How to become a registered psychologist? A psychologist helps people cope better with life, relationships, and mental health conditions by using talk therapies or psychological evaluations. It is a career path with great demand, with the job outlook expected to grow by 8% in 2030. Whether you’re just starting with your degree or have pursued an unrelated bachelor’s degree, here’s how to become a psychologist.
Difference Between a Registered Psychologist and a Clinical Psychologist
A psychologist is trained in how people think, learn, feel, and behave. They can work in mental health and well-being fields or other areas such as public policy, justice and corrections, education and training, and marketing and communication.
As a registered psychologist, you must have six years of university education and supervised experience, such as through internships. On top of that, they must keep their education and skills up to date, such as by participating in regular education.
Clinical psychologists, on the other hand, must have the same qualifications along with an “area of practice endorsement,” meaning they get their university qualifications and supervised training in the area of clinical psychology. Registered psychologists are more versatile as there is no one specific focus. Clinical psychologists and registered psychologists follow similar standards of practice and ethical guidelines and provide the same level and quality of care.
How to Become a Registered Psychologist
Here’s what to do to become a registered psychologist:
1. Earning Your Degree
The first step to becoming a psychologist is to earn your bachelor’s degree, which lends itself to a career in psychology. Next, you can opt for a master’s of psychology or a graduate diploma in psychology. A graduate diploma is ideal for those with a degree unrelated to psychology, as universities design the curriculum for candidates with undergraduate degrees in different areas.
An online program will be more flexible and convenient, allowing you to save up on housing, accommodation, and transportation costs while also allowing you to work alongside your degree. After earning your conversion degree, you can pursue a psychology career that appeals to you, such as forensic psychology, by completing a Ph.D. or Psy.D.
2. Complete an Internship
After earning your conversion or master’s degree, you must complete an internship in your area of interest. You need at least one to two years of supervised professional experience to get hands-on training.
For traditional students, finding an internship is easy as they can talk to the career office or recruiters coming to campus, but it can be difficult for distance learners. You can look for positions at social organizations, such as women’s shelters, foster care, rehabilitation treatment centers, etc. Network and use social media sites like Instagram or Facebook to research potential internship opportunities, look for virtual opportunities, and identify places that match your interests. Vital Health and wellness solutions on Amazon for your healthy life
3. Get Certified
The next step is to get certified or a psychology license. If you live in the U.S., the licensing requirements vary according to state. The information is available at the Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards (ASPPB). After meeting the essentials, you must pass the professional psychology practice examination. If you want to practice in Australia, the following organizations recognize psychology graduate training:
- Psychology Board of Australia: They determine who may practice psychology.
- Australian Psychological Society (APS): Represents psychologists in Australia in their fifth and sixth year of graduate study.
- Australian Clinical Psychology Association: Represents clinical psychologists who have completed their post-graduate qualifications.
What Can I Do With a Psychology Degree?
Here are a few viable career options you can consider.
1. Sports Psychologist
Sports psychologists work with professional teams and athletes to provide them with psychological guidance. They help athletes with stress management, motivation, effective teamwork, visualization, and other psychological factors that affect their performance.
The salary of these psychologists ranges between $60,000 to $80,000 in university athletic departments, but in private practice, it varies according to the best teams and private clients range. You should pursue specific training in sports psychology, such as at a master’s or doctoral level, to become a sports psychologist.
2. Forensic Psychologist
Forensic psychologists work with judicial systems in civil and criminal matters. In this field, you must be skilled in interviewing, case presentation, and report writing and have strong communication skills. You will help develop criminal profiles to narrow down suspect lists, screen law enforcement applications, perform child custody evaluations, and even serve as expert witnesses. You will also provide counseling and treatment to victims. The average salary of forensic psychologists is $75,888.
3. School Psychologist
School psychologists work with children and youth to help them excel academically, behaviourally, emotionally, and socially. They can intervene at individual and system levels to promote positive learning environments by developing, evaluating, and implementing school programs.
Here, you’ll help families understand their child’s mental health needs, enhance staff understanding of diverse student backgrounds and cultures, and assist with navigating special education processes. As a school psychologist, you can work in:
- Preschool
- School district administrative offices
- Private schools
- Juvenile justice programs
- Universities
- School-based mental health centers
A school psychologist can earn between $57,000 to $80,000.
Endnote
The journey to becoming a registered psychologist can be grueling, but there is nothing you can’t do if you set your mind to it. If you’re truly passionate about becoming a psychologist, even when you have pursued an unrelated bachelor’s degree, follow these steps to landing your dream job.