Psychiatrist
The medical side of mental health: diagnosis, medication, crisis care and long-term follow-up.
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- Typical pay
- €45k–€85k
- Usual education
- Medicine degree + 4-year psychiatry residency
- Outlook
- Rapidly rising demand, especially in youth mental health.
A day in the life
Long interviews, risk assessments, ward and emergency work, coordinating with psychologists and social workers, and adjusting treatment over months.
Ways in
- Medicine degree
- MIR exam
- Four-year psychiatry residency
- Public mental health services, hospitals or private practice
What to study at 16
The subjects you choose for the final years of secondary school can shape which degrees, exams and careers are easiest to reach. This is about choosing courses, not choosing a school.
Spain
Bachillerato de Ciencias y Tecnología
Portugal
Ciências e Tecnologias
France
Bac général — spécialités
Germany
Oberstufe — Leistungskurse
Italy
Liceo scientifico
Netherlands
Profiel Natuur & Gezondheid
Exams you'll need
The gates between you and this job, and when each one comes.
Browse all examsSkills that matter
Best courses to take
The study routes that lead most directly into this career.
Degree in Medicine
Six years, the highest entrance marks in the country, and the only route to becoming a doctor of any specialty.
Medicine first — psychology is a different route.
Helpful school subjects: Anatomy, Physiology, Biochemistry, Pathology, Pharmacology, Clinical rotations