Psychologists are doctors who aim to help individuals with mental health problems and behavioral issues. They may work at public/private hospitals or clinics and usually provide one-on-one consultations to their patients.

Should I Become a Psychologist in Kansas

In addition to working at hospitals and clinics, some psychologists choose to work in the corporate sector as Industrial & Organizational Psychologists. Others may work in schools, colleges or universities as Clinical, Counseling & School Psychologists. Usually, psychologists perform duties such as,

  • Giving one-on-one consultations
  • Attending to patients’ problems
  • Prescribing medicines if necessary, etc.
Education Required At least a doctoral degree
Major Requirement Psychology
License/Certification Must be licensed in the respective state
Experience/Training 2 years of supervised field experience (at least)
Key Skills Patience and Integrity, Observational Ability, Problem-solving Skills, Analytical Skills, Communication and Organizational Skills etc.
Annual Mean Salary (2019)-National $98,230 (Psychologists, All Other)
Annual Mean Salary (2019)-Kansas $104,980 (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) projected a 14% rise in employment for psychologists between 2018 and 2028. This rise in employment is anticipated due to a considerable increase in the demand for psychologists in the US. Moreover, the BLS data of 2019 reported 130 people working in the category of “Psychologists, All Other” in Kansas.

Steps to Become a Psychologist in Kansas

If you aim to become a licensed psychologist to help people with mental and behavioral problems, then this detailed guide can help you get started.

    1. Get a Bachelor’s Degree
Completing a 4-year bachelor’s degree is the first step towards a career in Psychology. Many universities in Kansas offer such degrees for instance, the University of Kansas offers a 4-year BA in Psychology with 120-122 credit hours.
    1. Complete a Master’s Degree
If you completed your bachelor’s degree in a subject other than Psychology or your grades were not up to the mark for direct admission to a doctoral degree, then you need to complete a master’s degree in Psychology. The University of Kansas also offers a master’s degree in Counseling Psychology.
    1. Acquire a Doctoral Degree

The minimum acceptable education for psychologists in the US is a doctoral degree which may take 4-6 years to complete. Several universities in the US offer this degree. For example, the University of Kansas offers a PhD in many areas of Psychology like,

  • Brain, Behavior and Quantitative Science
  • Clinical Psychology
  • Social Psychology
    1. Get Field Experience
After completing the required education, all psychologists must acquire at least 2 years of work experience under the supervision of a licensed psychologist to earn a license of their own.
    1. Application for a State Issued License
All psychologists in the state of Kansas must apply for a licensure through the Kansas Behavioral Sciences Regulatory Board and the details of licensure process are described below.

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

Becoming a psychologist may take up to 12 years or more based on the educational choices you make which includes completing the mandatory education, acquiring work experience and the duration it takes to get licensed.

What Are the Requirements for Becoming a Psychologist in Kansas?

To become licensed in the state of Kansas as a psychologist, all prospective candidates must:

  • Complete an APA or ASPPB accredited doctoral degree in Psychology
  • Get at least 2 years of supervised work experience
  • Pass the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP)
  • Have a good moral character

 

After completing all the above mentioned requirements, you may submit the complete application packet with a fee and get your license.

How Much Can I Make as a Psychologist in Kansas?

In 2019, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported $104,980 as the annual mean salary of Psychologists, All Other employed in Kansas. In addition to that, California was listed as the highest paying state for this occupation in 2019 with an annual mean income of $117,610.