To become a psychiatrist, it typically takes about 12 years of education and training after high school. This includes:
- Earning a bachelor's degree, usually taking 4 years.
- Completing medical school, which generally takes another 4 years.
- Undertaking a psychiatry residency program, which lasts about 4 years.
After these steps, some psychiatrists may pursue additional specialized training or fellowships, which can add more time
. In the UK, the pathway involves:
- A 5-year medical degree (or 4 years for graduate entry),
- A 2-year foundation program of general training,
- 3 years of core psychiatry training,
- Followed by up to 3 years of specialist training
In Australia and New Zealand, after medical school (4-6 years), there is a 1-year internship, then 5 years of specialist psychiatry training with the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP)
. Overall, the standard timeline is roughly 12 years from starting undergraduate education to becoming a qualified psychiatrist.
