Psychiatrists are real doctors specialized in the treatment of mental illnesses. They can prescribe drugs, like all other doctors, and are able to use treatment techniques such as psychotherapy. Since it is a very interesting specialization and with a vast field of research, psychiatry attracts many students who are particularly fascinated by the world of medicine. If you are also considering this path, here is a guide that will show you step by step how to become a psychiatrist in Italy.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Level of Education Required
Step 1. Prepare for the medicine test
The road to becoming a full-fledged psychiatrist is long and challenging, starting right from high school. The first step is to enroll in one of the many Faculties of Medicine in our country. Given the large number of people who wish to enroll in this type of faculty every year, however, in order to actually access it, it is necessary to pass an admission test.
- No matter what high school you attend, anyone can try to pass the medicine test. A high school, however, may be a better choice for preparing for university than a vocational college.
- A scientific high school is one of the most advisable choices given the range of subjects covered related to the medical sector, such as Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry.
- The admission test generally takes place in September, but the documents to submit the enrollment application must be delivered during the summer.
- That of the doctor is an interesting and exciting profession, as well as profitable: for this reason the number of test participants is always very high and far higher than the places available.
- The admission test consists of 60 multiple choice questions relating to general culture, Chemistry, Physics, Biology and Mathematics. You can prepare yourself by using one of the many special manuals on the market.
- Many private schools also organize specific courses to prepare for the medical test.
Step 2. Get a degree
Since psychiatrists are full-fledged doctors, like all other doctors, they have to go through the regular six years of a medical degree. During the studies, in addition to learning about the human mind, the student will have to learn about the functioning of the body and how to treat different types of diseases. Medical studies will allow you to learn all the basics to become an excellent doctor. During these studies you will have to face different types of exams, such as Internal Medicine, Surgery, Neurology, Obstetrics, Emergency Medicine and Pediatrics.
- As with any course of study, the faculties of some Italian cities offer better preparation than others. Find out which cities are best for the type of study you want to undertake.
- During your college years, you will need to study, take exams, learn professional ethics, work in the laboratory and do internships. You probably won't get the chance to get a specific experience in the field of psychiatry, but a general medical degree is a prerequisite for becoming a full-fledged psychiatrist, so be patient.
Part 2 of 3: Studying Psychiatry
Step 1. Choose your specialization
After passing all the exams of your degree course and having discussed the thesis in front of the commission, you will finally be in possession of a medical degree. You will then need to enroll in a master's degree in Psychiatry, lasting five or six years. Within this course of study you will be able to know and deepen the various areas of Psychiatry, such as:
- Addiction psychiatry, which deals with patients suffering from addictions of various kinds, such as drug abuse, alcohol, gambling, food and sex.
- Child and adolescent neuropsychiatry.
- Geriatric psychiatry.
- Emergency psychiatry, which involves dealing with urgent situations in which someone's life could be at risk, such as suicide attempts, violent behavioral changes and psychosis.
- Forensic psychiatry, i.e. applied to the field of criminology and connected to the defense of people unable to understand and want during a possible trial.
- Neuropsychiatry, that is the discipline related to diseases of the nervous system.
Step 2. Complete your internship
During your psychiatry specialization one of the most important moments will be the compulsory internship period. You will be able to put into practice what you have learned on paper during your studies. Typically, the university will take on the responsibility of finding you a trainee position in one of the many affiliated clinics and hospitals.
- The internship will allow you to experience your profession in the field, with real patients.
- Many psychiatric students do their internships in a hospital's psychiatric ward. You will work with patients suffering from clinical depression, bipolar disorder, OCD, psychosis, schizophrenia, anxiety, dementia, post traumatic stress, dissociative states and sleep problems.
Part 3 of 3: Pass the State Exam
Step 1. Before enrolling in the Postgraduate Degree in Psychiatry, it is necessary to enroll in the Medical Association of one's own province
In order to do so, it is necessary first of all to pass the state exam for the exercise of the medical profession.
- There are two exam sessions each year. For more information, you can consult the official website of the Ministry of Education.
-
The state exam includes a practical part, consisting of a few months of compulsory internship.
Become a Psychiatrist Step 6
Step 2. Work as a psychiatrist
After earning your master's degree in psychiatry, you will have several career options ahead of you. You can try to work in a hospital and a psychiatric clinic, or open your own private practice. Choose the option that suits you best and then take all the necessary steps to make your decisions come true.
- Working at a hospital or clinic offers greater stability, but working hours can be very long, just like any doctor.
- Opening a private practice can be profitable, but it's harder to find patients when you're just starting out.
Advice
- It is important to remember that the psychiatrist is a full-fledged doctor. He can prescribe medicines, unlike the psychologist. No wonder the road to learning to pursue this profession will be long and challenging.
- Having good analytical skills, listening skills and patience will help you become a good psychiatrist.
- Remember that you are still a doctor. You are bound by the Hippocratic Oath and therefore must observe the obligation of confidentiality between doctor and patient.
- You will spend at least 12 years of your life studying to become a psychiatrist (like any other doctor). If you don't want to devote such a long period of time to this discipline, perhaps it would be better to think about another type of career. Not everyone who wants to be a psychiatrist can really become one.
- According to the 2014 Censis ranking, the best Faculty of Medicine and Surgery in Italy is that of Milano Bicocca, followed by Udine, Padua, Pavia and Bologna.
