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How long does it actually take to become a psychologist?

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Mark’s Answer

It can take anywhere from 3 - 6 years, depending on whether the program requires an interim masters degree on the way to the doctorate. What typically prolongs the completion date is the year long internship and dissertation. However, your dissertation can be quite a bit shorter in some programs, especially if not going for a Ph.D., as with some Psy.D. and Ed.D programs. There are also a number of distance learning doctoral programs that can shorten the program to 3-4 years. I am most familiar with the Union Institute in Cincinnati where students could get through a doctorate on more of a fast track. Hope all of this helps.
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Michael’s Answer

4 Year to Bachelor of Science in Psychology -- could be an R.A./Aide/Psychometrist with this degree at GS-7 Earning Potential
2 Years to Masters in Psychology -- now you could be a "counselor" GS-9 Earning Potential
2 Years more to Ph.D.
1 Year internship - now you are an unlicensed psychologist still with GS-9 Earning Potential
1 Year Post-Doctoral Fellowship or Supervised Post Doctoral Experience - needed to license GS-11 Earning Potential

Licensed Psychologist GS-12 First Year Potential.

=10 years if everything goes right.

GS-13 and up with experience.

Pay Chart:

https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/pay-leave/salaries-wages/salary-tables/pdf/2020/GS.pdf
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Sirlei’s Answer

Hi Alexa,

To become a clinical psychologist, you will need an undergraduate degree, graduate and doctorate degrees. You are looking at around 10-12 years after you finish high school.

Here is a source you can reference: https://psydprograms.org/how-long-does-it-take-to-become-a-psychologist/

Best of luck!
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Dr. Reeta’s Answer

4 years for undergrad (best to get a B.S. in psychology rather than a B.A. because it gives you a slight advantage when you're applying to graduate schools)
3-5 years in graduate school (either a PhD or PsyD program). It's 3 years full time of course work and then in your 4th year you're working on your dissertation and completing your predoctoral internship (1500 hours required). Often times people take two years to do this last part because working full time at your internship and then also working full time on your dissertation is very grueling!
1 year postdoctoral internship (another 1500 hours)
Licensing exam #1 - takes about 6-9 months to study for
Licensing exam #2 - takes about 3 months to study for

So all in all, from the time you graduate high school to the time you get your actual license as a psychologist, it takes about 9-11'ish years and if you really love psychology, then it is absolutely worth it!
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