Psychologists are doctors that tend to people’s mental health issues and behavioral problems. They give one-on-one consultations to their patients to treat their issues.

Should I Become a Psychologist in Minnesota

Psychologists are bound to keep the confidentiality of their patients’ details, issues and treatments etc. Their duties usually involve giving face to face consultations, prescribing medications as and when needed, listening to patients’ problems and providing appropriate solutions and so on. Psychologists help resolve mental health problems as well as behavioral disorders. If you think that this is the career for you, then go through the following information on how become a licensed psychologist in Minnesota.

Education Required A doctoral degree at least
Major Requirement Psychology
License/Certification State licensure is mandatory
Experience/Training 2 years of supervised field experience
Key Skills Analytical, Observational, Organizational, Communication and Problem-solving Skills; Integrity and Patience etc.
Annual Mean Salary (2019)-National $98,230 (Psychologists, All Other)
Annual Mean Salary (2019)-Minnesota $95,250 (Psychologists, All Other)
Job Outlook

(2018-2028)

 14% (Faster than the average)

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

Career Outlook for Psychologists in Minnesota

The US Bureau of Labor Statistics has predicted a 14% rise in employment for psychologists from 2018 to 2028. According to BLS, there will be a significant increase in the demand for psychologists in hospitals, mental health centers, schools and other social service agencies. As per the BLS data of 2019, 430 people were working in Minnesota in the occupation category of “Psychologists, All Other.”

Steps to Become a Psychologist in Minnesota

There are 5 steps to becoming a psychologist in Minnesota and these steps are detailed below.

    1. Get a Bachelor’s Degree

The preparation for this career begins with a 4-year bachelor’s degree. Numerous universities in Minnesota offer bachelor’s degree in this subject. For instance, the University of Minnesota offers a BA in Psychology.

    1. Complete a Master’s Degree

If you have graduated your bachelor’s degree with a major in Psychology and have an excellent GPA then, you may directly enroll in a doctoral degree. However, if you did not complete your bachelor’s degree with a major in Psychology then you might have to complete a 2-year master’s degree.

    1. Get a Doctoral Degree
All prospective psychologists must complete a 4-6 year doctoral degree in Psychology. Successful completion of this degree is mandatory for getting a psychologist’s license. Several universities in Minnesota offer doctoral degrees in Psychology. For instance, Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota offers a Doctor of Psychology in Counseling Psychology.
    1. Acquire Field Experience

After successfully completing all necessary education, the graduates of a doctoral degree in Psychology are required to acquire at least 2 years of supervised work experience. This experience must be completed under the care of a licensed psychologist.

    1. Apply for a State Issued License

The Minnesota Board of Psychology regulates the licensure process for psychologists in the state. To get licensed in this state, you must complete all requirements mentioned below.

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

From completing the right education to the acquisition of work experience in the field and the whole licensure process may take up to 12 years or more depending on what educational path you choose.

What Are the Requirements for Becoming a Psychologist in Minnesota?

To practice as a licensed psychologist in Minnesota, all candidates must:

  • Graduate from an APA/ASPPB accredited doctoral degree in Psychology.
  • Complete 2 years supervised work experience in the field.
  • Apply for a license with the Minnesota Board of Psychology and acquire permission to take licensure exams.

Upon getting permission, clear the following exams:

  • Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP)
  • Minnesota’s Professional Responsibility Exam (PRE)
  • Upon completing all requirements, you can complete your licensure application and get your license to practice as a psychologist in Minnesota.

 

How Much Can I Make as a Psychologist in Minnesota?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Psychologists, All Other employed in Minnesota earned an annual mean salary of $95,250 in 2019. Whereas, California was named as the highest paying state for this occupation with an annual mean salary of $117,610.