Education · 1 of 5

The path

Medical school first. Psychiatrists are doctors who then specialize in the brain and behavior.

1. 1

   High school

   Grades 11 and 12

   Biology, chemistry, physics and math, with grades strong enough for a competitive college.

2. 2

   Bachelor's degree

   4 years

   Any major, as long as you finish the pre-medical science courses and take the MCAT (Medical College Admission Test).

3. 3

   Medical school

   4 years

   Two years of science, two years of hospital rotations. You graduate as a Doctor of Medicine (MD) or a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO).

4. 4

   Psychiatry residency

   4 years

   Paid hospital training. The first year covers general medicine and neurology, then inpatient wards, emergency psychiatry, addiction, child work and outpatient clinic.

5. 5

   License and board certification

   During and after residency

   A state medical license, then the certifying exam from the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology.