- You'll need to go to med school, then specialise in psychiatry. Some places let you jump straight into medical school after high school, while others (like the US) make you get a bachelor's first.
- The learning doesn't stop there. You'll need hands-on training – think residency programs in the US or Foundation training in the UK.
- Each country has its own set of exams. They're tough but doable if you're committed.
- The path to becoming a psychiatrist is long and difficult, but it is worth it! You'll get good pay, flexible work options (hospitals, your own practice, etc.), and the opportunity to actually help people through tough times.
Psychiatrists diagnose and treat mental health conditions, prescribe medicine, and reduce the stigma around mental health. It’s an important job with lots of responsibilities, but it also comes with a lot of diverse options — you can work in hospitals, clinics, companies, or even run your own practice. And every person you help will be different, so you’ll always be learning something new and adjusting how you work.
This guide walks you through the common questions on how to become a psychiatrist, including what you need to study, what skills you need to have, and how long it takes.
What does a psychiatrist do?
Psychiatrists are doctors who focus on mental health. They treat all kinds of cases, like depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, PTSD, schizophrenia, ADHD, and more. It’s also common for psychiatrists to choose a specialisation, like focusing on treating adults, teens, or children.
On a typical day, a psychiatrist may do the following tasks:
- Meeting with patients
- Diagnosing issues and conditions
- Prescribing medication
- Adjusting treatment plans based on what’s working
Browse our Psychiatry Master’s programmes to learn more about becoming a psychiatrist and specialising in this field.
What is the difference between a psychiatrist and a psychologist?
People often mistake Psychiatrists for Psychologists as they both work in mental health. But there’s a key difference: psychiatrists are medical doctors who can prescribe medication. Psychologists focus on talk therapy and usually cannot prescribe medication. Find more in the table below:
Psychiatrist | Psychologist | |
Type of degree required | Medical degree (with a specialisation in Psychiatry) | Bachelor’s, Master’s or Doctorate in Psychology |
Can prescribe medication? | Yes | No |
Studies and training | Medical training with a specialisation in Psychiatry | Human behaviour, cognition, and therapeutic techniques |
Objective | Prescribing medication to treat mental health disorders | Providing talk therapy to help individuals manage emotions and thoughts |
Work setting | Hospitals, clinics, corporate offices, private practice | Clinics, schools, private practice, research centres |
Is becoming a psychiatrist the right path for you?
Becoming a psychiatrist takes time, effort, and a genuine interest in how people think and feel. If you’re interested in both medicine and the human mind, it can be an incredibly rewarding career. Imagine — your work has a direct impact on people’s mental health and well-being.
Successful psychiatrists often have the following skills:
- Active listening
- Problem-solving
- Reasoning and analytical skills
- Effective communication
- Empathy and open-mindedness
- Cultural sensitivity
- Patience and long-term commitment
What degree do you need to become a psychiatrist?
To become a psychiatrist, you must first complete a degree in Medicine. In some countries, like the UK, Australia, and Germany, you can go straight into a medical degree after secondary school. After finishing, you’ll choose Psychiatry as your speciality.
While preparing for your specialisation exams, you may want to consider a Master’s degree in Psychiatry to improve your knowledge. Master’s degrees also open the doors to other Psychiatry careers beyond direct patient care, such as academic research, clinical trials, and further doctoral studies.
Other countries, such as the US or Canada, train medical doctors differently. Before applying for medical school, you first need to complete a Bachelor’s degree, usually in a related field like Psychology, Health Sciences, or Public Health. Then you apply to medical school and finally, specialise in Psychiatry during your residency.
To explore all your undergraduate degree options, browse 10,000+ Bachelor’s programmes on Bachelorsportal.
Training and experience after graduation
Once you’ve graduated from med school, it’s time to get real-world experience. This is your chance to learn from experienced doctors, work with actual patients, and improve your skills.
What mandatory training or internships are there for psychiatrists?
Most countries require some kind of post-medical school psychiatric training. Here are some examples from around the world:
- US: After a four-year Bachelor’s degree and medical school, you apply for a psychiatry residency, which is usually another four years
- Canada: Similar to the US, you first study a Bachelor’s, then med school, and finally residency
- UK: Medicine degree followed by Foundation Year training for doctors. This is a two-year programme where you’ll gain experience in different medical fields, including psychiatry. The next steps are Core and Higher Psychiatry Training.
- Australia: After a Medicine degree, you start a five-year-long specialist training through the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP)
- Germany: You complete a psychiatry training programme after medical school.
Professional qualification exams for psychiatrists
There are several professional exams for psychiatrists, which also vary from country to country. Here are some examples:
- US: Psychiatrists must pass the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) and then a more specific American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology (ABPN) exam.
- UK: An MRCPsych exam is mandatory for psychiatrists who wish to become consultants in the UK.
- Australia: Candidates need to take several assessments set by the RANZCP.
- Canada: In Canada, licensure requires the MCCQE and certification from the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada.
- Germany: At the end of medical school, future psychiatrists take Staatsexamen (state examinations) and then move forward with specialist examinations.
Registration or certification process to become a psychiatrist
Once training and exams are complete, psychiatrists register with a national body. Here are some country-specific examples:
- US: American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology (ABPN)
- UK: General Medical Council (GMC) with specialist registration
- Australia: Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) and certified by the RANZCP
- Canada: Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada
- Germany: Local medical boards after degree recognition and language requirements
If you’re planning to work abroad as a psychiatrist, you’ll also need a good knowledge of the local language. Plus, your degree must be officially recognised, which may mean additional steps for equivalency.
How is becoming a psychiatrist different around the world
By now, you know that becoming a psychiatrist involves a lot of studying, practical work, and exams. Here is a summary of how different countries approach it:
Studies | Training | Exams | |
UK | MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery) | Foundation medical programme followed by Core and Higher Psychiatry Training | MRCPsych (Membership of the Royal College of Psychiatrists) exams |
USA | Bachelor’s degree followed by Medical School | Psychiatry residency programme | USMLE and ABPN Psychiatry Board Exam |
Canada | Bachelor’s degree followed by Medical School | Psychiatry residency programme | MCCQE Part I and II followed by the Royal College certification exam |
Germany | Bachelor-level Medicine degree | Specialist training in psychiatry and psychotherapy | Staatsexamen after med school, followed by Facharzt (specialist) examination |
Australia | Bachelor-level Medicine degree | Hospital training after medical degree, followed by specialist training with RANZCP | RANZCP Fellowship Exams |
Final tips to succeed in your psychiatry journey
Becoming a psychiatrist is a long yet rewarding path. Make sure to start planning early on — research admission requirements in different countries, find a mentor, and use available support resources to prepare for exams.
A good first step is to learn more about Medicine degrees and Master’s programmes in Psychiatry. From there, you can start comparing universities, countries, and specialisation options to see what fits your goals best.
FAQs
1. How long does it take to become a psychiatrist?
On average, it takes 10 to 15 years to become a psychiatrist. This includes completing a medical degree, a psychiatry residency, and any required licensing exams.
2. How difficult is it to become a psychiatrist?
Becoming a psychiatrist is challenging because it takes many years to get there, the intensity of medical training, numerous exams, and the emotional demands.
3. Is psychiatry a good career choice?
Psychiatry is a good career choice as it offers good salaries, the flexibility to either work in hospitals or set up your own practice, and, of course, the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in people’s lives.
