Career Crusing
Psychiatrist
Job Description
Psychiatrists are specially trained doctors who treat people with mental and emotional disorders. Psychiatrists are also doctors. When treating patients, psychiatrists consider life events and stresses. They can order medical tests, and prescribe medication too.
Working Conditions
Psychiatrists work in clinics like hospitals, psychiatric hospitals, private clinics, and research centers. Others set up practices, sharing an office with other psychiatrists. Psychiatrists spend their time interviewing, assessing, and treating patients. They usually meet with their patients for about an hour once or twice a week. Psychiatrists who work in practices usually treat people with common problems, like depression, anxiety, eating disorders, and addictions. Those who work in psychiatric hospitals deal with people who need constant supervision as they receive treatment for their sickness. Psychiatrists that work 50 hours a week is common. Those who work in hospitals are usually on call during evenings and weekends.
Earnings
Psychiatrists start between $115,000 and $250,000 a year. Some high-profile psychiatrists make more than $250,000 a year. Annual earnings for psychiatrists are about $170,000. Salaried psychiatrists typically receive benefits, like sick days, paid vacation time, and health coverage. Psychiatrists in private practice must provide their own benefits.
Education
To become a psychiatrist, you’ll need to complete a bachelor’s degree and medical school. You need to complete courses in physics, biology, mathematics, English, and chemistry in order to apply for medical school. Admission to medical school is very competitive. Students have to put together applications and get high scores on the Medical College Admission Test. Schools then have to interview them. It is not weird for people to apply to medical school 2 years in a row before being accepted. After completing medical school, you are a doctor but you still have to do a period of training called a residency. At the end you have to pass an exam to practice psychiatry in your state.
What people do, and don't like
Pros: You get to help loads of people lead normal lives, make good money, and work their own hours.Cons: Psychiatric work is stressful and emotionally draining. Psychiatrists see patients going through a lot of emotional turmoil and pain, and sometimes they have to deal with disturbing and violent behavior. They also work long hard hours, and many years of schooling.