How to become a psychiatrist in Washington, D.C.

To become a psychiatrist in Washington, D.C., 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) 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, 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. After completing the residency, psychiatrists must obtain a license to practice medicine in Washington, D.C. by passing the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) and completing the necessary paperwork. Finally, 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.