 Preparation
A master's or
doctoral degree, and a license, are required for most psychologists. A
doctoral degree usually is required for independent practice as a
psychologist. Psychologists with a Ph.D. or Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.)
qualify for a wide range of teaching, research, clinical, and counseling
positions in universities, health care services, elementary and
secondary schools, private industry, and government. Psychologists with
a doctoral degree often work in clinical positions or in private
practices, but they also sometimes teach, conduct research, or carry out
administrative responsibilities.
A doctoral degree generally
requires 5 to 7 years of graduate study, culminating in a dissertation
based on original research. Courses in quantitative research methods,
which include the use of computer-based analysis, are an integral part
of graduate study and are necessary to complete the dissertation. The
Psy.D. degree may be based on practical work and examinations rather
than a dissertation. In clinical, counseling, and school psychology, the
requirements for the doctoral degree include at least a 1-year
internship.
A specialist degree or
its equivalent is required in most States for an individual to work as a
school psychologist, although a few States still credential school
psychologists with master's degrees. A specialist (Ed.S.) degree in
school psychology requires a minimum of 3 years of full-time graduate
study (at least 60 graduate semester hours) and a 1-year full-time
internship. Because their professional practice addresses educational
and mental health components of students' development, school
psychologists' training includes coursework in both education and
psychology.
People with a master's
degree in psychology may work as industrial-organizational
psychologists. They also may work as psychological assistants under the
supervision of doctoral-level psychologists and may conduct research or
psychological evaluations. A master's degree in psychology requires at
least 2 years of full-time graduate study. Requirements usually include
practical experience in an applied setting and a master's thesis based
on an original research project.
Competition for
admission to graduate psychology programs is keen. Some universities
require applicants to have an undergraduate major in psychology. Others
prefer only coursework in basic psychology with additional courses in
the biological, physical, and social sciences and in statistics and
mathematics.
 A
bachelor's degree in psychology qualifies a person to assist
psychologists and other professionals in community mental health
centers, vocational rehabilitation offices, and correctional programs.
Bachelor's degree holders may also work as research or administrative
assistants for psychologists. Some work as technicians in related
fields, such as marketing research. Many find employment in other areas,
such as sales, service, or business management.
In the Federal
Government, candidates having at least 24 semester hours in psychology
and one course in statistics qualify for entry-level positions. However,
competition for these jobs is keen because this is one of the few ways
in which one can work as a psychologist without an advanced degree.
The American
Psychological Association (APA) presently accredits doctoral training
programs in clinical, counseling, and school psychology, as well as
institutions that provide internships for doctoral students in school,
clinical, and counseling psychology. The National Association of School
Psychologists, with the assistance of the National Council for
Accreditation of Teacher Education, helps to approve advanced degree
programs in school psychology.
Psychologists in
independent practice or those who offer any type of patient care -- including
clinical, counseling, and school psychologists -- must meet
certification or licensing requirements in all States and the District
of Columbia. Licensing laws vary by state and by type of position and
require licensed or certified psychologists to limit their practice to
areas in which they have developed professional competence through
training and experience. Clinical and counseling psychologists usually
need a doctorate in psychology, an approved internship, and 1 to 2 years
of professional experience. In addition, all States require that
applicants pass an examination. Most State licensing boards administer a
standardized test, and many supplement that with additional oral or
essay questions. Some states require continuing education for renewal of
the license.
The National
Association of School Psychologists (NASP) awards the Nationally
Certified School Psychologist (NCSP) designation, which recognizes
professional competency in school psychology at a national, rather than
State, level. Currently, 29 States recognize the NCSP and allow those
with the certification to transfer credentials from one State to another
without taking a new certification exam. In states that recognize the
NCSP, the requirements for certification or licensure and those for the
NCSP often are the same or similar. Requirements for the NCSP include
the completion of 60 graduate semester hours in school psychology; a
1,200-hour internship, 600 hours of which must be completed in a school
setting; and a passing score on the National School Psychology
Examination.
Aspiring psychologists
who are interested in direct patient care must be emotionally stable,
mature, and able to deal effectively with people. Sensitivity,
compassion, good communication skills, and the ability to lead and
inspire others are particularly important qualities for people wishing
to do clinical work and counseling. Research psychologists should be
able to do detailed work both independently and as part of a team.
Patience and perseverance are vital qualities, because achieving results
in the psychological treatment of patients or in research may take a
long time.
The American Board of
Professional Psychology (ABPP) recognizes professional achievement by
awarding specialty certification in 13 different areas. Candidates for
ABPP certification need a doctorate in psychology, postdoctoral training
in their specialty, several years of experience, professional
endorsements, and are required to pass the specialty board examination.
Psychologists can
improve their advancement opportunities by earning an advanced degree
and by participation in continuing education. Many psychologists opt to
start their own practice after gaining experience working in the field.
Note: Some resources in this section are provided by the US Department
of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics.
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