Psychiatrist

Psychiatrists are specialized medical professionals who assist patients grappling with emotional or mental sicknesses. Such illnesses include anxiety, schizophrenia, stress and sexual identity complications. Psychiatry is one of the oldest specializations in the medical world. Those who possess the requisite qualifications in psychiatry can work in various health-related fields. Examples of these places include health providers, correctional facilities, healthcare services firms and commerce clinics. Also, they could gain employment in military health facilities, public hospitals and rehabilitation centers. Depending on their specializations, these health professionals could assume numerous job titles like child psychiatrists, adolescent psychiatrists and forensic psychiatrists. It is also common to find psychiatrists who work as clinical neurophysiologists, geriatric psychiatrists and pain management psychiatrists.

Educational requirements for psychiatrists

All psychiatrists must undergo formal education to acquire the necessary skills for the career. This is a lengthy process that begins with a four-year stint in undergraduate school. Here, prospective psychiatrists must graduate with a bachelor’s degree in subjects of their choice. Their graduation opens the gates for them to access medical school, which takes four years. The initial two years involves classes such as, medical ethics, psychology, pharmacology and biochemistry. The final two years requires that students must undertake clinical rotations; this process involves training in surgery, psychiatry and internal medicine. What follows next is a four-year residency program that could increase to six years for those who opt for a subspecialty. After the duration of study, the expectation is that the graduates are equipped with the necessary skills for psychiatry. For instance, they must exhibit the commitment to curing those in emotional or mental turmoil. Equally important is the ability to handle the pressure that comes with coming into contact with unstable patients. A good psychiatrist must be alert to attend to emergency situations when they arise. Being emotionally stable is another must-have skill for all psychiatrists. A psychiatrist is never complete without a license to operate. This is evidence of his or her competency in issuing medicines to patients. Gaining a license is only possible after passing an examination administered by United States Medical Licensing Examination. One important tip for passing the test is candidates to maintain professional competence and finalize their continuing education.

Remuneration for psychiatrists

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) opines that psychiatrists earn an average of $84 per hour. This amount accumulates to an estimated average yearly sum of $175,000. Those who earn a handsome amount are psychiatrists who work in outpatient centers, state governments and employment services. Other top earners include psychiatrists who own private clinics. With regards to geographical regions, states such as, Oregon, Indiana, New Jersey, Kansas and Minnesota rank as the highest-paying areas in America.

Future job outlook for psychiatrists

According to BLS, the job outlook for psychiatry seems bright. Expectations are that it will witness an increased growth rate extending to 2016. Skilled psychiatrists will grow in demand due to heightened demand for medical professionals. This demand is also attributable to enhanced mental health awareness issues. Also, this medical profession is experiencing a shortage, which necessitates the need for more professionals. Special areas like geriatric psychiatry and child psychiatry will experience the highest demand. Amidst the glossy future, prospective psychiatrists must ready themselves for intense competition.