How to Become a Pediatric Psychiatrist
Step 1: Understand the job description and responsibilities of a Pediatric Psychiatrist
What does a Pediatric Psychiatrist do?
A Pediatric Psychiatrist evaluates, diagnoses, and treats mental, emotional, or behavioral disorders affecting children, adolescents, and their families. Diagnoses disorders, including nature and extent, determines the appropriate course of treatment, and discusses these treatment plans with the child or adolescent and the responsible adults. Being a Pediatric Psychiatrist prescribes medication when necessary. May need to act as an advocate for the best interests of the patient. Additionally, Pediatric Psychiatrist requires a MD degree from an accredited school. Requires a valid state license to practice. May report to a medical director. Pediatric Psychiatrist's years of experience requirement may be unspecified. Certification and/or licensing in the position's specialty is the main requirement.
A pediatric psychiatrist can also be called a child psychiatrist.
All psychiatrists are medical doctors who have completed medical school.
Upon this completion they specialize in psychiatry, and some, after becoming licensed psychiatrists, spend a couple more years in the study and practice of child psychiatry.
Consideration of how to change or titrate medication dosages, how to administer therapy and how to best address mental or developmental disorders for children is important to the pediatric psychiatrist.
Due to the significant physiological and emotional differences between adults and children, it is crucial that Pediatric Psychiatrists differentiate between treating a child and treating adult and adapt their methods accordingly.
Step 2: Learn best tips to become a Pediatric Psychiatrist
Best tips for those who want to become a Pediatric Psychiatrist
Here are some tips to become a Pediatric Psychiatrist.
Step 3: View best colleges and universities for Pediatric Psychiatrist
Best colleges and universities for Pediatric Psychiatrist
- Butler University
- Carroll College
- Cooper Union
- High Point University
- Princeton University
- Providence College
Step 4: Think about whether is it worth to be a Pediatric Psychiatrist
Is being a Pediatric Psychiatrist Worth it?
Some of the challenges would definitely include — and this would probably be in any pediatric specialty — is that you don’t just have one person as your patient; you have the entire family.
A medical doctorate degree, psychiatric residency and pediatric psychiatry fellowship are the primary educational requirements for a profession as a board-certified Pediatric Psychiatrist.
Pediatric Psychiatry is a highly complex field of study; as such, a successful candidate will possess strong skills in math and science, written and verbal communications and a comprehensive understanding child development and how mental disorders affect children.
Strong interpersonal skills and specialized training in the social, psychological and medical aspects of the human mind are also requirements for becoming a successful Pediatric Psychiatrist.
A bachelor’s degree is the first higher-education step toward becoming a Pediatric Psychiatrist.
Step 5: Prepare relevant skills for being a Pediatric Psychiatrist
What skills do you need to be a Pediatric Psychiatrist?
In order to succeed at this level, when working with both management positions and positions more junior, a variety of skills are required. A strong grasp of the following skills is needed to perform this role: Diagnosis and Treatment Planning, Medical Specialty: Family Practice, Medical Specialty: Psychiatric. You would need to be proficient in the following: Electronic health records (EHR) Software, E-Prescribing Software, Medical Practice Management Software. Although there may be many skills for success in this role, some companies may be willing to provide on the job training if you excel in other areas.
And due to the fact that more communities, insurance companies and health care providers are placing a stronger emphasis on mental and emotional counseling for children, the need for qualified Pediatric Psychiatrist is great – and is estimated to grow in the near future.
Pediatric Psychiatry is a highly complex field of study; as such, a successful candidate will possess strong skills in math and science, written and verbal communications and a comprehensive understanding child development and how mental disorders affect children.
Strong interpersonal skills and specialized training in the social, psychological and medical aspects of the human mind are also requirements for becoming a successful Pediatric Psychiatrist.
During medical school, future Pediatric Psychiatrists spend their first year primarily in the classroom absorbing knowledge in areas like anatomy, histology, pathology, biochemistry, psychology, ethics and preparing for Objective Structured Clinical Exams.
Psychiatrist with specialized education or work experience from this field.
Step 6: View average salary for Pediatric Psychiatrist
How much does a Pediatric Psychiatrist make?
The average salary range for a Pediatric Psychiatrist is from $205,620 to $267,793. The salary will change depending on your location, job level, experience, education, and skills.
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Average salary for Pediatric Psychiatrist jobs
Step 7: Find relevant Pediatric Psychiatrist jobs, and apply.
Looking for Pediatric Psychiatrist jobs?
Here are some Pediatric Psychiatrist jobs in the United States.