Psychiatrist
Psychiatrists are medical doctors who specialize in diagnosing, treating and preventing mental and emotional problems. Sometimes these problems are severe, long-term or related to physical diseases and the psychiatrist, as a physician, can order tests and prescribe medications that can help. The psychiatrist often works as part of a treatment team, including nurses, social workers, psychologists, occupational therapists and when possible, the patient's family.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
Psychiatrists work in many settings including community mental health centers, psychiatric hospitals, private practice, the military and medical schools. They may combine private practice with work at a community mental health center or hospital.

HIGH SCHOOL PREPARATION
General college preparation is recommended: Three courses in math including algebra I, algebra II and geometry, or a higher level math course for which algebra II is a prerequisite; three science courses including one biological science, one physical science and one lab course; four English units and two social studies units, including one in U.S. History; and two years of foreign language.

ACADEMIC REQUIREMENTS
Training as a psychiatrist comes after completion of a bachelor’s degree and a four-year medical degree. Students in college can learn about the best preparation for medical school through advisors at their college. After medical school, the future psychiatrist enters a training period called a residency, of four years, usually at a university medical center. Certification can then be sought from the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. State licensure from the North Carolina Board of Medical Examiners is required to practice psychiatry.

AVERAGE STARTING SALARY
Average Salary Range $50,000 - $150,000 or more depending on work load and practice setting.