Psychiatry & Behavioral Science (page 3)
Education and Training
Psychiatrists are medical doctors who have completed twelve
years of education between college, medical school, and
residency training in psychiatry. Forensic psychiatrists
also will have additional education and experience in areas
relevant for law.
Some forensic psychiatrists take an additional one or two
years of post-residency training in psychiatry-and-the-law.
Others pursue a career of independent study and on-the-job
training. The American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology
certifies competence in forensic psychiatry of those specialists
who have passed its special examinations in forensic psychiatry.
There is also an Accreditation Council on Fellowships in
Forensic Psychiatry that certifies the quality of post-residency
sub-specialty fellowship training programs.
Forensic psychologists major in behavioral science during
their four years of college, complete an additional one
to two years of training for a master's degree, and spend
an additional four to six years in graduate school to obtain
a PhD in psychology. Some psychologists take post-doctoral
fellowship training in forensic psychology. Some psychologists
have independently studied and obtained on-the-job-training
in forensic psychology. These specialists then apply to
the American Board of Professional Practice in Psychology
for certification through examination in the specialty of
forensic psychology.
