What degree do you need to be a psychiatrist?

Although there is flexibility regarding your choice of degree, it's necessary to take plenty of science and mathematics courses. This is why a pre-med program is a good choice. If you choose to major in pre-med, consider minoring in psychology.

Before choosing an undergraduate psychiatrist degree program, it's a good idea to take a look at your options for medical school. Examine the entrance requirements for a few different medical schools, and then ensure that the degree program you choose will allow you to meet those requirements.

When you are accepted into medical school, you can choose one of two tracks. You could earn a Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree or a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) degree. The difference between these tracks is that a DO takes a holistic view of diagnostics and treatment, whereas an MD focuses on using medications to treat symptoms and their underlying causes.

Yes, an aspiring psychiatrist needs to complete a four-year residency program. During the last two years of medical school, students can expect hands-on training at teaching hospitals and similar facilities.

A residency is like an extension of this. Residents work in hospitals and clinics, where they diagnose, treat, and monitor patients experiencing a broad range of challenges. Since you aspire to become a psychiatrist, you'll choose a psychiatric residency program. Expect to work under the guidance of licensed psychiatrists.

After completing a four-year residency, some psychiatrists will go on to complete fellowship programs. A fellowship involves additional, in-depth training in a subspecialty. For example, a psychiatrist may complete a fellowship in any of the following subfields:

• Addiction psychiatry

• Geriatric psychiatry

• Pediatric psychiatry

• Neuropsychiatry