Pathways into psychiatry for secondary studentsIf you're at secondary school, the idea of doing a medical specialty like psychiatry might seem a bit daunting - there's a lot of study and training to do. Show
To make it easier, this page breaks down the steps and requirements, and provides some useful tips and advice. How to become a
psychiatrist How to become a psychiatristIf you are a caring person who is interested in science and passionate about making a real difference in the lives of everyday people, then psychiatry may be the career for you. To become a psychiatrist you:
Not sure what a psychiatrist does? Learn more about psychiatry Skills and personal traitsA good psychiatrist is someone who is:
Entry into medicineEntry into medicine is limited and competitive. But remember, if you don't get in the first time around, there are alternative pathways available. If you're coming straight from secondary school, a medical course generally takes 5-6 years to complete. Every university has different entry requirements. In general, you will need to do some (or all) of the following:
Subjects to study at schoolThere is no definitive answer on which subjects you should study in order to enter medicine. Pre-requisite subjects vary across medical schools. The most common ones are:
Alternative pathways into medicineGraduate entryThis is where you enter medicine after completing a different undergraduate degree first. Graduate entry is a good option if you don’t meet the requirements to enter into medicine straight after secondary school. Graduate entry programs generally take 4-5 years to complete. More optionsIf you identify as Māori, or Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander you may be eligible for an alternative pathway. More about Indigenous pathways into medicine. If you are from a remote or rural area, identify as a refugee or have other special circumstances, there may also be other entry options for you. ►Check details on alternative pathways by contacting your chosen medical school Psychiatry training at RANZCPAfter completing your medical degree and internship, you can apply to begin psychiatry training with the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP). The Fellowship program:
During training, you will be assessed on your work performance. You also need to pass five major assessments. ►More about psychiatry training at RANZCP Checklist for secondary school students
Stories from our MembersWatch the playlist of videos below to meet some of our doctors and learn more about their journey into psychiatry. Printable and online resourcesInfographics►Pathways into psychiatry [PDF; 1 MB] Details for printing: A4 (210 x 297mm). ►Specialise in the mind [PDF; 1MB] Details for printing: A4 (210 x 297mm). Posters►Keep psychiatry in mind - girl [PDF; 2MB] Details for printing: A3 (297 x 420 mm). ►Keep psychiatry in mind - boy [PDF; 2MB] Details for printing: A3 (297 x 420 mm) Factsheets► What is a psychiatrist? ► Psychiatrists and psychologists: what’s the difference? ► Mental health workers: who’s who? Websites
Words to know Intern / Post-Graduate Year 1 (PGY1) Registrar / trainee Consultant Fellow Disclaimer: This material is generic advice to assist students interested in a career in psychiatry and should not be a substitute for careers advice. This website provides links to external websites and the RANZCP does not control and accepts no liability for the content of those websites. Have you found the information you were looking for? YesNo |