How long does it take to become a psychiatrist?

Psychiatry is a medical degree, unlike psychology. For a medical degree, you have four years of undergraduate work followed by four more years of medical education. That is followed by your residency. So expect to spend about twelve years training to be a psychiatrist. Charles Krauthammer has an excellent and entertaining book that covers his experiences through his life, including his studies. I suggest you also talk to some folks who have their own experiences to share in becoming psychiatrists. It should be a great experience.

I have a BS in Psychology, and I am now obtaining my MS in psychology. If you have done your prerequisites, you can jump into the program. However, it depends on the college as some of the courses may vary. I am a special needs therapist. Thus, I only had to complete 32 college credits. I am now competing an additional 25 credits, at this current time. To be a psychiatrist it takes about 8 years, you have post-undergrad, then board-certs which take 4 years to complete . If you are going to MD, then add another 4 years this is for your residency. It is important to look up your state requirements, too. Some things will very, and ensure the college you go to if not local supports the college you attend if you plan on going back to your current location. I have seen many people go to school, only to find out the state does not support the college they have attended or it did not fully meet the requirements. Best of luck.