3 answers
Shalom
Student
Mutare, Manicaland Province
1
Question
Updated
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Is it possible to take Psychology as a master's program after completing a Pharm-D program If yes,how can I do it??
I am currently studying Pharm-D but I have a passion for Psychology. I would like to know whether I can merge these two into more or less one career path by taking a Psychology program for my Masters program after completion of Pharm-D? #Spring24
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3 answers
Dino Ubalde
Educator/Psychologist/Life Coach
204
Answers
Tracy, California
Updated
Dino’s Answer
Hello Shalom, we're truly grateful for your initiative to connect with us. We value your presence and are eager to assist you in navigating your career journey. We understand that altering your academic program is a challenging choice. If you're considering an MA in Psychology, we suggest you consult with your university regarding the number of courses that could potentially be credited towards the MA Psychology Program. Often, there are commonalities among minor courses.
From what I've gathered, some educational institutions include Psychopharmacology in their Psychology Program at the graduate level. Others may offer a more intensive exploration of this subject in their PhD programs. This is crucial as psychologists must comprehend the significance of pharmacology in their practice, particularly when clients may require medication prescribed by psychologists or psychiatrists.
We wish you nothing but success, Shalom, as you embark on this exciting journey in your chosen field!
From what I've gathered, some educational institutions include Psychopharmacology in their Psychology Program at the graduate level. Others may offer a more intensive exploration of this subject in their PhD programs. This is crucial as psychologists must comprehend the significance of pharmacology in their practice, particularly when clients may require medication prescribed by psychologists or psychiatrists.
We wish you nothing but success, Shalom, as you embark on this exciting journey in your chosen field!
I appreciate this, thank you for the advice.
Shalom
Thank you so much Dino.
Shalom
It's a pleasure to answer your question and be able to impart my own experience as a school counselor. Keep on dreaming!
Dino Ubalde
Michelle M.
Entertainment Industry
1921
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Shalom !
You most likely could take a Masters Program with a Bachelors in Pharm, but if you are thinking about transitioning to pursue a career in Psychology (as a Psychologist), you will have not had the intensive study of theory and technique and research as an undergrad that would prepare you for a career in psychology. It wouldn't be a bad thing to do if you are going into Pharmacy, but there is a lot of work that should start as an undergrad for psychology because there is a lot to learn. That is the American type of advice I would give, but it may be different in your country of Zimbabwe.
For accuracy about career paths, you should consult with the Health Professions Council of South Africa and the Zimbabwe Psychological Association. Your choice of major will also depend on how far you intend to take your degree. Will you obtain your PhD after your Masters in Psychology ? Also pharmacology is one of the many aspects of being in a psychology field, it is not necessary to have four years study in it to be a psychologist. So figure out if you will be able to get work with a Bachelors in pharm or if you intend to be a psychologist, psychiatrist or researcher with getting the Masters in Psychology. All of this will matter, especially when applying for work.
In your country, it is advisable to obtain a Bachelors Degree in Psychology or a related field. Pharm-D is not a related field. With a focused psychology undergrad program, you would definitely learn about all the medications but just what they are and what they are used for, not an in-depth study as Pharm-D. The next step in your region would be to obtain a Masters in Clinical Counseling or Research Psychology, but the programs are geared for students who already know a great deal about psychology already. The next step is to register with the Health Professions Council of South Africa so that you can then take the exam and do a required internship. Next step is to complete an internship and write a Mini-Dissertation. You then complete a year of community service. After that, you can begin to work at a company
or start your own practice. These are the steps laid out in your part of South Africa.
I am really not very clear as to what your career goal is. Which position are you planning for ? It will greatly matter in order to choose the best academic programs for the best preparation. You could always go into developing psych medications but a Masters In Psychology would not be necessary for that, rather a continuation with studying Pharm-D. There's no "merging" of the two for a career, rather a study of psych and pharm separately will teach you about medications as part of the things you study. So check with the Zimbabwe Psychological Association and see what they advise. You can also look at employment notices in your region to see what positions require which degree. But in the U.S., there's really no merge of the two, rather a specialization with a good understanding of both psychology and pharmacology.
I hope that you follow through with a career path that you are truly happy with and I think that the Zimbabwe Psychological Council would be most helpful to you with your educational plans. Best wishes to you !
ZIMBABWE PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSOCIATION https://zpazim.org/
You most likely could take a Masters Program with a Bachelors in Pharm, but if you are thinking about transitioning to pursue a career in Psychology (as a Psychologist), you will have not had the intensive study of theory and technique and research as an undergrad that would prepare you for a career in psychology. It wouldn't be a bad thing to do if you are going into Pharmacy, but there is a lot of work that should start as an undergrad for psychology because there is a lot to learn. That is the American type of advice I would give, but it may be different in your country of Zimbabwe.
For accuracy about career paths, you should consult with the Health Professions Council of South Africa and the Zimbabwe Psychological Association. Your choice of major will also depend on how far you intend to take your degree. Will you obtain your PhD after your Masters in Psychology ? Also pharmacology is one of the many aspects of being in a psychology field, it is not necessary to have four years study in it to be a psychologist. So figure out if you will be able to get work with a Bachelors in pharm or if you intend to be a psychologist, psychiatrist or researcher with getting the Masters in Psychology. All of this will matter, especially when applying for work.
In your country, it is advisable to obtain a Bachelors Degree in Psychology or a related field. Pharm-D is not a related field. With a focused psychology undergrad program, you would definitely learn about all the medications but just what they are and what they are used for, not an in-depth study as Pharm-D. The next step in your region would be to obtain a Masters in Clinical Counseling or Research Psychology, but the programs are geared for students who already know a great deal about psychology already. The next step is to register with the Health Professions Council of South Africa so that you can then take the exam and do a required internship. Next step is to complete an internship and write a Mini-Dissertation. You then complete a year of community service. After that, you can begin to work at a company
or start your own practice. These are the steps laid out in your part of South Africa.
I am really not very clear as to what your career goal is. Which position are you planning for ? It will greatly matter in order to choose the best academic programs for the best preparation. You could always go into developing psych medications but a Masters In Psychology would not be necessary for that, rather a continuation with studying Pharm-D. There's no "merging" of the two for a career, rather a study of psych and pharm separately will teach you about medications as part of the things you study. So check with the Zimbabwe Psychological Association and see what they advise. You can also look at employment notices in your region to see what positions require which degree. But in the U.S., there's really no merge of the two, rather a specialization with a good understanding of both psychology and pharmacology.
I hope that you follow through with a career path that you are truly happy with and I think that the Zimbabwe Psychological Council would be most helpful to you with your educational plans. Best wishes to you !
Michelle recommends the following next steps:
Thank you, Michelle!
Shalom
Shalom, I accidently hit the wrong key and submitted this twice then deleted the second submission. I did want to acknowledge your Thank You to me from the first submission, though. You are very welcome !
Michelle M.
Chinyere Okafor
Educationist and Counseling Psychologist
620
Answers
Port Harcourt, Rivers, Nigeria
Updated
Chinyere’s Answer
Hello shalom,
Yes, it is possible to pursue a master's program in psychology after completing a Pharm-D program. To do this, you will need to follow these steps:
1. Research Psychology Programs: Look for graduate programs that offer a master's degree in psychology and check their admission requirements.
2. Prerequisite Courses: Some psychology programs may require specific undergraduate courses in psychology or related subjects. If your Pharm-D program did not include these courses, you may need to take them as prerequisites before applying.
3. Gain Relevant Experience: To enhance your chances of acceptance into a psychology program, it would be beneficial to gain some experience in the field of psychology. This could include volunteering or working as an assistant in research labs or clinical settings.
4. Prepare Application Materials: Prepare application materials, including transcripts from your Pharm-D program, letters of recommendation (preferably from professors who can speak about your academic abilities and potential in the field of psychology), and a statement of purpose explaining why you want to pursue further studies in psychology.
5. Take the Graduate Record Examination (GRE): Many graduate programs require applicants to submit GRE scores as part of their application packet, so consider taking the GRE if required by the programs you are interested in.
6. Apply to Psychology Programs: Submit your applications to the master's programs that interest you and meet their respective deadlines.
7. Interview Process: Some programs may require an interview as part of the selection process. If offered an interview opportunity, be prepared to discuss how your background in pharmacy complements your interests and goals within psychology.
Yes, it is possible to pursue a master's program in psychology after completing a Pharm-D program. To do this, you will need to follow these steps:
1. Research Psychology Programs: Look for graduate programs that offer a master's degree in psychology and check their admission requirements.
2. Prerequisite Courses: Some psychology programs may require specific undergraduate courses in psychology or related subjects. If your Pharm-D program did not include these courses, you may need to take them as prerequisites before applying.
3. Gain Relevant Experience: To enhance your chances of acceptance into a psychology program, it would be beneficial to gain some experience in the field of psychology. This could include volunteering or working as an assistant in research labs or clinical settings.
4. Prepare Application Materials: Prepare application materials, including transcripts from your Pharm-D program, letters of recommendation (preferably from professors who can speak about your academic abilities and potential in the field of psychology), and a statement of purpose explaining why you want to pursue further studies in psychology.
5. Take the Graduate Record Examination (GRE): Many graduate programs require applicants to submit GRE scores as part of their application packet, so consider taking the GRE if required by the programs you are interested in.
6. Apply to Psychology Programs: Submit your applications to the master's programs that interest you and meet their respective deadlines.
7. Interview Process: Some programs may require an interview as part of the selection process. If offered an interview opportunity, be prepared to discuss how your background in pharmacy complements your interests and goals within psychology.