Becoming a clinical psychologist is a long process. In fact, it takes almost the longest time out of all the areas of psychology. If you work hard and are patient, it will pay off because clinical psychologists have a lot of freedom in their careers once they finish their schooling. They can work for hospitals, with children or even start their own private practice and set their own hours. If you are interested in learning how to become a clinical psychologist, you need to take certain steps to begin your career.
Graduate from high school and enroll in a four-year university. Select psychology as your course of study for your
bachelor's degree.
- Ask your psychology professors if they need an assistant. Being a psychology professor’s assistant can give you great experience and be an asset for your graduate school applications.
- Before earning your bachelor’s degree, make an appointment to talk to your academic adviser about psychology graduate school programs. He can give you recommendations and the necessary applications and can help you make sure you meet all the specific requirements for the programs you’re interested in.
- Apply to graduate school and complete your bachelor’s degree. You may be required to take the Graduate Record Examination. If so, talk to your academic adviser to find out when you can sign up to take the test. Ask the adviser to help you locate study aids.
- Get accepted to graduate school. After you meet the specific requirements of your chosen graduate school program and are accepted, you will need to begin earning a Doctor of Psychology (Ph.D). Complete your dissertation, which requires you to research an original topic.
- Spend the next two years finishing up your graduate program’s required post-doctoral training. You will be working with clinical psychologists to gain hands-on experience.
- Obtain additional needed licenses. Clinical psychologists are required to have additional licensing along with their Ph.D. and training. Ask your graduate school program representative for information and study guides for the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP), a multiple-choice exam covering all areas of psychology.
- Take your state's required oral and written exam. Each state's licensing procedures are different, so find out through your program what you will need to take.
- Find a job in clinical psychology. Apply at schools, hospitals, mental health facilities and private practices until you find an area you're interested in.
Becoming a clinical psychologist is a long process. In fact, it takes almost the longest time out of all the areas of psychology. If you work hard and are patient, it will pay off because clinical psychologists have a lot of freedom in their careers once they finish their schooling. They can work for hospitals, with children or even start their own private practice and set their own hours. If you are interested in learning how to become a clinical psychologist, you need to take certain steps to begin your career.