Do Psychiatrists Go to Medical School? Education & Career Path in the USA (2025)
If you’re considering a career in mental health, you might wonder — do psychiatrists go to medical school?
The short answer is yes. Psychiatrists are medical doctors (MDs or DOs) who specialize in diagnosing, treating, and preventing mental illnesses through medication and therapy.
In this article, we’ll explore the full education path, degrees required, and career journey to becoming a psychiatrist in the United States.
🩺 What Is a Psychiatrist?
A psychiatrist is a licensed medical doctor who specializes in mental health. Unlike psychologists or counselors, psychiatrists can:
- Prescribe medications
- Conduct physical examinations
- Diagnose complex mental disorders (such as depression, bipolar disorder, or schizophrenia)
- Combine psychotherapy with medical treatment
Because they deal with both the biological and psychological aspects of mental health, psychiatrists must complete medical training just like any other physician.
🎓 Do Psychiatrists Go to Medical School?
Yes — psychiatrists attend medical school after completing a bachelor’s degree.
Medical school is essential because psychiatry is a branch of medicine. During medical school, future psychiatrists study:
- Anatomy and physiology
- Neuroscience
- Pharmacology
- Behavioral science
- Psychiatry rotations in hospitals or clinics
After graduating, they receive an MD (Doctor of Medicine) or DO (Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine) degree.
🪜 Step-by-Step Path to Becoming a Psychiatrist in the USA
1. Earn a Bachelor’s Degree (4 years)
The first step is to complete a pre-med bachelor’s degree. Most students major in:
- Biology
- Psychology
- Neuroscience
- Chemistry
Taking pre-med courses like physics, biochemistry, and organic chemistry is necessary for medical school admission.
2. Take the MCAT Exam
Before applying to medical school, students must pass the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) — a standardized test assessing scientific knowledge and critical thinking.
3. Attend Medical School (4 years)
Medical school lasts four years:
- First 2 years: Classroom-based studies in medicine, anatomy, and pharmacology
- Last 2 years: Clinical rotations in hospitals (including psychiatry, internal medicine, pediatrics, etc.)
Upon graduation, students receive an MD or DO degree.
4. Complete Psychiatry Residency (4 years)
After medical school, psychiatrists enter a psychiatry residency program where they get hands-on experience diagnosing and treating patients with mental disorders.
During residency, doctors work in:
- Hospitals and mental health centers
- Addiction treatment units
- Outpatient clinics
5. Obtain a Medical License & Board Certification
To legally practice psychiatry in the U.S., doctors must:
- Pass the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) or COMLEX-USA
- Apply for a state medical license
- Optionally, become board-certified through the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology (ABPN)
6. Consider a Subspecialty (Optional)
Psychiatrists can also specialize in fields such as:
- Child and adolescent psychiatry
- Forensic psychiatry
- Addiction psychiatry
- Geriatric psychiatry
Each subspecialty may require 1–2 additional years of fellowship training.
💰 How Long Does It Take to Become a Psychiatrist?
Becoming a psychiatrist in the USA takes about 12 years in total:
- 4 years – Bachelor’s degree
- 4 years – Medical school
- 4 years – Psychiatry residency
Optional subspecialty training can extend this timeline by another 1–2 years.
👩⚕️ Psychiatrists vs. Psychologists: Key Difference
| Feature | Psychiatrist | Psychologist |
|---|---|---|
| Degree | MD or DO | PhD or PsyD |
| Medical School | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Prescribes Medication | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Focus | Biological & medical aspects of mental illness | Behavioral & cognitive therapies |
So, if you want to prescribe medication or practice medicine, psychiatry is the path — which means medical school is mandatory.
📈 Career Outlook & Salary
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS):
- Average salary: $230,000–$280,000 per year
- Job growth: Steady demand due to increased mental health awareness
- Top employers: Hospitals, private practices, universities, and telepsychiatry platforms
🧩 FAQs About Psychiatry Education
Q1. Can you become a psychiatrist without going to med school?
No. Psychiatry is a medical specialty, so medical school is mandatory to become a licensed psychiatrist.
Q2. How long is psychiatry residency in the USA?
A psychiatry residency typically lasts 4 years after medical school.
Q3. What major should I choose before med school?
Most future psychiatrists major in biology, psychology, or neuroscience.
Q4. Are psychiatrists doctors or therapists?
Psychiatrists are doctors who can also provide therapy, but their main role involves diagnosing and prescribing medications.
🏁 Conclusion
So, do psychiatrists go to medical school?
Absolutely — it’s the foundation of their career. Every psychiatrist in the USA must complete medical school, residency, and licensing before practicing.
If you’re passionate about mental health and interested in both medicine and psychology, psychiatry offers one of the most rewarding and impactful careers in healthcare.