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What do I need to know when applying an application to become a Psychiatrist? Do i need to have experience?
Good evening, My name is Jozlyn Johnson and I just turned 18. I would like to learn and know more about becoming a Psychiatrist. I think that I should know what are some key things that I should know and whether or not do I need/have some experience when I fill out an application.I also like to watch television shows that involves Mental Health and how to cope with your Mental Health. #health # #healthcare #medical
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4 answers
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Laura’s Answer
In the US, you will need to get into pre-med track for your undergrad deg, get into graduate medicine, then get your 2nd postgraduate qualification in psychiatry.
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Dina’s Answer
first of all, you should apply to medical school to earn your license in general Medicine, then be a resident for sometime (at least 12 months) so to become a psychiatrist you'll need to complete: a five-year degree in medicine first, than you can apply to a psychiatry training and practice before earning the title of a psychiatrist. However, if you think medicine is not your thing, you can consider psychology. Psychologists focus on providing psychotherapy (talk therapy) to help patients. Psychiatrists are medical doctors, psychologists are not.
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Gerald’s Answer
I agree with the previous responses. I would recommend first focusing on getting into medical school, in terms of the pre-med course requirements and the testing requirements to get into medical school. I would also recommend gaining some work experience in the healthcare field, either as a volunteer at the hospital, finding a research opportunity within the undergraduate institution, and applying to medical school after your undergraduate studies. Once in medical school, you will have the opportunity to spend time in various specialties including Psychiatry, and you will also have the opportunity to choose electives in a field of your choice, whether that be Psychiatry or a different specialty.
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Yasemin’s Answer
Hi Jozlyn! In addition to the above responses make sure if you are considering medical school, then to be involved as an undergrad. Volunteer both in a clinical setting (like a hospital) and non clinical setting. Show your commitment by being involved in the medical field as an undergrad. You can shadow a physician and/or be a scribe. If you like mental health, you can declare Psychology as your major and then take the prerequisites required for medical school such as chemistry, biology, math, physics, etc. (You can be any major for medical school-the courses required to take are important aka prereqs) Also you can display your interests for Psychiatry by volunteering in areas that emphasize mental health. You submit an application through AMCAS /AACOMAS for both MD and DO schools respectively (both are board certified physicians). Please let me know if you have any other questions. For now I would do research about medical school, keep the grades up and get involved if you think you'd like it!
Best of luck!
Best of luck!