i have been thinking about a career in psychiatry...?

Question

how long would it take to start my career as a psychiatrist

Answer 1

Wow! Exciting. First you must become a doctor (MD) and finish all of your medical residency. Once you do that you can do additional residency and training to become specialized. The pay is no more and can be less. The working conditions are worse, the hospital depts are shoddy and in poor condition. The level of resources you have to work with are despicable. And you have to train more? Well, if you want to become a psychiatrist you will have sainthood in your genetic line. Please do, if you are a compassionate caregiver.

In my career (RN) I have found psychiatrists to be more human, more caring, more fun and more grounded than other docs. They are excellent human beings doing something for a part of humanity that has been chucked out the window. How terribly sad that we have compartmentalized one whole section of the ill and deemed them unworthy of the type of resources we give to vented gunshot victims. We wouldn't let them die on the street.

Well, with that said, I will step down from my soap-box and wish you much luck. I recently left working in mental health, to much dismay, as it was the most qualifying and fun experience I've ever had.

Answer 2

You have to complete Medical School first (after undergrad. work) and then complete a residency in psychiatry.

Answer 3

Including an undergrad degree, internships, med school, maybe a fellowship.. . at least 8-10 years.

Answer 4

usually 4 years for a bachelors degree. 4 years med school, 4 years residency, 2 years specialty.
time in med school often depends on what country and even what med school you go to. just going by what my sister did.

Answer 5

You need a bachelor and medical degree. It is a long process. but if you study hard you may have good chance of succeeding. I myself want to be M.D.

Answer 6

11 years minimum...I'm doing psychology!