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Psychiatrist (MD)

Occupation Information table
Overview: Psychiatrists diagnose and treat mental, emotional and behavioral disorders ranging from paranoia and schizophrenia, severe stress, insomnia and anxiety. They search for causes of emotional problems and prescribe behavior modification and medication. They work closely with physicians.
Duties: They diagnose and prescribe treatment for patients suffering from emotional and behavioral disorders. Interview, test and observe patients to determine specific type of disorder.

Analyze patient's past history, family, social and work environment to identify psycho-social stresses and physiological factors that contribute to the patient's disorder.

Prescribe medical and behavior modification activities to the patient. They counsel patients to help them gain insight into factors causing their anxieties or disorders.

Meet with patients periodically to assess their progress. May meet with and counsel patient's family members as a means of optimizing the patient's social environment.
Degree(s): A.S. Health Sciences 
A.S. Liberal Arts and Sciences (Mathematics and Science) 
Job Outlook: Employment in this field is projected to grow 14% or higher from 2018 to 2028, which is much faster than the average projected growth for all occupations.
Salary Range (National Average): $110,000 to $125,000
Growth: Growth
Education Level: This occupation generally requires an advanced degree (e.g. Ph.D.). The typical commitment is a minimum of 3 years of study beyond a Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree.
Additional Training/Education: Training for psychiatrists consists of undergraduate and graduate school with a major in psychology plus graduation from a medical school with specialization in psychiatry. Following medical school, almost all psychiatrists spend five to seven years in a graduate medical education program called a residency. State licensing is required.
Recommended Skills:
  • Weighing out the options in a situation or a problem and logically choosing the best course of action.
  • Actively looking for ways to help people.
  • Paying attention to what other people are saying, and taking time to understand the points being made.
  • Allocating and budgeting your time for different tasks so that things get done when needed.
  • Being aware of the reactions of others, and understanding why they react the way they do.
  • Persuading, encouraging and motivating others to accept your ideas.
  • Ability to identify a problem, review related information, develop and evaluate options, and implement a solution.
  • The ability to understand complex written paragraphs, instructions, or reports.
  • Using logic to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
  • Talking, giving speeches, or speaking in a group to convey information, explain ideas, or give instructions.
Recommended Values:
  • Gaining the respect of others by the nature and/or level of responsibility of your work.
  • Having a level of income that will afford you with luxuries, and which will allow you to become financially independent.
  • Being able to decide on how to get something done without significant direction from someone else.
  • Being involved in helping other people in a direct way either individually or in a small group.
 

* National data collected by the Department of Labor in 2014 with projections through 2024. For New York green job information .

* For New York salary data information .

* For New York green job information .

Understanding acquiring positions in this field may be enhanced through continuing academic study (i.e. earning a baccalaureate or a master's degree) and/or work experience in the field, Queensborough Community College has established transfer agreements with other institutions for students who wish to further pursue their educational goals. Students are highly encouraged to meet with one of our Career Services to fully understand the opportunities available through study in their degree program.