Earn a bachelor’s degree (typically pre-med, psychology, biology, or related field)
Complete prerequisite coursework for medical school (e.g., biology, general chemistry, organic chemistry, physics, math, statistics, psychology)
Take the MCAT
Apply to and complete medical school (MD or DO)
Pass licensing exams: USMLE (MD) or COMLEX-USA (DO)
Complete a psychiatry residency (typically 4 years)
Gain clinical experience through rotations in psychiatry during medical school and residency
Choose a subspecialty fellowship if desired (e.g., child/adolescent, geriatric, addiction, forensic, sleep, neuropsychiatry)
Obtain board certification (American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology or equivalent)
Obtain state licensure to practice medicine/psychiatry
Maintain certification and state license requirements (continuing medical education, periodic recertification)
Consider joining professional organizations (optional) and building clinical experience (outpatient, inpatient, consult-liaison, community mental health)