The doctors who are trained experts in helping people with mental health issues and behavioral problems are called psychologists. The Board of Psychologist Examiners issues license to all psychologists who complete an accredited doctoral degree and clear a board exam.

Should I Become a Psychologist in Idaho

Psychologists have varying duties such as giving face to face consultations to their patients, identifying and diagnosing the emotional, psychological, organizational or behavioral issues with their patients as well as discussing appropriate treatments of problems etc.

Education Required A doctoral degree
Major Requirement Psychology
License/Certification Obtaining state issued license is mandatory
Experience/Training 2-years of supervised field experience
Key Skills Problem-solving, Observational, Organizational, Analytical and Communication Skills; Patience and Integrity etc.
Annual Mean Salary (2019)-National $98,230 (Psychologists, All Other)
Annual Mean Salary (2019)-Idaho $92,410 (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 predicted a 14% rise in employment for psychologists between 2018 and 2028. This projection is derived from the anticipated rise in the demand for psychologists in the near future. In addition to that, the BLS reported 50 as the employment level for “Psychologists, All Other” in Idaho in 2019.

Steps to Become a Psychologist in Idaho

The process of becoming a psychologist in Idaho is lengthy and involves 5 different steps that are detailed as follows:

    1. Bachelor’s Degree
A typical bachelor’s degree may take 4 years to complete. Completing a bachelor’s degree with Psychology as major is ideal. Several universities in Idaho offer such degrees like the University of Idaho.
    1. Master’s Degree
If, you did not complete your bachelor’s degree with majors in Psychology or your grades were not up to the mark to get direct admission into a doctoral program, then you can complete a master’s degree in Psychology before enrolling in a doctoral degree.
    1. Doctoral Degree in Psychology
The minimum requirement for a psychologist to apply for licensure is completion of a doctoral degree. There are multiple universities in Idaho that offer such degrees for example, the Idaho State University offers various specializations in this degree.
    1. Doctoral Degree in Psychology Field Experience
It is mandatory for all graduates of doctoral degrees in Psychology to acquire 2 years of field experience under the direct supervision of a licensed psychologist before they apply for a license themselves.
    1. Licensure
The Idaho Board of Psychologist Examiners issues several types of licenses to psychologists such as, by examination or by credential etc. The details of this process are explained below.

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

It takes almost 12 years (or more) to become a psychologist in Idaho depending upon the choices you make with reference to completing bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees. The duration of licensure may also vary based on how early or late you pass the licensure exam etc.

What Are the Requirements for Becoming a Psychologist in Idaho?

If you want to work as a licensed psychologist in Idaho, you must complete all the following requirements set by the Idaho Board of Psychologist Examiners:

  • Earn a doctoral degree in Psychology accredited by the APA or the ASPPB
  • Have 2 years of supervised work experience
  • Clear the “Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP)”
  • Have a good moral character
  • Submit the application and pay the application fee

 

How Much Can I Make as a Psychologist in Idaho?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the annual mean salary of Psychologists, All Other employed in the state of Idaho was reported to be $92,410 in 2019. Whereas, California was reported to be the highest paying state for this occupation in 2019 with an annual mean salary figure of $117,610.