Career roadmap
How to Become a Psychiatrist
The education, training, certifications and steps it takes to start working as a psychiatrist, plus how long it takes and where the career can lead.
To become a psychiatrist: (1) earn a bachelor’s degree, (2) complete medical school, (3) complete psychiatry residency, (4) pass boards, (5) practice or subspecialize. Most people need about 12 years after high school. BLS lists “doctoral or professional degree” as the typical entry-level education.
5 steps to become a psychiatrist
Earn a bachelor’s degree
Pre-med.
Complete medical school
Four years.
Complete psychiatry residency
Four years.
Pass boards
ABPN.
Practice or subspecialize
Fellowship optional.
Education and training requirements
Medical school plus a four-year psychiatry residency are required, along with a license and board certification.
| Typical entry-level education (BLS) | Doctoral or professional degree |
|---|---|
| Related work experience | None |
| On-the-job training | Internship/residency |
| Typical training time | 12 years after high school |
Certifications and licenses
- ABPN psychiatry certification: American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology.
- State medical license: Required.
- Child and adolescent psychiatry certification: Subspecialty.
- Addiction psychiatry certification: Subspecialty.
Skills to build now
Start with psychiatric assessment, psychopharmacology, and psychotherapy, and practice empathy and listening. Learning the psychiatrist vocabulary early makes training and interviews easier.
Where the career can lead
- Psychiatry Resident: Train.
- Psychiatrist: Practice.
- Subspecialist: Child, addiction or forensic.
- Medical Director: Lead mental health services.
Get a head start
Our self-paced Psychiatrist training gives you a realistic, practical overview of the job (duties, terminology, step-by-step tasks, safety and interview prep) so you can decide with confidence and show employers you’re serious.
Common questions about getting started
How long is training?
About 12 years after high school.
How long does it take to become a psychiatrist?
Most people need about 12 years after high school of training. Medical school plus a four-year psychiatry residency are required, along with a license and board certification.
Do you need a degree to be a psychiatrist?
Yes. BLS lists a doctoral or professional degree as the typical entry-level education, and you also need a state license to practice.
What certifications are available for psychiatrists?
Common credentials include ABPN psychiatry certification, State medical license, Child and adolescent psychiatry certification, and Addiction psychiatry certification. Physicians need a state medical license after licensing exams and residency.
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025, SOC 29-1223 (Psychiatrists).
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Employment Projections, Table 1.2 (2025–35).
- O*NET OnLine summary for Psychiatrists (U.S. Department of Labor).
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Reviewed by the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team. Pay figures are national estimates; local pay varies. See our editorial policy.