If you’re thinking about how to become a psychologist, it’s easier than you might suspect. Every year people decide to become psychologists. Their reasons may vary, but most feel that it’s a worthwhile profession to pursue. The value of psychology in today’s stressful world is evident, so for those with the right personality, it’s a great choice. This article covers some of the basic things you’ll need to do to decide if psychology is a career you want to pursue.
Research the Profession.
In order to make an informed decision about this profession, you should take some time and talk to practicing psychologists about your interests. You’ll get inside insights about what you want to focus on when you go to college. Based on what you learn, you can figure out what you’d like to major in when you go to college.
College Can Add To Your Knowledge
Getting an undergraduate degree in psychology is your first step towards success. Your college advisor will help you tailor a program to fit your needs and wants. Usually during the last two years of your college coursework, you’ll be taking psychology and related courses exclusively. Your senior year will probably also have an internship in the psychology field. This is all put together to allow you to experience the psychological field.
After the Undergraduate Degree
Your next steps after receiving your undergraduate degree is to continue to graduate school. Expansion and an increase in salary is the reason most psychology students go on to graduate school. Teaching, working in the field and researcher are some of the options available to graduate students. Getting a Ph.D is the way you need to go in order to become a practicing psychologist.
State Licensing is Also Required
Each state has their own standards and processes which includes licensing which you must get. There is also certification tests and residency under supervision to be completed. There are also ongoing requirements that need to be met in order to keep practicing. There are courses that need to be taken that deal with licensing maintenance.
In order to be successful, you will need to keep licensing current, pass your certification exams, attend college and concentrate on the subfield that interests you. In the end, if you’re considering how to be a psychologist, these steps will be a good start at getting to your goal.
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