3 answers
Aimen
Student
Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan
1
Question
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How to persue Masters in Psychiatry?
I'm currently in the 5th semester of my undergraduate degree in clinical psychology. Can I go for Psychiatry in Masters?
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3 answers
Michelle M.
Actress
3284
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Aimen !
To become a Psychiatrist in your country of Pakistan, you would first obtain your MBBS degree, followed by a one-year mandatory internship. You then register with the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council as a General Practitioner, then you take the FCPS-I exam.
After you take and pass the FCPS-I exam, you must pursue four additional years of training in psychiatry at the College of Physicians and Surgeons Pakistan. During this training you will do rotations in general medicine, neurology, and clinical psychology for three months each, during the first two years. There is a mid-exam intermediate module and a final exam after four years.
Psychiatrists in Pakistan must have a recognized postgraduate qualification and be registered with the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council. They also need to have a minimum experience of ten years in government service. Although these requirements may vary, you need to make stronger connections with your professors so that you will be guided with detailed and specific information that pertains to your area. Your current college should be a reliable advisor for your academic path.
To become a Psychiatrist in your country of Pakistan, you would first obtain your MBBS degree, followed by a one-year mandatory internship. You then register with the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council as a General Practitioner, then you take the FCPS-I exam.
After you take and pass the FCPS-I exam, you must pursue four additional years of training in psychiatry at the College of Physicians and Surgeons Pakistan. During this training you will do rotations in general medicine, neurology, and clinical psychology for three months each, during the first two years. There is a mid-exam intermediate module and a final exam after four years.
Psychiatrists in Pakistan must have a recognized postgraduate qualification and be registered with the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council. They also need to have a minimum experience of ten years in government service. Although these requirements may vary, you need to make stronger connections with your professors so that you will be guided with detailed and specific information that pertains to your area. Your current college should be a reliable advisor for your academic path.
Chinyere Okafor
Educationist and Counseling Psychologist
1210
Answers
Port Harcourt, Rivers, Nigeria
Updated
Chinyere’s Answer
Hi Aimen,
I appreciate your question, and I totally get the confusion. In fact, this is a common issue, particularly among psychology students who are interested in the medical aspect of mental health.
You must first acquire a medical degree (MBBS or equivalent) in order to work as a psychiatrist. Since psychiatry is a medical specialty, postgraduate study in it is only open to individuals who have received medical training and a license. After MBBS, one usually applies for a residency in psychiatry or an MD.
Given that you are presently working toward a clinical psychology degree, your career path would equip you for positions like:
- Clinical Psychologist (with a Master’s or M.Phil in Clinical Psychology),
- Counseling Psychologist, or
- Psychotherapist, depending on the country and its licensing requirements.
If your interest in psychiatry is still very strong, and you are still in the early stages of your undergraduate studies, you might want to consider switching to an MBBS program. Nonetheless, this would be a big change that would require entrance tests and a few more years of medical school.
But if you have a background in clinical psychology, you can pursue fulfilling and impactful jobs in mental health without a medical license. As a psychologist, you can still significantly impact people's lives if you like working one-on-one, counseling, or conducting research.
Although a Master's degree in Psychiatry cannot be used to directly transfer from Psychology to Psychiatry, there are strong options within your present area, so it's worth taking the time to find what best suits your values and skill set.
Best wishes!
I appreciate your question, and I totally get the confusion. In fact, this is a common issue, particularly among psychology students who are interested in the medical aspect of mental health.
You must first acquire a medical degree (MBBS or equivalent) in order to work as a psychiatrist. Since psychiatry is a medical specialty, postgraduate study in it is only open to individuals who have received medical training and a license. After MBBS, one usually applies for a residency in psychiatry or an MD.
Given that you are presently working toward a clinical psychology degree, your career path would equip you for positions like:
- Clinical Psychologist (with a Master’s or M.Phil in Clinical Psychology),
- Counseling Psychologist, or
- Psychotherapist, depending on the country and its licensing requirements.
If your interest in psychiatry is still very strong, and you are still in the early stages of your undergraduate studies, you might want to consider switching to an MBBS program. Nonetheless, this would be a big change that would require entrance tests and a few more years of medical school.
But if you have a background in clinical psychology, you can pursue fulfilling and impactful jobs in mental health without a medical license. As a psychologist, you can still significantly impact people's lives if you like working one-on-one, counseling, or conducting research.
Although a Master's degree in Psychiatry cannot be used to directly transfer from Psychology to Psychiatry, there are strong options within your present area, so it's worth taking the time to find what best suits your values and skill set.
Best wishes!
Annah Edmonds
Licensed Clinical Counselor and Art Therapist
221
Answers
Seattle, Washington
Updated
Annah’s Answer
Aimen, I just want to clarify some of the responses since you are currently an undergraduate and not in a graduate program. I am also going to suggest you look at the website for the Pakistan Psychiatry Association (PPSPK) for accurate guidance. This should have details about credentialing. From what I understand, you can pursue a medical degree with a background in psychology; biology is also acceptable. Other skillsets that are favored- mathematics, statistics, chemistry, and physics. This does not mean you need to change your major, but if you have an interest in minoring in one of these subjects it could complement your career goals. As already mentioned, a psychiatrist must attend medical school; this is a doctorate degree. If you have an interest in psychodiagnostics and medication, this is a good route to take. If you are thinking you might prefer psychotherapy, you could consider a master's or doctorate in counseling or psychology. Such a degree would have you meeting with people to work on their coping and outlook from a slightly different perspective. You would be encouraging cognitive behavioral changes (along with somatic and other types of intervention) vs medication management. Another route to think about is becoming an ARNP- psychiatric nurse. This is a well-compensated position and an advanced nursing credential. As an ARNP you may prescribe psychiatric medication. You can choose to become a registered nurse first and then return to school for the ARNP training; I often see people do this. Definitely utilize your current professors and guidance counselors for additional advice. Best of luck!