Become a psychiatrist in California

To become a psychiatrist in California, one must first complete a bachelor's degree in a related field such as psychology, biology, or pre-med. After completing the undergraduate degree, one must then attend medical school and earn a Doctor of Medicine (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) degree. During medical school, students will take courses in psychiatry, neurology, and other related fields. After completing medical school, aspiring psychiatrists must complete a residency program in psychiatry, which typically lasts four years. During the residency, students will receive hands-on training in diagnosing and treating mental illnesses under the supervision of experienced psychiatrists. After completing the residency, psychiatrists must obtain a license to practice medicine in California by passing the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) or the Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Licensing Examination (COMLEX). Finally, psychiatrists may choose to become board-certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology (ABPN) by passing an exam. Continuing education is also required to maintain licensure and board certification.