and national policies regarding rural mental health.

FAQ on Becoming a Psychiatrist

What do psychiatrists do?
Psychiatrists specialize in diagnosing and treating a range of mental health disorders, including anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation. As medical doctors, psychiatrists can prescribe medication and offer a variety of treatment options, including psychotherapy and electroconvulsive therapy.

What is the difference between a psychiatrist and psychologist?
Psychologists do not have medical school training like psychiatrists. They typically address psychological problems such as learning difficulties and behavioral problems. Psychiatrists often address more complex conditions with physiological and mental components such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorders, and severe depression.

Is a psychiatrist a therapist?
A therapist refers to a mental health professional who practices mainly talk therapy. A therapist can be a counselor, psychologist, or psychotherapist. For psychiatrists, talk therapy is only one of several treatment tools at their disposal.

What do psychiatrists do in a day?
Psychiatrists gather information on new patients, maintain detailed records on existing ones, and craft individualized treatment protocols that can include psychotherapy, medication, or behavior modification techniques.

Resources for Psychiatrists

AJP is the official journal of the American Psychiatric Association. A peer-reviewed monthly publication, AJP contains the latest developments and research findings in the field. The journal covers topics that impact psychiatric practice throughout the country and around the world.

Among the many resources freely available on the ANAD website is a comprehensive list of national and international organizations that focus on eating disorders. Mental health practitioners can also access online support groups, a series about eating disorders, and informative webinars on this issue.

NABH represents more than 1,800 inpatient behavioral hospitals, outpatient care programs, and residential mental health facilities throughout the United States. Mental health professionals can access their membership directory to find current contact information for key personnel in behavioral healthcare systems throughout the country. The information can assist them in making appropriate and timely referrals.

As the leading federal agency for research on mental disorders, NIMH provides a variety of resources and information for mental health professionals. Psychiatrists can find funding opportunities for clinical research and training in their subspecialty, current data on treatment facilities, and take part in a study or initiative that can inform and improve their practice.

Related Careers at a Glance

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How to Become a Psychiatrist | Psychiatry Degrees and Careers

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Psychiatry focuses on mental health. Psychiatrists diagnose, treat, and help prevent emotional and behavioral disorders such as anxiety attacks, depression, and hallucinations. Psychiatrists employ a variety of treatment modalities including psychotherapy, psychosocial interventions, and medication. This guide includes information on how to become a psychiatrist, including educational requirements, licensure, salary expectations, specialty areas, and much more.

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https://www.learnhowtobecome.org/psychiatrist/

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https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/what-is-psychiatry

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https://www.bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/psychologists.htm

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https://work.chron.com/requirements-becoming-child-psychiatrist-7594.html

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https://www.uwb.edu

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https://learn.org/articles/Psychiatrist_5_Steps_to_Becoming_a_Psychiatrist.html

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A child psychiatrist position requires a medical degree and specialization in child psychiatry.

Stockbyte/Stockbyte/Getty Images

A child psychiatrist is a medical doctor who specializes in treating children with various mental conditions and works in private practice, hospitals or government settings. An aspiring child psychiatrist must obtain a medical degree, pass state medical boards and achieve a sub-specialization as a child psychiatrist. Careful coursework planning while still in high school is an important component in choosing the best undergraduate university, and ultimately, preparing the student for medical school.

High School

The road to becoming a psychiatrist begins as early as high school. Students wishing to pursue this career should take as many biology, chemistry and science classes as possible. These courses will help with the subsequent pre-med major in college and medical school coursework. Students must also consider serving in a volunteer capacity in a psychiatrist's office or in any local hospital as job shadowing experience is crucial when applying for pre-med programs. Students should enroll in as many Advanced Placement (AP) science courses as possible and must maintain a high GPA.

Undergraduate Coursework

A student desiring to become a child psychiatrist should enroll in a pre-med program at an accredited and well-known university. The pre-med program prepares students by offering coursework in biology, biochemistry, physics, math and English. Students must also complete multiple laboratory-based courses and are encouraged to volunteer their time in clinics or hospitals, or as an EMT. Students striving to enter medical school must have a well-rounded application portfolio, not just a high GPA or MCAT score, although those are essential too.

MCAT

While still in college, students hoping to go to medical school must complete the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) with a score high enough for acceptance. The MCAT is a multiple-choice examination designed to test the student's critical thinking skills, knowledge of science, writing proficiency and problem solving ability. Once scores are released, the student will prepare and submit applications to medical schools.

Medical School

Future child psychiatrists must complete four years of medical school after college. Students may begin medical school without declaring a specialty, but must choose one prior to starting the residency portion. A medical education requires coursework in advanced biological sciences, anatomy, molecular framework and principles of the profession, among many other classes. During medical school, students are exposed to a number of laboratory- or clinic-based classes offering practical experience.

Residency

The two-year medical residency is the time during which the medical student can declare his specialty in child psychiatry and secure a residency position working in child psychiatry. The residency training period is entirely clinical and there is no classroom work involved. Child psychiatry residents work in mental health facilities and hospitals on clinical rotations, each rotation offering a different experience in child psychiatry. Rotations may include working in child or adolescent inpatient units, eating disorder clinics, pediatric emergency services, pain clinics, infant psychiatry services or psychotherapy services. Residents are supervised by a current child psychiatrist.

Certification in Psychiatry

Following residency, candidates must take and pass a certification examination prior to beginning the practice of medicine. This is comprised of a two-part test: one part written, one part oral. Applicants who receive a passing score will be eligible to begin practicing medicine as a child psychiatrist.

Medical Boards

Following residency, all medical students must take and pass the U.S. Medical License Examination. This is a three-step test required before beginning the practice of medicine in any jurisdiction in the United States. Step one consists of questions pertaining to anatomy, physiology, biology, pharmacology, pathology, microbiology, behavioral sciences and interdisciplinary studies. Step two contains two parts: a nine-hour multiple choice examination pertaining to the clinical studies of surgery, pediatrics, gynecology, psychiatry and medicine and a mock patient interaction in which the candidate has 15 minutes to assess the patient's medical condition. Lastly, step three is designed to assess whether a medical school graduate can apply medical knowledge and understanding of biomedical and clinical science essential for the unsupervised practice of medicine. Step three is a two-day, 480-question exam.

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Requirements for Becoming a Child Psychiatrist

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
A child psychiatrist is a medical doctor who specializes in treating children with various mental conditions and works in private practice, hospitals or government settings. An aspiring child psychiatrist must obtain a medical degree, pass state medical boards and achieve a sub-specialization as a child psychiatrist. ...

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What is a Psychiatrist?

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. The following chart provides an overview of the career requirements and information for psychiatrists.

Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)

Step 1: Earn a Bachelor's Degree

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.

Step 2: Pursue a Medical Degree

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.

Step 3: Complete a Residency

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.

Step 4: Obtain a License

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.

Step 5: Become Board Certified

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 ( www.abpn.com). 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.

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.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
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.