If you want to help others make their lives more productive, then establishing a career in psychology would be a good choice for you. Here’s a guide that outlines how to become a psychologist in Pennsylvania.
Job Duties of a Psychologist
These specialists are responsible for studying human behavior, diagnosing behavioral and mental issues, and administering therapeutic interventions to cure mental illnesses.
Requirements to Become a Psychologist in Pennsylvania
If you want to become licensed, you will have to fulfill a long list of requirements, the details of which are mentioned below:
- Education Requirements
- Training Requirements
- Certification and Licensing Requirements
Steps Involved in Becoming a Psychologist in Pennsylvania
The following steps are involved in becoming a psychologist in Pennsylvania:
- Complete Undergraduate and Postgraduate Studies in Psychology
- Complete a Doctorate Program
- Fulfill the Training Requirements
- Obtain a State License
- An application form has to be submitted to the State Board of Psychology, along with a non-refundable application fee of $105.
- You will have to ensure that the Board receives all supporting documents including your official transcripts (which will be directly sent by the university), documents that verify your work experience, a letter of good standing (LOGS), and a National Practitioner Data Bank Self-Query report. The verification of supervised experience must be sent in a sealed envelope and should have your supervisor’s signature on the seal.
- You will also have to submit a recent criminal history records check.
- Once your application is approved, you will have to take the Board exams. You will be given your license once you pass these exams
Employment Data
As per the data published by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, Clinical, Counseling, and School Psychologists in Pennsylvania earned an annual mean wage of $83,610 in May 2018. In fact, Pennsylvania was among the five states that had the highest level of employment in this occupation.