A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who specializes in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders. Psychiatrists have extensive training in both medicine and psychiatry and are qualified to prescribe medication as part of their treatment approach. Click to explore more occupational details:
Psychiatrist
Education Required
All states require physicians and surgeons to be licensed; requirements vary by state. To qualify for a license, candidates must graduate from an accredited medical school and complete residency training in their specialty.
Licensure requirements include passing standardized national exams. M.D.s take the U.S. Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE). D.O.s take the Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Licensing Examination (COMLEX-USA). For specific state information about licensing, contact your state’s medical board.
Board certification in a specialty is not required for physicians and surgeons; however, it may increase their employment opportunities. M.D.s and D.O.s seeking board certification in a specialty may spend up to 9 years in residency training; the length of time varies with the specialty. To become board certified, candidates must complete a residency program and pass a specialty certification exam from a medical certifying board. Examples of certifying boards include the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS), the American Osteopathic Association (AOA), and the American Board of Physician Specialties (ABPS).
Career Setting
- Clinics, Government, Hospitals, Outpatient Centers, Self-Employed
What is this job like?
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Students
By joining healthcare clubs, participating in healthcare exploratory pipeline programs, and touring and shadowing at your local healthcare facilities can help you gain hands-on experience.
Parents
Empower your child’s dreams of a future in healthcare with comprehensive resources designed to guide and support parents every step of the way on their child’s journey towards obtaining a degree and pursuing a rewarding career in healthcare.
Teachers & Counselors
Equip your students with the knowledge and skills they need to excel, providing them with a solid foundation for pursuing a rewarding degree and career in healthcare.
