The career path to becoming a psychiatrist begins with a high school diploma or GED. Science courses as well as math and English are recommended. A high GPA will help ensure entrance into a good undergraduate school.
An undergraduate degree is necessary. There is no required major for someone who wishes to become a psychiatrist, although a science major is helpful because of the large number of science prerequisite classes required for medical school. Some future psychiatrists major in psychology and take the prerequisite science courses as electives.
Before entering medical school, students must take the Medical College Admissions Test. The score on the MCAT plus academic achievement, extracurricular activities, and volunteer experience will all likely play a part in the admissions selection. Once accepted, students will attend medical school for four years.
After graduating from medical school, students must go through a residency training program in which they are paid to gain more knowledge about the field of psychiatry. Residency can last from four to six years. After the residency is completed students can choose to become board certified in psychiatry by taking the voluntary exam given by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology.
Students can choose a specialization within the field of psychiatry if they wish. Additional training can take from two to four years. Some specializations include child psychiatry, geriatrics, forensic psychiatry, research, and neuropsychiatry.