How to become a psychiatrist in Iowa, IA

To become a psychiatrist in Iowa, IA, 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, students 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, students must pass the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) or the Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Licensing Examination (COMLEX) to become licensed to practice medicine in Iowa. Finally, students must pass the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology (ABPN) certification exam to become board-certified in psychiatry. Once all of these steps are completed, one can begin practicing as a psychiatrist in Iowa.