Career in Psychiatry?

Question

I'm a high school student and I'm interested in pursuing a career in psychiatry. What does a psychiatrist actually do? Is it true that you have to be a whiz at Chemistry to be successful in a career in Psychiatry? What fields should I study to pursue this career?

Thanks.

Answer 1

Please note there is a HUGE difference between psychiatry and psychology. A lot of students confuse this.

Psychiatry is a subfield of medicine. Psychiatrists must have a doctorate in a medical field (meaning you must attend medical school) and extensive training in the application of medical sciences to psychiatric disturbances. Psychiatrists can thus prescribe medication and administer other medical interventions.

Clinical and Counseling psychologists are also trained at the doctoral level, but not in medicine. Licensed Psychologists use psychological methods – such as individual and group therapy – to treat individuals with psychological problems or to help individuals pursue self-understanding.

So for psychiatry, you need to take college classes geared towards science and maybe even some psychology classes. Then you need to take the MCAT and successfully enter medical school, do well and then enter a residency program before you begin your career. For psychology, you will major in psychology for undergrad (B.S. degree) and then hopefully pursue a master's or Ph.D. degree. Good luck! :)

Answer 2

Psychiatry is a specialized branch of medicine..so you actually want to do Pre-med with a possible double major or minor in psychology. Psychiatrists generally do a lot of psychotropic medication prescription and diagnosis. In general psychiatrists do less clinical work in terms of talk based therapies. If you are more interested in this end you might think of a career in psychology, counseling or social work.

Answer 3

You need to get a medical degree to be a psychiatrist. So it does help to be a whiz at chemistry... Go into the sciences, then medicine, then specialize in psychiatry.

Psychology might be an option if you don't want to go to medical school. Many universities offer two streams of psychology, one more "scientific" than the other.

Answer 4

A psychiatrist is a Medical Doctor. In order to be a psychiatrist, you must first go through medical school. it is true that you must be an excellent student in math and science classes in order to do this. If you don't want to go through medical school but are still interested in Psychology, you may also become a psychologist. In order to be a psychologist, you need at least a Master's degree. Psychiatrists and psychologists assess and diagnose patients with mental illness. Psychiatrists, because they are MD's, can also write prescriptions whereas psychologists cannot write prescriptions.