Career Details :: Psychiatrists
Description
Diagnose, treat, and help prevent disorders of the mind.
Experience
Extensive skill, knowledge, and experience are needed for these occupations. Many require more than five years of experience. For example, surgeons must complete four years of college and an additional five to seven years of specialized medical training to be able to do their job.
Education
A bachelor's degree is the minimum formal education required for these occupations. However, many also require graduate school. For example, they may require a master's degree, and some require a Ph.D., M.D., or J.D. (law degree).
Training
Employees may need some on-the-job training, but most of these occupations assume that the person will already have the required skills, knowledge, work-related experience, and/or training.
Tasks
- Analyzes and evaluates patient data and test or examination findings to diagnose nature and extent of mental disorder.
- Prescribes, directs, and administers psychotherapeutic treatments or medications to treat mental, emotional, or behavioral disorders.
- Gathers and maintains patient information and records, including social and medical history obtained from patient, relatives, and other professionals.
- Advises and informs guardians, relatives, and significant others of patient's condition and treatment.
- Teaches, conducts research, and publishes findings to increase understanding of mental, emotional, and behavioral states and disorders.
- Prepares case reports and summaries for government agencies.
- Reviews and evaluates treatment procedures and outcomes of other psychiatrists and medical professionals.
- Examines or conducts laboratory or diagnostic tests on patient to provide information on general physical condition and mental disorder.
Related Careers
- Nursing Instructors and Teachers, Postsecondary
- Occupational Therapists
- Physical Therapists
- Physician Assistants
- Psychiatric Aides
- Psychiatric Technicians
- Recreational Therapists
- Registered Nurses
Important Abilities
General Work Activities
- Getting Information Needed to Do the Job
- Establishing & Maintaining Relationships
- Analyzing Data or Information
- Assisting and Caring for Others
- Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
Important Skills
Frequent Work Context
- Consequence of Error
- Job-Required Social Interaction
- Objective or Subjective Information
- Importance of Being Sure All Is Done
- Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
Institutions Offering Related Majors
No institutions found.