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gb nfrg
Student
Florence, South Carolina
1
Question
Updated
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what is the first thing I should do to get started on my psychology career?
what is the first thing I should do to get started on my psychology career, thank you.
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5 answers
Sha Anyanga
Psychologist
5
Answers
Nairobi, Nairobi County, Kenya
Updated
Sha’s Answer
I suggest you go for a bachelor's degree then after that masters degree then a PhD program
Iris L
Registered Nurse
9
Answers
Orlando, Florida
Updated
Iris’s Answer
I would suggest looking into colleges and/or universities that have psychology majors. See what kind of classes they require for the psychology major to see if these would interest you.
Sha Anyanga
Psychologist
5
Answers
Nairobi, Nairobi County, Kenya
Updated
Sha’s Answer
How to become a clinical psychologist
The first step to becoming a clinical psychologist is education; it starts with a bachelor's degree.
1. Earn a bachelor's degree
Your path toward clinical psychology begins with an undergraduate in psychology. Some master’s programs will let you count undergraduate courses toward your psychology master’s degree, but without it, you may have to take additional classes to gain the fundamental knowledge that forms the base of advanced degrees.
However, if you have already earned a bachelor’s degree in another subject, you will still be eligible for most master’s programs in psychology.
2. Earn a graduate degree
If your bachelor's degree is in something other than psychology, you will likely need to enter a master's degree program. Most doctorate programs will require a master’s degree in psychology for entry, especially if your undergraduate degree is in something else.
Some doctorate programs will allow you to apply without earning your master's degree if your undergraduate degree is in psychology, too. Before applying, research the prerequisites for the doctorate program because they can vary greatly.
Ph.D. vs. PsyD.
When it comes time to get your graduate degree, there are two options: Ph.D. (Doctor of Philosophy) and Psy.D. (Doctor of Psychology). Make sure your program is accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA).
Psychologist vs. Psychiatrist
There is another option you might see when considering a doctorate in psychology. After graduating with an undergraduate degree, you could elect to go to medical school and specialize in psychology. A psychiatrist is a medical doctor that works in this field, offering traditional psychotherapy and prescribing medication.
3. Complete an internship
Like medical doctors, clinical psychologists complete an internship. During this time, you will observe the daily operations of someone who works in the field. Typically, this is done at a hospital or mental health treatment facility. Internships are usually for 12 months or 2000 hours.
4. Get supervised experience in the field
Once you complete your internship, you will complete something similar to a residency for medical doctors, working in the field under supervision for one to two years. Without this step, you will not be able to get licensure in some states.
5. Obtain appropriate licenses
The next step is to apply for state licensure. The rules for licensure vary from state to state, so it’s critical that you research the prerequisites before applying. For instance, some states may require more extended hands-on training than others.
6. Apply for board certifications
Although board certification is not necessary to practice, it does add to your credentials. Certification is done through the American Board of Professional Psychology (ABPP) and consists of an examination and verification that you have the proper education, training, and experience.
7. Continuing education
To maintain licensure, you must earn a certain amount of continuing education (CE) credits over the years, with the exact amount and duration depending on the state. For example, Nebraska requires clinical psychologists to earn 24 hours of CE credits every 24 months to maintain their license in the state.
Continuing education is something most healthcare professionals need. You can get credits by taking classes or going to conferences.
Specializations
You can also choose to specialize in a specific field. Clinical psychologists can specialize in the following:
Addiction Cognitive psychology
Developmental psychology
Educational psychology
Environmental psychology
Forensics Organizational psychology
You can also specialize in a specific demographic such as geriatrics or pediatrics. Specializations require additional training and certification. Specializing can create more opportunities to work with a critical group that matters to you.
The first step to becoming a clinical psychologist is education; it starts with a bachelor's degree.
1. Earn a bachelor's degree
Your path toward clinical psychology begins with an undergraduate in psychology. Some master’s programs will let you count undergraduate courses toward your psychology master’s degree, but without it, you may have to take additional classes to gain the fundamental knowledge that forms the base of advanced degrees.
However, if you have already earned a bachelor’s degree in another subject, you will still be eligible for most master’s programs in psychology.
2. Earn a graduate degree
If your bachelor's degree is in something other than psychology, you will likely need to enter a master's degree program. Most doctorate programs will require a master’s degree in psychology for entry, especially if your undergraduate degree is in something else.
Some doctorate programs will allow you to apply without earning your master's degree if your undergraduate degree is in psychology, too. Before applying, research the prerequisites for the doctorate program because they can vary greatly.
Ph.D. vs. PsyD.
When it comes time to get your graduate degree, there are two options: Ph.D. (Doctor of Philosophy) and Psy.D. (Doctor of Psychology). Make sure your program is accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA).
Psychologist vs. Psychiatrist
There is another option you might see when considering a doctorate in psychology. After graduating with an undergraduate degree, you could elect to go to medical school and specialize in psychology. A psychiatrist is a medical doctor that works in this field, offering traditional psychotherapy and prescribing medication.
3. Complete an internship
Like medical doctors, clinical psychologists complete an internship. During this time, you will observe the daily operations of someone who works in the field. Typically, this is done at a hospital or mental health treatment facility. Internships are usually for 12 months or 2000 hours.
4. Get supervised experience in the field
Once you complete your internship, you will complete something similar to a residency for medical doctors, working in the field under supervision for one to two years. Without this step, you will not be able to get licensure in some states.
5. Obtain appropriate licenses
The next step is to apply for state licensure. The rules for licensure vary from state to state, so it’s critical that you research the prerequisites before applying. For instance, some states may require more extended hands-on training than others.
6. Apply for board certifications
Although board certification is not necessary to practice, it does add to your credentials. Certification is done through the American Board of Professional Psychology (ABPP) and consists of an examination and verification that you have the proper education, training, and experience.
7. Continuing education
To maintain licensure, you must earn a certain amount of continuing education (CE) credits over the years, with the exact amount and duration depending on the state. For example, Nebraska requires clinical psychologists to earn 24 hours of CE credits every 24 months to maintain their license in the state.
Continuing education is something most healthcare professionals need. You can get credits by taking classes or going to conferences.
Specializations
You can also choose to specialize in a specific field. Clinical psychologists can specialize in the following:
Addiction Cognitive psychology
Developmental psychology
Educational psychology
Environmental psychology
Forensics Organizational psychology
You can also specialize in a specific demographic such as geriatrics or pediatrics. Specializations require additional training and certification. Specializing can create more opportunities to work with a critical group that matters to you.
Reema Patel
sales associate
35
Answers
Greenwood, South Carolina
Updated
Reema’s Answer
Embarking on your adventure as a psychology student can be thrilling and a tad daunting. Here are some friendly tips to help you kick off with confidence:
Chat with Your Academic Advisor: Arrange a catch-up with your academic advisor to chat about your study plan, degree essentials, and any special interests you have in psychology. They're there to help you plot your academic path.
Get to Know Your Degree Essentials: Get comfortable with the necessary courses for your psychology major. This typically includes beginner courses, research methods, statistics, and a variety of psychology electives.
Dive into Introductory Courses: Sign up for beginner psychology courses to establish a robust foundation. These courses usually delve into basic topics like cognitive, developmental, social, and abnormal psychology.
Discover Various Psychology Fields: Psychology is a vast discipline, so seize the chance to explore different areas like clinical psychology, neuropsychology, industrial-organizational psychology, and more. This can help you pinpoint your areas of interest.
Dabble in Research: Be on the lookout for chances to get involved in research projects. Many psychology departments offer research assistant roles or independent study options. This hands-on experience is priceless and can help you build essential skills.
Join Psychology Clubs and Societies: Get involved in psychology-related clubs, societies, or groups on campus. It's a fantastic way to meet like-minded peers, network with faculty, and learn more about the discipline.
Attend Psychology Gatherings and Events: Keep an eye out for seminars, workshops, and guest lectures organized by the psychology department. These events can offer insights into current research and professional opportunities.
Think About Volunteering or Internships: Earning practical experience through volunteering or internships can be very beneficial. Be on the lookout for opportunities in places like hospitals, clinics, schools, or community organizations.
Plan for Postgraduate Studies or Careers: If you're thinking about postgraduate studies or specific career paths in psychology, start your research early. Understand the prerequisites and experiences needed for your goals, and plan accordingly.
Build Solid Study Habits: Psychology courses often require a good deal of reading, writing, and critical thinking. Cultivate efficient study habits and time management skills to keep on top of your coursework.
Starting with these steps can help you lay a firm foundation in your psychology major and guide you towards achieving your academic and career aspirations.
Chat with Your Academic Advisor: Arrange a catch-up with your academic advisor to chat about your study plan, degree essentials, and any special interests you have in psychology. They're there to help you plot your academic path.
Get to Know Your Degree Essentials: Get comfortable with the necessary courses for your psychology major. This typically includes beginner courses, research methods, statistics, and a variety of psychology electives.
Dive into Introductory Courses: Sign up for beginner psychology courses to establish a robust foundation. These courses usually delve into basic topics like cognitive, developmental, social, and abnormal psychology.
Discover Various Psychology Fields: Psychology is a vast discipline, so seize the chance to explore different areas like clinical psychology, neuropsychology, industrial-organizational psychology, and more. This can help you pinpoint your areas of interest.
Dabble in Research: Be on the lookout for chances to get involved in research projects. Many psychology departments offer research assistant roles or independent study options. This hands-on experience is priceless and can help you build essential skills.
Join Psychology Clubs and Societies: Get involved in psychology-related clubs, societies, or groups on campus. It's a fantastic way to meet like-minded peers, network with faculty, and learn more about the discipline.
Attend Psychology Gatherings and Events: Keep an eye out for seminars, workshops, and guest lectures organized by the psychology department. These events can offer insights into current research and professional opportunities.
Think About Volunteering or Internships: Earning practical experience through volunteering or internships can be very beneficial. Be on the lookout for opportunities in places like hospitals, clinics, schools, or community organizations.
Plan for Postgraduate Studies or Careers: If you're thinking about postgraduate studies or specific career paths in psychology, start your research early. Understand the prerequisites and experiences needed for your goals, and plan accordingly.
Build Solid Study Habits: Psychology courses often require a good deal of reading, writing, and critical thinking. Cultivate efficient study habits and time management skills to keep on top of your coursework.
Starting with these steps can help you lay a firm foundation in your psychology major and guide you towards achieving your academic and career aspirations.
Chinyere Okafor
Educationist and Counseling Psychologist
104
Answers
Port Harcourt, Rivers, Nigeria
Updated
Chinyere’s Answer
Hello gb nfrg,
To get started on your psychology career, you should begin by focusing on building a strong academic foundation and gaining relevant experiences. Here are the first steps you can take:
1. Excel in High School:
- Take courses in psychology, biology, and statistics if available.
- Maintain a high GPA to strengthen your college applications.
2. Research Undergraduate Programs:
- Look for colleges with strong psychology programs.
- Consider the faculty, research opportunities, and resources available at these institutions.
3. Gain Experience:
- Volunteer or work in settings related to psychology, such as mental health clinics, hospitals, or community service organizations.
- Participate in psychology clubs or societies at your high school.
4. Develop Skills:
- Work on developing strong communication, analytical, and research skills.
- Take opportunities to practice writing, as this will be crucial for your studies and future research.
5. Network:
- Connect with professionals in the field to gain insights and advice.
- Attend psychology-related events, seminars, or workshops.
6. Plan Your Path:
- Understand the educational path you need to take, including obtaining a bachelor's degree, followed by a master's and possibly a PhD.
- Set short-term and long-term goals for your education and career.
7. Prepare for College Applications:
- Study for and take the SAT or ACT exams.
- Work on your college essays, highlighting your interest and experience in psychology.
Starting with these steps will help you build a strong foundation and set you on the right path toward your psychology career.
Best wishes.
To get started on your psychology career, you should begin by focusing on building a strong academic foundation and gaining relevant experiences. Here are the first steps you can take:
1. Excel in High School:
- Take courses in psychology, biology, and statistics if available.
- Maintain a high GPA to strengthen your college applications.
2. Research Undergraduate Programs:
- Look for colleges with strong psychology programs.
- Consider the faculty, research opportunities, and resources available at these institutions.
3. Gain Experience:
- Volunteer or work in settings related to psychology, such as mental health clinics, hospitals, or community service organizations.
- Participate in psychology clubs or societies at your high school.
4. Develop Skills:
- Work on developing strong communication, analytical, and research skills.
- Take opportunities to practice writing, as this will be crucial for your studies and future research.
5. Network:
- Connect with professionals in the field to gain insights and advice.
- Attend psychology-related events, seminars, or workshops.
6. Plan Your Path:
- Understand the educational path you need to take, including obtaining a bachelor's degree, followed by a master's and possibly a PhD.
- Set short-term and long-term goals for your education and career.
7. Prepare for College Applications:
- Study for and take the SAT or ACT exams.
- Work on your college essays, highlighting your interest and experience in psychology.
Starting with these steps will help you build a strong foundation and set you on the right path toward your psychology career.
Best wishes.