6 answers
Aliana
Student
Punta Gorda, Florida
1
Question
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What can I do to set myself up to be better of in my pursuit to be a psychiatrist?
I’m a 10th grader living in Florida which recently banned AP Psychology before I could take it. I took into to psychology last year and wanted to know if there is anything else I could do.
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6 answers
Dino Ubalde
Educator/Psychologist/Life Coach
204
Answers
Tracy, California
Updated
Dino’s Answer
Hello Aliana, it's great to have you reach out to us. Your question is an excellent one! I'm thrilled to see you're considering a Psychology Program. Allow me to simplify your inquiries to provide a clearer understanding.
The BS Psychology Program is a highly sought-after degree in colleges and universities. This degree equips you for various settings like Industrial, Clinical, and School environments. Postgraduate programs in Psychology such as MA/MS Psychology and eventually a Ph.D. in Psychology are also available.
Psychology is a field rich in research opportunities and is a comprehensive and highly specialized area of study. As a BS Psychology graduate, you'll find numerous opportunities awaiting you after college. Especially in the aftermath of Covid-19, there's a growing need for mental health professionals to support the affected population.
In the US, you're officially recognized as a psychologist only if you possess a Ph.D. degree, which licenses you to treat clients with psychological disorders like depression and trauma. BS graduates can find employment in various institutions like schools, companies, and clinics. Those with an MA have a significant chance to work in industries, taking on leadership and supervisory roles. Some may work as Mental Health Counselors/Clinicians or even faculty in colleges and universities. However, those in mental health professional roles need to pass the state-required board examination.
On the other hand, a Psychiatrist is a medical doctor whose premed could be a BS in Psychology. After medical school training, they specialize in psychiatry and eventually become medical doctors specializing in psychiatry after passing the board examination.
So, Aliana, embarking on a Psychology program could be the start of an exciting and fulfilling career. The opportunities are vast and the need for professionals in this field is ever-growing. You're considering a great path!
The BS Psychology Program is a highly sought-after degree in colleges and universities. This degree equips you for various settings like Industrial, Clinical, and School environments. Postgraduate programs in Psychology such as MA/MS Psychology and eventually a Ph.D. in Psychology are also available.
Psychology is a field rich in research opportunities and is a comprehensive and highly specialized area of study. As a BS Psychology graduate, you'll find numerous opportunities awaiting you after college. Especially in the aftermath of Covid-19, there's a growing need for mental health professionals to support the affected population.
In the US, you're officially recognized as a psychologist only if you possess a Ph.D. degree, which licenses you to treat clients with psychological disorders like depression and trauma. BS graduates can find employment in various institutions like schools, companies, and clinics. Those with an MA have a significant chance to work in industries, taking on leadership and supervisory roles. Some may work as Mental Health Counselors/Clinicians or even faculty in colleges and universities. However, those in mental health professional roles need to pass the state-required board examination.
On the other hand, a Psychiatrist is a medical doctor whose premed could be a BS in Psychology. After medical school training, they specialize in psychiatry and eventually become medical doctors specializing in psychiatry after passing the board examination.
So, Aliana, embarking on a Psychology program could be the start of an exciting and fulfilling career. The opportunities are vast and the need for professionals in this field is ever-growing. You're considering a great path!
Dino Ubalde
Educator/Psychologist/Life Coach
204
Answers
Tracy, California
Updated
Dino’s Answer
Hi Aliana, thank you for connecting to us. Good question. I am happy that you are thinking of taking up a Psychology Program. Let me break your questions to make it clearer for you. BS Psychology Program is one of the popular degree in colleges and universities. BS Psychology degree will prepare you in several settings such as Industrial, Clinical and School Setting. There is a graduate program for Psychology such as MA/MS Psychology, then Ph.D. in Psychology later on. Psychology is one of the programs that is so rich in research background and this is so huge and very specific field of study. BS Psychology graduates has a lot of opportunities after college especially now post covid-19 there was an increase of mental health professionals that will cater to the affected population during covid-19 and post covid-19. In the US, you will only be called as a psychologist if you have Ph.D. degree that will give the person the license to treat clients with psychological disorders such as depression, trauma etc. Some graduate with BS can be employed in other institutions particularly school, companies, clinics. Those with MA will have a big opportunity to work in the industry handling leadership role and supervision. Some of them will work as Mental Health Counselor/Clinician etc. or sometimes can work in the colleges and universities as a faculty. Those handling mental health professionals position need to take the board examination as per required by the state.
Whereas Psychiatrist is a medical doctor but they specialize in psychiatry and take the medical board examination and pass the board examination.
Whereas Psychiatrist is a medical doctor but they specialize in psychiatry and take the medical board examination and pass the board examination.
Dr. Conni Rush
Counselor
5
Answers
Bakersfield, California
Updated
Dr. Conni’s Answer
In addition to being a counselor, I have been a professor for more than 20 years.
Another possibility is to see if you can start taking college classes while you are still in High School. These are not AP class but actually classes from a college.
Many colleges, especially junior colleges, are open to allow strong high school students to take classes. This can be in an actual college classroom or online. Sometimes High Schools accept college classes for required classes in High School. This can also be a way to graduate in less than 4 years for a BS degree
I would encourage you to contact several colleges and check out their policies.
You can probably major in psychology but I would contact medical schools you would like to attend and make sure you complete the requirements they have while you are in you BS program. I would also discourage you from double majoring. It usually takes a year more and it really has no benefit in graduate school.
Another possibility is to see if you can start taking college classes while you are still in High School. These are not AP class but actually classes from a college.
Many colleges, especially junior colleges, are open to allow strong high school students to take classes. This can be in an actual college classroom or online. Sometimes High Schools accept college classes for required classes in High School. This can also be a way to graduate in less than 4 years for a BS degree
I would encourage you to contact several colleges and check out their policies.
You can probably major in psychology but I would contact medical schools you would like to attend and make sure you complete the requirements they have while you are in you BS program. I would also discourage you from double majoring. It usually takes a year more and it really has no benefit in graduate school.
Katherine Avery
Run a music studio and teach private music lessons; teach college-level religion classes
350
Answers
Spanish Fork, Utah
Updated
Katherine’s Answer
Look at the list of application requirements for a place like The Townsend Institute so you can see what kinds of things you'd want to work up to having done before you apply to a program like that for future graduate study. This is a really great time to be asking your question, so you'll have more years to try to fulfill application requirements before you are "out of high school and already trying to figure out what's next"--although never think you're "behind" on this sort of thing...it's also totally fine to finish high school and then go get any kind of job while you take time after high school to also figure out and prepare for college.
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity => Self-Actualization.
6183
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Dear Aliana,
Establish a Robust Academic Base
As a student in the 10th grade, it's paramount that you build a robust academic base. Concentrate on subjects like science, math, and biology, as they will play a significant role in your future psychology and psychiatry studies.
Get Involved in Related Extracurricular Activities
Think about participating in clubs or groups that promote mental health awareness or volunteer at local health facilities to gain hands-on experience. This involvement not only helps you acquire vital skills but also showcases your dedication to the field.
Immerse Yourself in Relevant Literature
Broaden your understanding of psychology by delving into books and articles penned by field experts. Works like James W. Kalat's "Introduction to Psychology" or David H. Barlow's "Abnormal Psychology" can lay a solid groundwork for your subject comprehension.
Enroll in Online Courses or Summer Programs
Given that AP Psychology isn't offered at your school, think about signing up for online courses or summer programs that focus on psychology and mental health. Platforms like Coursera, edX, and Khan Academy provide a variety of courses to deepen your knowledge of the field.
Seek a Mentor
Consider reaching out to local psychiatrists or psychologists to inquire if they'd be open to mentoring you. A mentor can offer invaluable insights into the profession and assist in guiding you towards your goal of becoming a psychiatrist.
Carry Out Informational Interviews
Establish connections with professionals in the field and conduct informational interviews to glean insights into their experiences, the challenges they face, and the rewards of being a psychiatrist. This can help you gain a comprehensive understanding of the profession and make well-informed decisions about your future career trajectory.
Stay Updated on Industry Trends and Developments
Keep abreast of the latest trends and developments in psychiatry by following relevant news outlets, journals, and organizations. This can help you grasp the current state of the field and its future direction.
Start College Preparation Early
Begin researching colleges and universities known for their strong psychology or psychiatry programs. Strive to maintain a high GPA and perform well on standardized tests like the SAT or ACT to boost your chances of acceptance into a reputable program. Moreover, consider taking advanced science and mathematics courses to enhance your application.
In conclusion, even though AP Psychology isn't offered at your school, there are plenty of ways to ensure your success in pursuing a career as a psychiatrist. By focusing on academics, getting involved in related activities, seeking mentors, staying updated on industry trends, and starting college preparation early, you can lay a solid foundation for your future psychiatry studies.
May God Bless You!
James Constantine Frangos.
Establish a Robust Academic Base
As a student in the 10th grade, it's paramount that you build a robust academic base. Concentrate on subjects like science, math, and biology, as they will play a significant role in your future psychology and psychiatry studies.
Get Involved in Related Extracurricular Activities
Think about participating in clubs or groups that promote mental health awareness or volunteer at local health facilities to gain hands-on experience. This involvement not only helps you acquire vital skills but also showcases your dedication to the field.
Immerse Yourself in Relevant Literature
Broaden your understanding of psychology by delving into books and articles penned by field experts. Works like James W. Kalat's "Introduction to Psychology" or David H. Barlow's "Abnormal Psychology" can lay a solid groundwork for your subject comprehension.
Enroll in Online Courses or Summer Programs
Given that AP Psychology isn't offered at your school, think about signing up for online courses or summer programs that focus on psychology and mental health. Platforms like Coursera, edX, and Khan Academy provide a variety of courses to deepen your knowledge of the field.
Seek a Mentor
Consider reaching out to local psychiatrists or psychologists to inquire if they'd be open to mentoring you. A mentor can offer invaluable insights into the profession and assist in guiding you towards your goal of becoming a psychiatrist.
Carry Out Informational Interviews
Establish connections with professionals in the field and conduct informational interviews to glean insights into their experiences, the challenges they face, and the rewards of being a psychiatrist. This can help you gain a comprehensive understanding of the profession and make well-informed decisions about your future career trajectory.
Stay Updated on Industry Trends and Developments
Keep abreast of the latest trends and developments in psychiatry by following relevant news outlets, journals, and organizations. This can help you grasp the current state of the field and its future direction.
Start College Preparation Early
Begin researching colleges and universities known for their strong psychology or psychiatry programs. Strive to maintain a high GPA and perform well on standardized tests like the SAT or ACT to boost your chances of acceptance into a reputable program. Moreover, consider taking advanced science and mathematics courses to enhance your application.
In conclusion, even though AP Psychology isn't offered at your school, there are plenty of ways to ensure your success in pursuing a career as a psychiatrist. By focusing on academics, getting involved in related activities, seeking mentors, staying updated on industry trends, and starting college preparation early, you can lay a solid foundation for your future psychiatry studies.
May God Bless You!
James Constantine Frangos.
Tammy Prosser
Educator
44
Answers
Buffalo, New York
Updated
Tammy’s Answer
It’s great to hear that you have already selected your path of study for college and are already planning ahead in high school to be successful! As Dino already answered there are a world of opportunities and a variety of paths to take by earning a psychology degree. I’m sorry that politics got in the way of your education but there are many students who have been successful in pursuing psychology degrees that did not take AP classes in high school. You should however take the most challenging set of coursework that you can in high school which will prepare you to get into college. Colleges want to see that you are well rounded in your studies, have taken a full set of courses (beyond required ones), and have academically pushed yourself. Talk with your school counselor about what set of coursework you should take over the next couple of years. Even though AP psychology may not be an option, ask your school counselor if your school has any dual enrollment courses with any local colleges. This might be a way to earn college credit while also completing high school courses.
Because you’re in 10th grade and already thinking about this, you have plenty of time and should begin to research what college programs you might be interested in. It sounds like you may want to look outside of Florida for some good college psychology programs. Think long-term about what you might like to do with that degree as you will need to go on to pursue a masters or PhD program. Some colleges offer automatic entry into a psychology masters program when you apply during high school.
Lastly, while in high school get involved in activities and sports to round out your resume for college. Also, look into local internships or shadowing experiences. Perhaps you can connect with a local psychiatrist or psychologist or a counseling center And inquire about doing a summer internship or volunteering in someway or just sitting down with them to ask about their academic journey.
Good luck! You’re on the right path!
Because you’re in 10th grade and already thinking about this, you have plenty of time and should begin to research what college programs you might be interested in. It sounds like you may want to look outside of Florida for some good college psychology programs. Think long-term about what you might like to do with that degree as you will need to go on to pursue a masters or PhD program. Some colleges offer automatic entry into a psychology masters program when you apply during high school.
Lastly, while in high school get involved in activities and sports to round out your resume for college. Also, look into local internships or shadowing experiences. Perhaps you can connect with a local psychiatrist or psychologist or a counseling center And inquire about doing a summer internship or volunteering in someway or just sitting down with them to ask about their academic journey.
Good luck! You’re on the right path!