Psychology is among the most respected, rewarding professions in the world. A helping profession, it offers a good salary, social prestige, and the emotional reward of providing aid to those in need and pain. How do you become a psychologist? It's not a hat trick: you can't just pull the career out of your hat like a rabbit.
Psychologists begin by getting a good education at a four year college or university. There are a number of specializations possible. You can specialize in psychology from your freshman year on, or in related fields: sociology and anthropology can make very good foundations for later work in psychology. However many students minor in psychology while focusing on getting a good, broad humanities education. The vital issue is to do well, get good grades, and provide yourself with a solid understanding of human interactions and relations.
When you have a degree you want to then choose a grad school. There are many choices available to you. Most universities will offer psychological counseling degrees, as will specialized institutes of psychology. There are even programs online, offering a range of possible degrees and specializations. Be sure to check that any place you sign up with is credentialed, accepted throughout the U.S., and is respected in the field. There are a number of scams out there, so watch out. Look for a rigorous program with fully laid out steps and a strong testing ethic.
Do you want to be a practicing counselor, or an academic with psychological training? A manager for a human resources department, or a steady guide to addicts or trauma victims? There are many forms of psychological training, and before you start your graduate work you must take the time to learn the nature of the many programs and specializations. A poor choice now can doom your plans for decades to come. Clinical psychiatry takes many forms, but most involve actual practice. There are many degrees of a more academic nature, though. Be sure you know what you are signing up for.
As you proceed in your degree, if you intend to practice you will be required to do internships and practicums. Like doctors doing internships and residencies, no psychologist will be licensed without having first served under supervision. You will often be required to find your own internships. Be prepared to look for counseling clinics, hospitals, and other venues where you may be allowed to intern. Do not be surprised that your school won't be setting it all up for you.
The final step is to become professionally licensed in your region. If you have graduated successfully and served your practicum there will seldom be an extensive additional component. There is a possibility of a standardized test, and further internship. The source of the exact information, however, is through the Psychological Licensing Board of your district. Check first with the State Licensing Department. They should be able to provide the correct details and contacts to proceed to get your license. This, with your degree and your practicum, will allow you to serve as a professional counselor in your state or county.
Psychologists begin by getting a good education at a four year college or university. There are a number of specializations possible. You can specialize in psychology from your freshman year on, or in related fields: sociology and anthropology can make very good foundations for later work in psychology. However many students minor in psychology while focusing on getting a good, broad humanities education. The vital issue is to do well, get good grades, and provide yourself with a solid understanding of human interactions and relations.
When you have a degree you want to then choose a grad school. There are many choices available to you. Most universities will offer psychological counseling degrees, as will specialized institutes of psychology. There are even programs online, offering a range of possible degrees and specializations. Be sure to check that any place you sign up with is credentialed, accepted throughout the U.S., and is respected in the field. There are a number of scams out there, so watch out. Look for a rigorous program with fully laid out steps and a strong testing ethic.
Do you want to be a practicing counselor, or an academic with psychological training? A manager for a human resources department, or a steady guide to addicts or trauma victims? There are many forms of psychological training, and before you start your graduate work you must take the time to learn the nature of the many programs and specializations. A poor choice now can doom your plans for decades to come. Clinical psychiatry takes many forms, but most involve actual practice. There are many degrees of a more academic nature, though. Be sure you know what you are signing up for.
As you proceed in your degree, if you intend to practice you will be required to do internships and practicums. Like doctors doing internships and residencies, no psychologist will be licensed without having first served under supervision. You will often be required to find your own internships. Be prepared to look for counseling clinics, hospitals, and other venues where you may be allowed to intern. Do not be surprised that your school won't be setting it all up for you.
The final step is to become professionally licensed in your region. If you have graduated successfully and served your practicum there will seldom be an extensive additional component. There is a possibility of a standardized test, and further internship. The source of the exact information, however, is through the Psychological Licensing Board of your district. Check first with the State Licensing Department. They should be able to provide the correct details and contacts to proceed to get your license. This, with your degree and your practicum, will allow you to serve as a professional counselor in your state or county.
About the Author:
Maria Bascuas is an educator and journalist who writes about online education and online degrees.
