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How to Become a Psychiatrist
There are some people who gravitate toward a particular field or career because they wish to make the world a better place. This is more true in the field of psychiatry than in any other occupation. Psychiatrists are truly in the front lines of ‘helping’ professions. The field is rewarding for the right person who wants to know how to become a psychiatrist. However, the road to becoming a psychiatrist is not easy, and even the most intelligent can fail without hard work, diligence, and a strong work ethic.
Education Requirements to Become a Psychiatrist
The very first step to starting a career as a psychiatrist is earning a bachelor’s degree in psychology with a minor in biology, or a bachelor’s in biology with a minor in psychology. Other related science degrees may also apply. Though most people perceive a psychiatrist to be the same thing as a therapist, this is a misconception. While both psychiatrists and therapists are qualified to perform talk therapy and other forms of mental health hygiene, psychiatrists are medical doctors who are able to prescribe medications. Psychologists and therapists can only counsel patients and work with a psychiatrist to offer more efficient service. Therefore, to become a psychiatrist you must first acquire a bachelor’s degree in a related field and then continue on to complete medical school.
Both psychology and biology are common degrees in most colleges and universities. You may also find these degrees available through online programs. In either case, be cautious and seek only programs that have been accredited through the proper government institutions and that will legitimately prepare you to enter medical school. Once you have received a bachelor’s degree, you must attend medical school and pass medical board exams to be certified as an MD. You can expect to spend four years working on your undergraduate degree and another four years to receive your MD degree. On top of this, you will have to spend several years as a psychiatry resident in a hospital or other medical center.
Other Requirements to Become a Psychiatrist
As with many careers, hands-on experience is vital to your success. You will want to consider gaining first-hand experience in the mental wing of a regular hospital or psychiatric clinic, while simultaneously earning both your undergraduate and medical degrees. As a part of your degree program, you will most likely be required to do clinical work to gain added experience. Once you’ve completed your schooling, you will work as a resident doctor in a hospital or clinic. Residents are basically paid interns. Your residency can last up to four years before you will be considered a ‘regular’ doctor.
Schooling doesn’t come cheap, especially when referring to medical school. Most students can expect to graduate from medical school with a rather large debt in student loans. However, the salary of psychiatrists can be quite generous, which will allow you to eventually pay off those debts. In 2008, the median salary of a specialized physician, such as a psychiatrist, was $339,738 annually. Job outlook for psychiatrists is excellent. Employment is expected to grow much faster over the next decade than in many other occupations.
Earning a degree is just the beginning of how to become a psychiatrist. It takes years of further study and experience to become a full-fledged MD of psychiatry. For many, the years are worth it. The career can be rewarding and fulfilling for those who truly wish to improve the quality of life of others.
