What Is a Psychologist?
A psychologist is a person who studies the human mind as well as human behavior. One of the more attractive fields of study within this arena is clinical psychology. Some of the others are counseling psychology, developmental psychology, social psychology and experimental psychology.
It is the mission of every psychologist to examine mental processes and human behavior by observing and following how people relate to each other and the environment. Psychologists take on this challenge by trying to find patterns that can assist them in understanding and forecasting behavior using scientific methods or principles to test their ideas.
It has been through the use of these studies that psychologists have discovered a lot of information that can continue to help us all make sense of the world and the people in it. Psychologists put together theories, based on what they are observing, and typically focus on individual behavior – specifically the thinking and emotions that tend to control a person’s actions.
How to Become a Psychologist
In order to be even eligible to become and work as a psychologist, you are required to have a doctoral degree. It is only then, that you will have the ability to teach and do research while serving in a professional position. When you earn a Ph.D., you have the option of working in either a clinical or counseling environment.
The actual timetable of working toward this great academic feat is between five and seven years. One challenge that can prove to be a potential obstacle is the heavy competition among those striving for admission into these psychology programs. It is a competitive field and the only way to stay on track with your goals is by working extremely hard and studying all you can. The more knowledge you have, the best position you put yourself in to get accepted.
Other requirements in becoming a psychologist involve you meeting certification or licensing requirements. With the heavy impact a psychologist can have on any persons life, it should be no surprise that the criteria in obtaining this career is thicker than most other occupations.
Psychologist Career Outlook & Salary
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2008 psychologists held about 170,200 jobs. Institutions of education employed almost 30% of psychologists in positions other than teaching. This includes, but is not limited to counseling, testing, and administration. Another larger number was working in healthcare, mainly in the offices inside mental health practitioners and hospitals.
A popular career move among many psychologists is that after they have gained enough working experience, they then put together a private practice. This leads to 34% of psychologists being self-employed in 2008. An alternate career path can include being a member of the faculty at a colleges or universities. This is also includes those that are currently serving as high school psychology teachers.
They employment of psychologists is expected to grow as fast as average. Job prospects ought to be the best for those who possess a doctoral degree from a highly respected university. Employment of psychologists is expected to grow 12% from 2008 to 2018, about as fast as the average for all occupations.
