Preparation to become a physician often begins in high school with AP physics, biology or chemistry classes, in an effort to get into an acclaimed college or university.
Although students bent on medical school may major in any subject, most take science courses that have labs, such as biology, physics and chemistry. Students need not minor in psychology. Since students do not select clinical psychiatry as a specialty until after they complete medical school, choosing a major in the sciences or social sciences remains optional at this point. Most applicants to medical school possess a bachelor's degree, although the minimum threshold of three years of college suffices for a simple few.
Clinical psychiatrists must first become physicians with clinical knowledge of many medical subjects. During the first two years of medical school, students acquire knowledge strictly from books in classrooms and laboratories. However during the last two years, students spend time in various specialties in clinics or hospitals learning from practicing physicians. Here, students become physicians. A few medical schools permit emphasis on psychiatry for the entire four-year stint. If a future clinical psychiatrist intends to focus on research and teaching, then some medical schools offer joint doctorates, a combined M.D. and Ph.D. program.
After graduating from medical school, future clinical psychiatrists must enter a residency: a four- to six-year paid position in which doctors decide upon their specialties. The moment to select clinical psychiatry has arrived. Even within clinical psychiatry, subspecialties exist such as concentrations in neurology or children and adolescents. Only upon completion of a psychiatric residency can clinical psychiatrists practice medicine.
All physicians must pass the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) in order to practice medicine in the U.S. Psychiatrists must pass an eight-hour written and oral examination, both specializing in psychiatry.
Board certification by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology (ABPN) remains the pinnacle achievement after education and licensing. Clinical psychiatrists must pass oral and written examinations, possess an unrestricted medical license and maintain the highest professional conduct as set by the ABPN. Board certification lasts 10 years before psychiatrists must test again for recertification.