Become a psychiatrist in Kentucky

To become a psychiatrist in Kentucky, one must first complete a bachelor's degree in a related field such as psychology, biology, or pre-med. After completing a bachelor's 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 and complete clinical rotations in psychiatry to gain hands-on experience. After completing medical school, one must then complete a residency program in psychiatry, which typically lasts four years. During the residency program, psychiatrists will receive specialized training in diagnosing and treating mental illnesses. After completing the residency program, psychiatrists must obtain a license to practice medicine in Kentucky by passing the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) or the Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Licensing Examination (COMLEX). Additionally, psychiatrists may choose to become board-certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology (ABPN) by passing an exam. Continuing education is also required to maintain licensure and board certification.