How to Become a Child Psychiatrist

If you love children and desire to make the world a better place, you might make a great child psychiatrist. In this profession, you would help children to overcome their fears, insecurities, obstacles and psychological disorders so that they can lead a normal life.

Instructions

Difficulty: Challenging

Things You’ll Need:

• Bachelor's degree
• Medical degree
• Residency
• Board certification

Getting an Education

1. Obtain a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution. Your undergraduate degree can be in one of several concentrations, such as biomedical science, humanities or social sciences. You can also take undergraduate psychology courses to prepare yourself to become a child psychologist.
2. Apply for medical school at an accredited institution. Since a child psychologist can prescribe medication, he must first obtain a medical degree in order to practice in the United States.
3. Apply for a residency in psychiatry. This program takes approximately four years to complete and is facilitated by a major college or university. You will learn about all aspects of medicine, from surgery to gynecology, but your focus will be on psychiatry.
4. Take the Medical Licensing Exam required by the state in which you live. Requirements vary, so make sure to talk to an administrator at your college or university for guidance.
5. Obtain board certification in child psychiatry. Since you are pursuing a specialty as a child psychologist, you'll need to take this extra step before you can begin your first job.

Starting Your Career

6. Decide whether you want to start your own practice, or work for someone else as a child psychiatrist. The differences in environment, compensation and hours will differ widely, so talk to other professionals before you make your choice.
7. Determine whether or not you will receive any career assistance through your residency program. In some cases, certain students are offered positions at hospitals or clinics based on their performances during residency.
8. Rent office space if you're going to start your own practice, and decide what types of medical services you will provide there. If you'll only be dispensing medication, you shouldn't need anything more elaborate than a standard office building.
9. Consider partnering with a nearby hospital or clinic so you can use their facilities for patients who need more in-depth psychiatric treatment. You'll find that, as a child psychologist, you face something different every day.

Tips & Warnings

• Research financial aid options if you don't think you can afford to become a child psychiatrist.

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