Is it worth it to become a Psychiatrist?
I am a high school junior who is interested in becoming a general or adolescent psychiatrist. I am taking two sciences courses both this year and next year (AP Biology, Genetics & Biotechnology this year; AP Physics B, Human Anatomy & Physiology next year). I am not taking an above-average math class (Precalculus), though I am making an A.
I am interested in becoming a psychiatrist because I feel I am able to connect with children and adults, and I truly feel I can help them.
Anyway, is it logical to go into Psychiatry? Is the salary high? Is it worth the many years of schooling?
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The median income is ~$145,600 depending on where you live. You’ll need 4 yrs of undergraduate school, 4 yrs of medical school, and 3 to 8 yrs of residency. You get to put MD (Doctor of Medicine) and DO (Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine) after your name when all is done. I would suggest taking Pre-Cal in high school. All of my pre-med friends from university were eventually required to take calculus. Remember: Work hard in college; Not everyone gets into med school. My personal trainer wanted to go to med school but couldn’t get in because his grades were not good enough. They weren’t bad; they were not med school good. Please do well in under-grad. Opps. One last note. From a strictly financial point of view, YES IT IS WORTH IT. You’ll probably have to go into debt for a little while, but consider it an investment. Whether you love your job that depends on personal tastes.
I would look at becoming a licensed psychologist, they are looked upon more favorably than psychiatrists. If you are good and have a good reputation, then yes, it is worth the schooling and you can make a very good wage at it.
If you have the mind for it.
I was in the same place as you. I had no one to help me pay for my college and REALLY wanted to get my Masters in PSY. But there was no way I could do it, unless I took the about $120,000 in loans not to mention where would I live on a part time job. And I didn’t think that it would be worth it.
Now, seven years later, I hate the job I’m in, and I have a mortgage. I really wish I would have went to school to do what I enjoyed.
I say do it! You can thank me when you graduate by prescribing me some happy pills : )
ALthough I’m not too sure about the salary and years of schooling, I know that you should be a psychiatrist. I am actually thinking of pursuing the career myself. If you feel that you want to help people, than I say go for it!