How to Become a Licensed Psychiatrist
Psychiatrists are doctors and mental health experts who diagnose and treat mental disorders. Psychiatrists may prescribe medicine to treat mental disorders or may rely upon therapeutic counseling techniques. The number of available jobs for psychiatrists should grow by about 22 percent from 2008 to 2018, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Psychiatrists must obtain extensive training in both the medical and mental health fields. The average range of annual salary for psychiatrists as of 2010 was between $123,787 and $194,655, according to PayScale, Inc.
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
-
1
Obtain a bachelor's degree. Although you do not have to obtain a degree in psychology to become a psychiatrist, it is helpful. Other helpful majors can include areas like biology, pre-medicine, health science or any other academic major that may prepare you for medical school. A major in a science-related field with a minor in psychology, or vice versa, can provide you with an adequate foundation for medical school and graduate school.
-
2
Apply to medical schools that will allow you to also pursue a Ph.D. in psychiatry. You can apply to medical school and a graduate program in psychiatry separately, but this will make the road to becoming a licensed psychiatrist longer and more difficult. The fact that much of the psychiatric profession relies upon both physiological and counseling treatment services makes it necessary to obtain both your Ph.D. and M.D. concurrently. A school that integrates the Ph.D. into the medical school curriculum provides the path of least resistance into the field. Some of the top schools for psychiatric medicine include Yale University, the University of Pennsylvania and the University of Pittsburgh.
-
-
3
Complete your psychiatric residency. Just like doctors who go into specific areas of medical practice like anesthesiology, psychiatrists usually complete a post-medical school residency lasting about four years, in most cases. You will receive hands-on training under the direction of another licensed psychiatrist until you are ready to venture out on your own.
-
4
Obtain licensing through your state's licensing board. You will need to obtain a medical license in your state of practice along with a narcotics license and registration number from the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), according to the American Psychiatric Association. Medical licensing can vary by state, but most state medical boards require you to verify your credentials, pay a licensing fee and pass a state licensing exam. To register with the DEA, download and print an application, fill it out and mail to the department with a fee of $210, as of 2011.
-
1
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Andrea Morini/Digital Vision/Getty Images
