Psychologists are responsible for dealing with mental health problems like anxiety, stress, panic attacks, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) etc. They provide treatment and support services to individuals as well as groups of people.

According to the most updated records of the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were over 400 Clinical, Counseling, and School Psychologists in Vermont in 2019. If you have similar career aspirations, then go through this piece to find out what you need to do to become a psychologist in The Green Mountain State.

Should I Become a Psychologist in Vermont

Education Bachelor’s degree along with a Master’s or Doctoral degree
Area of Study/Major Requirement Psychology
License/Certification Required
Experience/Training Required
Key Skills Inductive and Deductive Reasoning, Problem Sensitivity, Communication, Critical Thinking and Social Perceptiveness.
Annual Mean Salary (2019)–National $87,450 (Clinical, Counseling, and School Psychologists)
Job Outlook (2018-2028) 14%
Annual Mean Salary (2019)–Vermont $70,120 (Clinical, Counseling, and School Psychologists)

Sources: O*Net Online and US Bureau of Labor Statistics

Psychologists identify and initiate treatment of mental health disorders. Other than individual service, they work with large companies who want to get the most out of their employees while enhancing their job satisfaction. Psychologists are also often found working in academia and related sectors.

Career Outlook

As per the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment opportunities for psychologists are set to increase by 14% from 2018 to 2028. This is more than the growth projected in most other sectors. The rise will coincide with the constantly growing demand for mental health practitioners in schools, hospitals and businesses, etc.

Steps to Become a Psychologist in Vermont

The procedure outlined below would help you become a psychologist in Vermont.

    1. Complete Your Bachelor’s in Psychology

Earning a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology or a related field (Psychiatry, Psychoanalysis, etc.) is the starting point of your journey. In this regard, the following programs are commonly pursued by students.

  • Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Psychology
  • Bachelor of Science (BS) in Psychology

In case you have majored in a different subject altogether, then you might have to take some core psychology classes before entering a post-graduate degree program in the field.

    1. Earn a Master’s or a Doctoral Degree in Psychology

Vermont is one of the few American states where Master’s degree holders in psychology can work as licensed psychologists. There will, however, be a significant difference between the career prospects of a person with a Master’s degree (psychologist-master) and another with a Doctoral degree (psychologist doctoral).

If you decide to enroll in a 2-year Master’s program, you will have the following options.

  • Master of Arts (MA) in Psychology
  • Master of Science (MS) in Psychology

On the other hand, doctoral degree aspirants can choose from the following.

  • Doctor of Psychology (PsyD)
  • Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Psychology

Completing a doctoral degree takes 4 to 7 years.

    1. Earn a Master’s or a Doctoral Degree in Psychology
Gain Work Experience. Both psychologist-master and psychologist-doctorate candidates have to complete a minimum of 4,000 hours of supervised professional experience (SPE) for license eligibility. At least 2,000 of these must be completed after obtaining the advanced degree.
    1. Get Licensed

When you have gained the necessary experience, you can apply for your license from the Vermont Board of Psychological Examiners. For license eligibility, you have to qualify the following evaluations.

  • Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP)
  • Vermont Jurisprudence Examination

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

You will need around 8 to 12 years to become a psychologist in Vermont. The total time will ultimately depend on whether you go for a Master’s or a Doctoral degree in the field. After your 4-year undergrad degree, the Master’s program takes 2 years while the Doctoral degree takes 4 to 7 years to complete. You will also spend some time gaining the necessary SPE for licensure.

What Are the Requirements for Becoming a Psychologist in Vermont?

These requirements are binding for anyone wanting to become a psychologist in Vermont.

  • Finishing undergraduate education.
  • Completion of a Master’s or a Doctoral degree.
  • Attaining the required supervised professional experience (SPE) for licensure.
  • Obtaining a license from the Vermont Board of Psychological Examiners

 

How Much Can I Make as a Psychologist in Vermont?

The latest records of the US Bureau of Labor Statistics indicate that clinical, counseling, and school psychologists in Vermont drew $70,120 in annual mean wage in 2019.