Elder Care and Research Careers--Psychiatrist
Can I use my Psychology degree to become a Psychiatrist?
You can definitely use your Psychology degree to become a Psychiatrist. This is because a Psychiatrist is a medical doctor (MD) that treats individuals with mental health problems, and as a Psychology major you are free to pursue an MD. Keep in mind, however, that getting accepting to medical school is very difficult and will require extremely high grades and high scores on the medical school admissions terst (MCAT). Also, medical schools will require that you take certain science courses as an undergraduate (e.g., Biology and Chemistry).
As a Psychiatrist, you will treat mental health problems in a variety of ways. These include testing, therapy, medications, and medical techniques such as electroconvulsive therapy. What is critical in this regard is that in almost all states only a Psychiatrist (by virtue of being an MD) and not a Psychologist, can prescribe and administer drugs and use certain medical techniques. Check out this website about Psychiatry.
The career path for a Psychiatrist includes 4 years of medical school--you pay full tuition. Then you must complete a 4-year residency in Psychiatry after medical school. After completion of these steps, you can gain employment in ahospital, university medical center, or be in private practice.
Salary Information
The Bureau of Labor Statistics lists the yearly average income for a Psychiatrist at $195,000.
You can read more about becoming a Psychiatrist here.
Click here to read some important steps to a career as a Psychiatrist.
If you are interested in psychiatry, you may also want to check out our page on medical and health care careers.
To learn more about applying to medical school check out the Association of American Medical Colleges.
Other links on explorecareersinpsychology.org
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Click on the links below to read about another Elder Care and Research career that only requires a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology:
Elder Care and Research Careers--Elder Adovcate/Fundraising
Elder Care and Research Careers--Aide to Elderly
Click on the links below to read about other Elder Care and Research careers that require a graduate degree:
Elder Care and Research Careers--Master's Degree in Psychology
Elder Care and Research Careers- Master of Social Work
Elder Care and Research Careers--Doctoral Degree in Psychology