Requirements to become clinical psychologist in india
Answers
Answer:
STEPS TO BECOMING A CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGIST1COMPLETE A BACHELOR’S DEGREEDegrees in clinical psychology don’t exist at the bachelor’s level, but there are numerous academic paths a student can elect to follow during their baccalaureate career. Psychology is the most popular option since it provides many of the prerequisite courses that advanced degrees will require, but students may also decide to study pre-med, sociology or anthropology to stand out from the crowd.Because clinical psychology programs are intensely competitive, students need to be vigilant about their GPA and engage in any opportunities for research presented to them during the bachelor’s degree. Extracurricular programs are also highly encouraged, including internships and field placements.
2ENROLL IN A MASTER’S DEGREE PROGRAMMaster’s degrees in clinical psychology are available, though completing this program doesn’t qualify students for licensure. Individuals who know they want to work as a licensed clinical psychologist can find combined programs resulting in a doctoral degree in less time than completing individual master’s and doctorate degrees. This option may not be available to students who studied a topic outside of psychology at the undergraduate level.In order to be accepted into a master’s program, most departments require a high GRE score, letters of recommendation and prior research experience.3EARN A DOCTORATE DEGREEThe clinical psychology student has two paths they can choose from at the doctoral level: the PhD and the PsyD. The former is well-suited to individuals planning to focus their talents in research, while the PsyD prepares students to see clients in a clinical setting. Being accepted to either type of program is a colossal accomplishment as most departments receive hundreds of applications and matriculate less than a dozen students.In addition to coursework and a dissertation, students are also required to complete one to two years as an intern to hone their clinical skills under the watchful eye of a licensed clinical psychologist. At this level of academics, the most important thing to find is a program accredited by the American Psychological Association. While the APA has begun accrediting some hybrid graduate programs, prospective students should be aware that no purely online programs have received their approval as of 2016.4COMPLETE CLINICAL TRAININGBecause licensure is mandated at the state level, graduates may or may not be required to complete post-doctoral training in their jurisdiction. Students should check with their state’s board of psychology to learn specific requirements. Those looking to focus their skills and knowledge in a specialized area of clinical psychology, such as child or gerontology, may want to complete additional clinical training even if their state doesn’t require it.5BECOME – AND STAY – LICENSEDLicensure requirements vary state-by-state but are generally quite similar and include graduating from an accredited doctoral program, completing a set number of hours in supervised experience, and successfully passing examinationsAt the doctoral level, most programs require approximately two years – or 3,000 hours – worth of supervised experience, but some states may not require any postdoctoral experience. Prospective clinical psychologists must also pass the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology administered by the Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards.Once receiving licensure, the most important thing a clinical psychologist can do is retain their license. Also mandated at the state level, continuing education is a vital component of a clinical psychologist’s career. Hours required vary by state, so CPs will need to keep track of requirements in their jurisdiction once licensed. The American Psychological Association provides a list of approved courses.