How to become a Clinical Psychologist

A Bachelor’s degree in psychology will give a solid foundation to students who want to pursue a career as a clinical psychologist. The student should also engage in research and internship to increase their chances of getting into a good college as this field is very competitive. Before pursuing further, learn the education requirements for clinical psychologists which gives a clear idea of the courses and training programs. 

Unlike bachelors, there is a specific program available in clinical psychology in Masters. To get enrolled in a master’s program in clinical psychology students should have a high GRE score and prior research work.

Getting accepted in a doctorate degree in clinical psychology is a tough nut to crack, as only a dozen get selected from hundreds of applicants. There are two programs in doctorate level, Ph.D. in psychology or Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology and PsyD, or Doctor of Psychology degree. The first program is for students who want to go to the research field and the second one prepares the students for clinical work.

To get licensed as professional clinical psychologist students need to complete a two year or 3000 hours of the resident clinical training program under the supervision of a licensed clinical psychologist. the time and money you invest in this career path is worth and to plan better you must know the overall time consumed to become a clinical psychologist. 

To get a license a student has to earn a doctorate degree from an accredited program, complete training with a specific no of hours, and pass the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology administered by the Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards. To stay licensed a continuous education is mandatory.

An associate’s degree in psychology is 2-year course and provides a fundamental introduction to psychology. It’s a stepping stone toward a career as a clinical psychologist. Most of the entry-level jobs require at least a bachelor’s degree; associates can work with licensed psychologists.

A bachelor’s degree in psychology is a combination of science and liberal arts. Some students also choose to do a bachelor’s degree in sociology. Most of the bachelor's program in psychology or sociology is a combination of lecture and lab courses.

A master’s degree in clinical psychology concentrates on a specific specialization and includes study of ethics, personality related tests and program evaluation.

Ph.D. programs in clinical psychology are highly selective. Many programs review over 250 applications annually and from that pool interview 25-50 students from which they select and accept only 4-8 graduate students. Students who are accepted into these highly competitive programs are often rewarded with full funding through graduate teaching and research assistantships as well as fellowships and grants that typically cover tuition, provide health insurance, and offer an annual stipend

Online certification is best for the students who have a job, as becoming a clinical psychologist takes years and students have to work to support their studies. Luckily, online degrees in psychology are accessible at both the undergrad and graduate levels. Before enrolling in an online degree program, students should check to ensure it is properly accredited. At the undergraduate level, regional accrediting boards are the gold standard. Once students reach the graduate level, they should look for programs accredited by the American Psychological Association.