The study of the human mind and human behavior has always been a fascinating field. Psychology is a career path that individuals such as Sigmund Freud and Carl Jung have made famous. As a result, many unknowns who would like to venture into this field. Although many careers in Psychology exists, competition is keen.
Becoming a Clinical Psychologist
Becoming a clinical psychologist is tough because of all the careers in psychology this field carries the most competition. Most psychologists today are clinical psychologists. They are commonly found in counseling centers, private or group practices, or in medical facilities.
Clinical psychologists assist patients suffering from mental or emotional ailments; their goal is to promote a healthful well being in these individuals. Clinical psychologists also work in rehabilitation environments where they help patients to cope with spinal cord injuries, stroke, arthritis, or brain problems.
Becoming a clinical psychologist requires obtaining a doctoral degree (Ph.D. or Psy.D.) in psychology. This includes completing a dissertation and a 1-year internship. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), in 2008, the median yearly salary for a clinical psychologist was $64,140.
Becoming a School Psychologist
One of the most fulfilling careers in psychology is school psychology. School psychologists work in preschool, elementary and secondary schools. By teaming up with teachers, parents, and school staff they strive to create a more healthful and supportive educational atmosphere for the students. School psychologists focus on finding solutions to students’ behavioral and learning issues. They also analyze gifted and handicapped students and devise appropriate ways of educating them.
In most states, an individual interested in becoming a school psychologist must obtain a doctoral degree or a specialist degree (Ed.S.) in school psychology. A few states will allow only a master’s degree. A specialist degree requires 3 years full-time graduate study and a 1-year internship. The BLS notes that the median annual salary for a school psychologist in 2008 was the same as a clinical psychologist’s ($64,140).
Becoming Industrial-organizational Psychologist
Industrial-organizational psychology is one of the most lucrative careers in psychology. Industrial-organizational psychologists are often employed by organizations to research ways of improving productivity and morale among workers. They are also responsible for screening, training and counseling job candidates, and for performing development and analysis strategies. Industrial-organizational psychologists often serve as consultants, summoned by management to help them resolve a particular issue.
A master’s degree is psychology is required to become an industrial-organizational psychologist. A psychology master’s degree involves 2 years of full-time graduate study. In 2008, the median yearly salary for an industrial-organizational psychologist was $77,010, according to the BLS.
Licensing to Become a Psychologist
In America, an individual cannot practice as a psychologist or conduct a private practice in psychology unless she is licensed by the state – this applies to all careers in psychology.
Although it takes a considerable amount of years to become a psychologist, there are many rewards to be gained from this career. It pays well, it is an interesting field, and best of all, it allows one to help others.
Grace Ferguson - Grace Ferguson has been writing since 2000. She writes website content and other areas of nonfiction regularly for private clients. Grace ...
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