Becoming a psychologist means you would treat patients with mental, emotional and behavioral issues and help them get better by prescribing appropriate treatments.

Should I Become a Psychologist in Alaska

There are many types of psychologists based on the field they choose to work in. For instance, those who handle patients in business sectors are typically called Industrial/Organizational Psychologists. On the other hand, Clinical, Counselling and School Psychologists work in educational environment.

Education Required At least a doctoral degree
Major Requirement Psychology
License/Certification All Psychologists are required to get a state issued license
Experience/Training At least a 2-year supervised field experience must be obtained
Key Skills Analytical Ability, Observational Skills, Problem-solving, Organizational Skills, Communication Skills as well as Patience and Integrity etc.
Annual Mean Salary (2019)-National $98,230 (Psychologists, All Other)
Annual Mean Salary (2019)-Alaska $112,260 (Psychologists, All Other)
Job Outlook(2018-2028) 14% (Faster than the average)

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (2019)

Career Outlook

The US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) has projected a 14% rise in employment for psychologists between 2018 and 2028. This prediction was made based on the anticipated increase in the demand for psychologists in the near future. Not only that, BLS named Alaska as the 3rd highest paying state for the occupation of “Psychologists, All Other” in the US in 2019.

Steps to Become a Psychologist in Alaska

Do you think this occupation is a great fit for you? If so, follow this detailed guideline to build yourself a great career!

    1. Complete a Bachelor’s Degree
Completing a 4-year bachelor’s degree with a major in Psychology is an excellent way to begin this journey. Many universities like, the University of Alaska Anchorage, offer this degree in the US.
    1. Earn a Master’s Degree
Getting a master’s degree is not for students who complete their bachelor’s degree in a subject other than Psychology. There are many universities in Alaska such as, the University of Alaska Anchorage that offer such degrees.
    1. Acquire a Doctoral Degree
Usually a PhD in Psychology can be completed in 4-6 years however, graduation requirements vary for each university. The University of Alaska Anchorage also offers a PhD degree in Clinical Psychology.
    1. Get Field Experience
Getting at least 2 years of work experience under the supervision of a licensed psychologist is mandatory for all aspiring psychologists before they submit an application for a license with the Board.
    1. Application for a State Issued License
The Alaska Board of Psychologist and Psychological Associate Examiners issues licenses to all psychologists who want to work in this state. The details of this process are described below.

How Long Does It Take to Become a Psychologist in Alaska?

Depending upon the type of educational degrees you complete and the amount of time it takes you to acquire the relevant field experience, it may take up to 12 years or more before you finally get a license to practice as a psychologist in Alaska.

What Are the Requirements for Becoming a Psychologist in Alaska?

The Alaska Board of Psychologist and Psychological Associate Examiners provides different type of licenses and requirements of each are different. Visit the state website for details on each type. For instance, the requirements for license by exam requires the following:

  • A completed and notarized application with application fee
  • Candidate’s authorization for release of records
  • Candidate’s supervised practice plan
  • All official transcripts must be sent directly from all attended institutions to the Board, and so on.

 

How Much Can I Make as a Psychologist in Alaska?

As per the data reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) in 2019, the annual mean salary of Psychologists, All Other employed in the state of Alaska was $112,260. On the other hand, California was named as the highest paying state for this occupation in 2019 with an annual mean salary of $117,610.