Become a psychiatrist in Tennessee

To become a psychiatrist in Tennessee, 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 and complete clinical rotations in various medical specialties, including psychiatry. After completing medical school, aspiring psychiatrists must complete a residency program in psychiatry, which typically lasts four years. During the residency, psychiatrists will receive specialized training in diagnosing and treating mental illnesses, as well as conducting psychotherapy and prescribing medication. After completing the residency, psychiatrists must obtain a license to practice medicine in Tennessee by passing the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) or the Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Licensing Examination (COMLEX). Finally, psychiatrists may choose to become board-certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology (ABPN) by passing a certification exam. Continuing education is also required to maintain licensure and certification.