Preparation
A doctoral degree usually is required for
independent practice as a psychologist. Psychologists with a Ph.D. or
Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.) qualify for a wide range of teaching,
research, clinical, and counseling positions in universities, healthcare
services, elementary and secondary schools, private industry, and
government. Psychologists with a doctoral degree often work in clinical
positions or in private practices, but they also sometimes teach,
conduct research, or carry out administrative responsibilities.
A doctoral degree
generally requires about 5 years of full-time graduate study,
culminating in a dissertation based on original research. Courses in
quantitative experimental methods and research design, which include the
use of computer-based analysis, are an integral part of graduate study
and are necessary to complete the dissertation. The Psy.D. degree may be
based on practical work and examinations rather than a dissertation. In
clinical, counseling, and school psychology, the requirements for the
doctoral degree usually include an additional year of post-doctoral
supervised experience.
A specialist degree or
its equivalent is required in most States for an individual to work as a
school psychologist, although some States credential school
psychologists with master's degrees. A specialist (Ed.S.) degree in
school psychology requires a minimum of 2 years of full-time graduate
study (at least 60 graduate semester hours) and a 1-year full-time
internship during the third year. Because their professional practice
addresses educational and mental health components of students'
development, school psychologists' training includes coursework in both
education and psychology.
People with a master's
degree in psychology may work as industrial-organizational
psychologists. They also may work as psychological assistants conducting
research under the direct supervision of doctoral-level psychologists. A
master's degree in psychology requires at least 2 years of full-time
graduate study. Requirements usually include practical experience in an
applied setting and a master's thesis based on an original research
project.
Competition for
admission to graduate psychology programs is keen. Some universities
require applicants to have an undergraduate major in psychology. Others
prefer only coursework in basic psychology with additional courses in
the biological, physical, and social sciences, and in statistics and
mathematics.
A
bachelor's degree in psychology qualifies a person to assist
psychologists and other professionals in community mental health
centers, vocational rehabilitation offices, and correctional programs.
Bachelor's degree holders may also work as administrative assistants for
psychologists. Many, however, find employment in other areas, such as
sales, service, or business management.
In the Federal
Government, candidates must have a bachelor's degree with a minimum of
24 semester hours in psychology, or a combination of education and
experience to qualify for entry-level positions. However, competition
for these jobs is keen because this is one of the few ways in which one
can work as a psychologist without an advanced degree.
The American
Psychological Association (APA) presently accredits doctoral training
programs in clinical, counseling, and school psychology, as well as
institutions that provide internships for doctoral students in school,
clinical, and counseling psychology. The National Association of School
Psychologists, with the assistance of the National Council for
Accreditation of Teacher Education, helps to approve advanced degree
programs in school psychology.
Psychologists in
independent practice or those who offer any type of patient care -- including
clinical, counseling, and school psychologists -- must meet
certification or licensing requirements in all States and the District
of Columbia. Licensing laws vary by state and by type of position and
require licensed or certified psychologists to limit their practice to
areas in which they have developed professional competence through
training and experience. Clinical and counseling psychologists usually
need a doctorate in psychology, an approved internship, and 1 to 2 years
of professional experience. In addition, all States require that
applicants pass an examination. Most State licensing boards administer a
standardized test, and many supplement that with additional oral or
essay questions. Some states require continuing education for renewal of
the license.
The National
Association of School Psychologists (NASP) awards the Nationally
Certified School Psychologist (NCSP) designation, which recognizes
professional competency in school psychology at a national, rather than
State, level. Currently, 31 States recognize the NCSP and allow those
with the certification to transfer credentials from one State to another
without taking a new certification exam. In states that recognize the
NCSP, the requirements for certification or licensure and those for the
NCSP often are the same or similar. Requirements for the NCSP include
the completion of 60 graduate semester hours in school psychology; a
1,200-hour internship, 600 hours of which must be completed in a school
setting; and a passing score on the National School Psychology
Examination.
Aspiring psychologists
who are interested in direct patient care must be emotionally stable,
mature, and able to deal effectively with people. Sensitivity,
compassion, good communication skills, and the ability to lead and
inspire others are particularly important qualities for people wishing
to do clinical work and counseling. Research psychologists should be
able to do detailed work both independently and as part of a team.
Patience and perseverance are vital qualities, because achieving results
in the psychological treatment of patients or in research may take a
long time.
The American Board of
Professional Psychology (ABPP) recognizes professional achievement by
awarding specialty certification in 13 different areas. Candidates for
ABPP certification need a doctorate in psychology, postdoctoral training
in their specialty, several years of experience, professional
endorsements, and are required to pass the specialty board examination.
Psychologists can
improve their advancement opportunities by earning an advanced degree
and by participation in continuing education. Many psychologists opt to
start their own practice after gaining experience working in the field.
Note: Some resources in this section are provided by the US Department
of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics.
|
|
