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Become a Psychologist
By Ashley Boyce, an allied health world staff writer
Published: January 5th, 2010
How do I prepare early for a career in psychology?
Although actual counseling and psychological treatment is reserved for those who have received formal training in the various methods, aspiring psychologists are still able to gain a level of personal experience even before beginning psychology school. Young students of psychology can volunteer their time to work with the homeless in shelters or treatment facilities. Among this segment of society there is a much higher incidence of mental and emotional distress, as well as addiction and substance abuse. Volunteering with a suicide prevention hotline or at a battered spouses’ shelter will also assure valuable personal experience working with psychologically troubled individuals.What are the prerequisites and entrance requirements for psychology programs?
As a student of psychology you’ll spend about four years earning a bachelors degree in order to be eligible to attend master’s and doctorate programs. A Bachelor of Science degree and a high grade point average function as the main admission requirements for psychology colleges offering advanced degrees.Some schools may set certain experiential requirements as well, so maintaining a log of volunteer work can be an asset. A BS will qualify graduates for vocational opportunities working as assistants to psychologists in a public health or clinical forum. However, independent licensed practitioners and licensed employed psychologist within an organization more often hold a master’s or doctorate degree.
What are some psychological specializations currently in high demand?
A student interested in knowing how to become a psychologist should consider the fact that school psychologists are in greater demand in this country than ever before. Pursuing an educational path specific to this profession is likely to result in very strong job prospects. Choosing to focus on early childhood development as well as behavioral and cognitive psychology will prepare graduates for the challenges unique to this specialization.Although it is not widely known, many businesses, private companies, and industrial organizations retain the services of psychologists. Business psychology and industrial-organizational psychology are types of applied psychology that are less interactive with individuals than the word psychology would connote for most people. Although the work of industrial psychologists takes place behind the scenes, the end results affect every member of a commercial or industrial organization. These psychologists apply established principals and research findings to maximize the efficiency and productivity of workers within an organization. Focusing on industrial and organizational psychology courses will prepare graduates for this highly specialized form of applied research-based psychology.
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