So ideally it should take about twelve years to become a fully realized psychiatrist. Therefore, all psychiatrists must follow the traditional path to becoming a doctor, including graduation from medical school. Schooling Needed to Become a Psychiatrist. Typically, it takes about 8 years of post-undergraduate study to become a board-certified psychiatrist – 4 years to complete your M.D. Many things can change over the course of twelve years. Psychiatrists are fully trained medical doctors who specialize in treating mental illnesses, just as their peers in other fields of medicine treat physical illnesses. Becoming a psychiatrist typically takes 12 years … What are the Requirements to Become a Clinical Psychiatrist? Psychiatrists are physicians who specialize in the treatment of mental disorders. Many clinical psychiatrists work long hours, often over 60 hours per week, including nights and weekends. This test is required to become professionally certified as a psychiatrist. That’s minus the time it will take you to obtain both your medical license and certification, which will vary from person to person. It takes many years to become a clinical psychiatrist … ... Medical school typically lasts for 4 years… So, if you include the time it takes to earn a bachelor’s degree, you are looking at spending at least 12 years in school and training to become a psychiatrist. Twelve years is a lot of time to spend pursuing a career. … degree plus another 4 years of residency. What Education Is Required to Become a Psychiatrist? Education. Advantages of Becoming a Psychiatrist. For those wishing to subspecialize, a fellowship is required in the specific field.