To become a board-certified psychiatrist in the US or Canada, a doctor must complete medical school, a psychiatry residency, and pass an exam given by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. Certification lasts for a set number of years and must be renewed following specific guidelines.
A board-certified psychiatrist is a doctor who specializes in mental health and the treatment of mental health disorders. To be certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology (ABPN), a psychiatrist must have completed training and education at an accredited medical school, be licensed to practice medicine in at least one U.S. state, or of a province in Canada, and pass an examination given by the council. Certification from the ABPN lasts for a set number of years, and upon expiration of certification, a psychiatrist must follow guidelines for renewal.
A psychiatrist practicing in the United States has successfully earned a bachelor’s degree and the title of Doctor of Medicine (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) from an accredited medical school. International physicians with equivalent degrees may also practice psychiatry in the United States. In addition to medical school, a psychiatrist must complete a residency that usually lasts four years, with at least three years spent majoring in psychiatry.
Before becoming a board-certified psychiatrist, a physician must be licensed to practice psychiatry. Each Canadian state or province has its own licensing requirements. Most states and provinces require a physician to provide proof of education and pass an exam before being granted an unrestricted license to practice as a psychiatrist.
Certification from the ABPN shows that a psychiatrist has met the stringent standards set by the board. These standards include education, training and licensing. A psychiatrist must complete an application and pay a fee when you attempt to become a board-certified psychiatrist, and if all standards are met, the psychiatrist can take the certification exam. The ABPN offers a specialized certification for psychiatrists who have received extra training in subfields of psychiatry, such as child or geriatric psychiatry.
Initial certification by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology is for a limited duration of years. After a certification has expired, a board-certified psychiatrist must follow specific guidelines to renew his or her certification. Applying for recertification helps ensure that every board-certified psychiatrist is in good standing with their state or provincial medical board and is also familiar with new treatments being used in the field of psychiatry.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
