Psychology is among the most highly respected, rewarding professions  in which to work .  A helping profession, it providest good compensation , prestige, and the emotional rewards  of providing  help  to those in need.  How do you become a psychologist?  It’s a long journey that combines at least two academic degrees , internships and/or practicums, and licensing.

You’ll begin by getting an undergraduate degree from a four year college or university.  You’ll  be required to complete  courses that focus on subjects directly related  to your  chosen  profession: psychology, sociology, anthropology, and social services are among them.  

After you’ve gotten a degree from a four year college you have more education ahead of you.  At this point you must enroll in a  professional, graduate school  program.  There are many such programs:  there are online degree programs, traditional universities which offer psychology degrees, and there are many schools  dedicated exclusively  to psychology and psychiatry.   Obviously, you and your future clients will be best served if you choose an accredited, highly respected  institution, and take the most challenging  courses available .  

In graduate school, it is likely you will be asked to choose a specialy area.  In most cases , it will not be a difficult  call , as it will be dictated  by your specific career goals. 

Part of the process of  earning  a  credential  in a clinical specialty is an internship or practicum.  In some  graduate schools , students are  charged with  securing their own internships.  In otherinstances, there are counselors to offer  assistance .  Students serve practicums in schools,  clinics, residential treatment centers and  similar   settings   in which professional counseling may be required.  Don’t be surprised to find yourself going through  the  help wanted  ads looking for internship openings and making cold calls to  potential  internship sites.  .

After completing the required degree programs, you will have one last hurdle to jump over : state licensure.  Normally , licensure requires testing of some kind of examinations.  Frequently, candidates for licensing must pass both written and oral exams, and in some states post- graduate   internships are required as well.  For specific licensure requirements in the state in which you choose to work , contact the state Psychology Licensing Board.  In most states, ongoing education is necessary  to maintain a license.  

 Here’s an important piece of advice  … research the licensure requirements in your state(s) of choice before   selecting a graduate school and make sure the  graduate program   you enroll in  can give you the training you will need.  Not all grad schools  prepare you to meet licensing requirements  in all states.