How to Become a Psychologist

Have you ever wondered how human mind works? Why every person has different character, temperament, behavior? Well, psychologists have stepped closer than anybody to the mystery of human's mind! If you're interested in all these questions, then maybe psychology would be appealing for you? It's a really fascinating career path! But how to become a psychologist? What are the main requirements for this profession? Here is quick a step-by-step guidance on how to become a psychologist.

1. Gathering Information

You should find out everything about psychologist's duties and tasks. Maybe, you already know that psychologists help people to deal with their problems, to overcome emotional and mental disorders. But it's only the tip of the iceberg! Field of psychology is rather diverse and offers a wide range of job choices. It includes so many branches! Clinical, counseling, industrial-organizational, school, developmental, social, forensic psychology... You can easily choose the work setting to your taste! For this you should know as much as possible about the field you are about to choose. So start digging out the information!

2. First Degree in Psychology

The second step to becoming a psychologist requires getting a Bachelor's degree. It's an entry level to this profession. A profound knowledge is extremely important for psychologists! So begin your education with Bachelors in Science. Later you can decide whether to proceed your studying or get a job with Bachelors in psychology. But note that students with this degree have quite limited choice when it comes to employment. You'll be able to get assisting job or work under the supervision. To work independently you need to advance your degree.

3. Getting Masters in Psychology

Well, with this degree you have a wider range of career choices available! And salaries offered for Masters are higher as well. In fact, two factors that influence psychologist's salary are degree and experience. Graduates with Masters in Psychology usually work in the field of school or industrial-organizational psychology.

4. Improving Your Knowledge

To work independently and carry out your own practice you have to get a Ph.D. or Psy.D. These are superior degrees in psychology and they require five to seven years of practical experience. Plus, you should take a year of internship. After getting doctoral degree you're eligible for licensing and your own practice.

Psychologists can also improve their knowledge by getting various certificates through the American Board of Professional Psychology (ABPP). There are 13 different certificates available for psychologists striving for career growth.

5. Getting a License

It is a must-to-have thing if you plan to work independently in a private sector.

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