What Does It Take to Be a Psychiatrist?
According to the American Association of Medical Colleges (AAMC), a psychiatrist is a physician who specializes in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of mental, addictive, and emotional disorders. Some of these illnesses include anxiety, depression, developmental disabilities, schizophrenia, substance abuse and sexual dysfunction. The AAMC reports that psychiatry is the fourth largest medical specialty. The average yearly salary for a psychiatrist is $174,000 to $248,000 a year. A majority of psychiatrists work in private practice, according to the Labor of Bureau Statistics. Founded in 1884, the American Psychiatric Association is the largest organization that represents the interest of professionals.
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Fit for the Profession
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Individuals who want to understand the workings of the inner mind might consider a career in psychiatry. In addition, becoming a psychiatrist is a lengthy process. Since psychiatrists are medical doctors, students should expect to spend at least 12 years building for a career toward becoming a psychiatrist. If a student aspires to specialize in an area of psychiatry, tack on another two years. But, if helping people with mental illness is a goal, it is worth the time and effort.
Preliminary Work
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Students who see a future in psychiatry must prepare for the rigorous program by taking undergraduate courses in biology, chemistry and math. Maintain a strong grade-point average to remain competitive in the selection process for medical school. During your junior or senior year, take the Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT). Perform research and visit medical schools to see which ones meet your academic needs. Apply to medical school and be accepted.
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Become a Doctor
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After being accepted into medical school and completing a baccalaureate degree, students must complete four years of medical school. The first two years include laboratory and classroom training in medicine. During the second part of medical school, students take more clinical training. After passing medical boards, the student earns either a doctorate of medicine (M.D.) or osteopathic degree (D.O.). Afterward, individuals must complete at least four years of accredited residency training, including a minimum of three years in psychiatry.
Types of Residencies
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Major universities such as Harvard, Yale and Stanford offer highly competitive residencies in psychiatry within their medical school. Some of the areas these schools' specializations include adult psychiatry, narcolepsy (sleep disorders and fatigue) and bipolar disorders. Residents are able to train at state-of-the art facilities and take the necessary steps to become specialists within the psychiatry discipline. The goal of the Harvard program, for example, is to cultivate a group of psychiatrists interested in furthering the profession.
Simply the best
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After completing educational and examination requirements, psychiatrists may seek certification from the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. The ABPN is a member of the American Board of Medical Specialties. According to the ABPN, its purpose is to promote excellence in the areas of neurology and psychiatry. Board examinations are administered in two parts, part I (computer-administered) and part II (oral). Subspecialties, such as forensic psychiatry, pain management and neurodevelopment delays, require two years of work experience.
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