What are the Requirements to Become a Psychologist?

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Have you ever considered becoming a psychologist? It’s a lucrative career and one where you will definitely make a difference in people’s lives. A psychologist specializes in the science of mind and is a person who can help others who are experiencing psychological problems. As a psychologist, you can diagnose, assess and treat such people. If you want to pursue a career in psychology there are requirements to become a psychologist.

Consider the most important qualities and achievements.

Skills Required

•Communication skills
•Problem solving skills
•Interpersonal skills
•Emotional sustainability skills
•Patience
•Trustworthiness
•Open mindedness
•Knowledge and regulation of law
•Interest in continuing education
•Self awareness
•Observation skills
•Computer skills.

Educational Requirements to Become a Psychologist

If you’re looking forward to becoming a psychologist, ensure you have a Master’s Degree in Psychology. This is the minimum qualification for anyone pursuing this profession. Currently, many organizations are seeking individuals who have a doctoral (PhD) degree. For you to be in a prime position of being employed as a psychologist, you would do better to have a doctoral (PhD) degree. You have to be licensed with the State Board of Psychology, for each respective state.

Ideally, you will take four years to study for your undergraduate degree in psychology. After that, you’ll take another two years studying for your master’s degree and three or four more years for a PhD. This means a total of approximately 10 years of studying for degree programs in psychology. In some cases, you also study for professional practice in psychology exams, which you must pass after you finish your PhD.

Once you’re done with the exams, you must gain practical experience. You will be supervised, so another doctor can see how you are practicing your skills

Work Experience

Though the work of psychologists do vary according to specialization, it is very important for you to get more experience. You can work in a variety of fields including hospitals and work with other medical disciplines while helping patients; you can work in universities and colleges, helping students in problem solving, or you can work in organizations helping the company manage key assets and employees.

The starting salary for a qualified psychologist starts from $45,000 to $55,000 depending on the location of where one works. If you work in this field for 5 to 10 years; your income increases to an amount between $65,000- $90,000. This clearly shows that psychology is one of the best paying jobs that you can pursue.

Not all people will be able to study for 10 years, undertaking such a high-level of a degree. For those who want to become psychologists, the remaining tasks is that you work hard and prove to the industry that you have what it takes to turn this skill into a practice.

This is an industry that rewards thorough work, and just like any doctor’s profession, it celebrates the ones that truly care about their patients and want to help.