Path to Becoming a Psychiatrist: Education & Training Requirements

In the United States, becoming a psychiatrist typically requires:

Undergraduate education: 4 years

Medical school: 4 years

Psychiatry residency: 4 or 5 years

In total, this amounts to at least 12 years of education and training after high school. During these years, future psychiatrists learn about a wide range of subjects, including human biology, neuroscience, clinical psychology, pharmacology, and psychotherapy. They also gain hands-on experience working with patients under the supervision of experienced psychiatrists.

After completing their residency, psychiatrists must also pass a licensing exam in order to practice independently.

In total, it typically takes around 15 years (including undergraduate training) to become a psychiatrist in the United States.