4 answers
Britney
Student
Indio, California
1
Question
Updated
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What are the steps to become a psychiatrist after high school?
Right now I think I should to major in neuroscience, and then apply to med school. However Im not sure if thats the best way to go to ensure I get my PHD in psychiatry and then become a Psychiatrist. Honestly I am lost and would love some help going over the process/steps.
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4 answers
Michel Davis
Medical student
171
Answers
Cranston, Rhode Island
Updated
Michel’s Answer
Psychiatry is a medical degree. So if you want to become a psychiatrist the steps you will take is pick a degree whatever you want, but be mindful that certain degrees have advantages in this respect for getting into medical school. Science heavy degrees knock out most of the requirements that you will need to get into medical school. Once you finish some schooling you take the MCAT which is the medical entrance exam. Score well on this apply to medical school. Get into medical school and apply for psychiatry residency. Do a few years of that and you are a psychiatrist. Psychology is a little bit different. But this is the path to psychiatry if you have any more questions let me know.
Dina Siegel
Psychologist
33
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Dina’s Answer
Hi Britney,
As Michel outlined, a psychiatrist is a medical doctor. They pursue medical school after earning a bachelors degree. Psychiatrists specialize in diagnosis and medication management of mental disorders.
You also mentioned the possibility of getting a PhD in psychology. This route would allow you to become a psychologist. Clinical psychologists specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of mental disorders with therapy. In most places in the United States, they are not able to prescribe medication.
In summary, the training paths and careers of psychiatrists and psychologists are different. They both specialize in mental disorders, but the types of treatments differ.
I hope this helps clarify the options for you!
As Michel outlined, a psychiatrist is a medical doctor. They pursue medical school after earning a bachelors degree. Psychiatrists specialize in diagnosis and medication management of mental disorders.
You also mentioned the possibility of getting a PhD in psychology. This route would allow you to become a psychologist. Clinical psychologists specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of mental disorders with therapy. In most places in the United States, they are not able to prescribe medication.
In summary, the training paths and careers of psychiatrists and psychologists are different. They both specialize in mental disorders, but the types of treatments differ.
I hope this helps clarify the options for you!
Hi thank you for your answer, I still dont know the steps to become a psychiatrist. Becoming a psychologist is not the path that I want to follow, Im still confused on the steps. After I get my bachelors what do I do after ?
Britney
Thank you for the clarification of your question. The route to becoming a psychiatrist requires earning a bachelors degree, medical degree (MD or DO), and completing a residency with a specialty in psychiatry. Schools in the United States do not offer a PhD in psychiatry.
Dina Siegel
David Slay
community / clinical psychologist (retired)
25
Answers
Seal Beach, California
Updated
David’s Answer
Hi Britney -- I think the best way to look at this is that psychiatry is a specialization of medicine. If you want to become a psychiatrist, you will need to earn a M.D. from a medical school, and then apply for and get a residency in psychiatry. Almost all people who graduate from medical school go on to specialize in something they are particularly interested in, such as psychiatry, neurology, pediatrics (infants and children), family medicine, orthopedics, surgery, gerontology, and so on.
Getting admitted to a medical school and most internships and residencies is a competitive process, so you would have to prepare yourself with an appropriate B.A. or B.S. I think a Bachelor's in any of the health sciences, such as biology, psychology (might be good if you're aiming at psychiatry anyway) would position you well. Also you could look for colleges or universities that have a "pre-med" major or emphasis as that will be a collection of upper division courses designed for people like you, who want to get an M.D. Also the usual recommendation to get good grades, get relevant volunteer or part-time work experience if you can, and a relatively high score on a standardized aptitude and knowledge test for medical school.
Finally, if you want to work in health sciences directly with clients and patients, there are many ways to do that without becoming a Medical Doctor and then specializing in psychiatry. Psychology is a possibility but also there are many Masters-level programs for counselors, clinical and medical social workers, and people who work with substance abuse.
Getting admitted to a medical school and most internships and residencies is a competitive process, so you would have to prepare yourself with an appropriate B.A. or B.S. I think a Bachelor's in any of the health sciences, such as biology, psychology (might be good if you're aiming at psychiatry anyway) would position you well. Also you could look for colleges or universities that have a "pre-med" major or emphasis as that will be a collection of upper division courses designed for people like you, who want to get an M.D. Also the usual recommendation to get good grades, get relevant volunteer or part-time work experience if you can, and a relatively high score on a standardized aptitude and knowledge test for medical school.
Finally, if you want to work in health sciences directly with clients and patients, there are many ways to do that without becoming a Medical Doctor and then specializing in psychiatry. Psychology is a possibility but also there are many Masters-level programs for counselors, clinical and medical social workers, and people who work with substance abuse.
David Finney
Sr. Principal Quality Engineer
2
Answers
Austin, Texas
Updated
David’s Answer
Hello Britney,
You've made a bold and exciting choice with Neuroscience! This field can serve as a fantastic launchpad for a future in medicine, psychology, or scientific research.
Most students who major in Neuroscience at the undergraduate level often proceed to secure higher degrees in Neuroscience or a similar discipline like psychology. Moreover, a considerable number of them decide to attend medical school to chase their dreams of becoming a physician, surgeon, psychiatrist, or psychologist.
To help you navigate this journey, I've outlined some basic steps below that will guide you towards your career goals.
Earn your bachelor's degree - neuroscience is as good a choice as any. If it interests you, go for it
Gain experience in college - build your resume by volunteering at local mental health service providers or joining psychology-related organizations
Develop your workplace skills - psychiatrists need a set of personal skills that include analytical thinking, emotional resilience, and empathy. The ability to listen effectively and interpret body language is also useful
Prepare for the MCAT - Plan to spend a lot of time here. You have to pass this to get into med school
Apply to medical school - Medical school typically takes about four years of full-time study. The initial two years focus on classroom-based learning and labs. Later years will involve more hands-on clinical experience
You've made a bold and exciting choice with Neuroscience! This field can serve as a fantastic launchpad for a future in medicine, psychology, or scientific research.
Most students who major in Neuroscience at the undergraduate level often proceed to secure higher degrees in Neuroscience or a similar discipline like psychology. Moreover, a considerable number of them decide to attend medical school to chase their dreams of becoming a physician, surgeon, psychiatrist, or psychologist.
To help you navigate this journey, I've outlined some basic steps below that will guide you towards your career goals.
David recommends the following next steps: