If you are intrigued by human behavior and thought process, then you might want to kick-start a career in the field of psychology. Skim through this comprehensive guide to understand how to become a psychologist in Florida.
Job Duties of a Psychologist
As part of their jobs, psychologists carry out the following duties:
- Evaluate human behavior and identify behavioral/emotional patterns
- Diagnose mental and behavioral disorders
- Treat patients by making customized plans
- Assess and evaluate the effectiveness of these treatment plans
Requirements to Become a Psychologist in Florida
Prospective psychologists should bear in mind that the process of becoming a psychologist in Florida is lengthy. Hence, it is wise to research about the entire procedure before setting on this path. Below is a list of requirements that you would be expected to meet if you want to join this exciting field:
- Education Requirements
- Training Requirements
- Certification and Licensing Requirements
Steps Involved in Becoming a Psychologist in Florida
In order to become a licensed psychologist in Florida, you will be required to clear the following stages:
- Acquire an Undergraduate and Graduate Degree in Psychology
- Obtain a Doctorate Degree and Complete Supervised Training
- Fill in the Application Form and Apply for a License
In order to apply for the license, you should download the Psychologist Licensure application form from the internet and mail it to address mentioned on the form. The form will ask you questions about your personal data, educational credentials, employment history, certifications and criminal history. You are encouraged to send all relevant supporting documents to expedite the licensure process.
The Board will send you the status of your application within thirty days after receiving it. You can also go to the MQA Online Service Portal to check the status of your application in real time. Please note that the Florida Laws and Rules exam and the National Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP) must be taken and cleared prior to license. Once your licensure application is approved, you will be issued your license number within 5 to 7 working days.
Employment Data
The US Bureau of Labor Statistics has reported that the annual mean wage of Clinical, Counseling, and School Psychologists in Florida was $76,190 in 2018, while the national average for that year was $85,340.