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How to become a Psychiatrist

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Career progression and salary expectations for a Psychiatrist

Psychiatrist

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The role of a Psychiatrist

What does a Psychiatrist do?

Are you fascinated with how the human mind works? Then why not consider training to become a Psychiatrist?

A Psychiatrist is someone who specialises in diagnosing and treating mental health problems. If you become one, you'll be a medically qualified doctor and able to prescribe medication, which is how the profession differs from Psychology.

Psychiatrists work in a range of settings, from their own practices and people's homes, to prisons and residential centres, so this is one of the most varied careers in medicine.

Among a Psychiatrist's main responsibilities will be:

Assessing and diagnosing mental illness using a combination of analytical approaches
Meeting regularly with patients to discuss their problems
Suggesting changes in behavioural patterns as part of treatment programmes
Carrying out long-term psychotherapy and counselling sessions
Prescribing medication to correct chemical imbalances in the brain

Is a career as a Psychiatrist right for me?

To become a succesful Psychiatrist, you will need to be both extremely analytical and very good with people.

Patients will be disclosing extremely confidential information to you on a daily basis, so the ability to build trust is similarly essential in this industry.

A great Psychiatrist will also be:

A great listener
Knowledgeable about science and medicine
Excellent at communicating with others
Caring, and able to put people at ease
Able to make decisions about potentially difficult subjects under pressure
Patient and tactful

What's it like to be a Psychiatrist?

"Being a Psychiatrist is hugely rewarding because you can make a real difference to people's lives when they are at their most troubled. It's fantastic to watch a patient make the transition back to a fulfilling, satisfying life after struggling with a mental illness. It's also a very varied career, because no two cases are ever the same, so I can safely say I've never been bored - although remember it can be very challenging at times."

Get qualified as a Psychiatrist

To become a Psychiatrist you'll first need to complete a five-year medical degree to qualify as a doctor, followed by two foundation years working in a hospital. Finally, you'll begin your six-year specialty training in Psychiatry, after which you can start to apply for consultants' post as a fully qualified Psychiatrist.

Recommended Psychiatry courses

Mental Health and Psychiatry

Imperial Academy

Level 5 Diploma(FREE QLS Endorsed Certificate)| 11 CPD Courses+11 PDF Certificates| 140 CPD Points|CPD & CiQ Accredited
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- 41 hours · Self-paced
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- 140 CPD points
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Exclusive Deal - Get QLS Endorsed Certificate Worth £100 absolutely Free with 11 (PDF + Hard Copy) Certificate (CPD) for each course. Hurry Up, Offer Ends Soon! Launch the dynamic career you’ve always wanted! Take this high-quality Mental Health and Psychiatry Bundle tr …
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Mental Health and Psychiatry QLS Endorsed Training with Counselling

Academy for Health & Fitness

QLS Level 5 Diploma with Hardcopy Certificate| 285CPD Points| Gift: 10 CPD Courses + Certificate| Lifetime Access
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24 Hours Left! Don't Let Year-End Deals Slip Away – Enrol Now! ☞☞ Boost Your Career By Enrolling In This Mental Health and Psychiatry Bundle To Overcome Your Challenges! ☚☚ Receive 10 CPD Accredited additional bundle courses for free when you purchase 1 QLS-Endorsed certific …
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