Psychologists are mental health experts that diagnose and treat a variety of mental disorders and illnesses. These healthcare professionals are employed at a number of healthcare institutions such as nursing homes, market research firms, hospitals and clinics, government agencies, schools and universities, social service organizations and rehabilitation centers.
Individuals can specialize in any field of psychology, depending on their area of interest. Here is a partial list of specialization areas within psychology:
• Child psychology
• Health psychology
• Clinical psychology
• Forensic psychology
• Sports psychology
• Neuropsychology
• Industrial/Organizational psychology
If you are planning to join the ranks of these professionals, then you might want to take a look at this guide that outlines the step involved in becoming a psychologist in Florida.

The Procedure of Becoming a Psychologist in Florida

Aspiring psychologists are expected to clear the following stages:

Step 1: Earn a Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree

The first step would be to obtain a Bachelor of Science (B.S) or a Bachelor of Arts (B.A) in psychology. In order to graduate from these programs, you will have to study a wide range of modules such as Social Psychology, Theories of Personality, Health Psychology, Cognitive Psychology and Psychological Testing. After earning a bachelor’s degree, you should plan on getting a Masters of Arts (M.A) in Psychology. A number of concentrations are offered at the master’s level – students can specialize in Clinical, Counseling, or School Psychology.

Step 2: Graduate from an Accredited Doctoral Program and Meet the Training Criteria

The licensure requirements state that aspiring psychologists have to obtain an accredited doctoral degree. You can gain admission in a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Psychology program or a Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.) program. These advanced degrees will expose you to topics like Behavioral Assessment, Objective Personality Assessment, Diagnostic Interviewing, Psychobiology and Adult Psychopathology. Please bear in mind that you will also have to complete 4,000 hours of supervised training.

Step 3: Obtain a License and Start Working

In an attempt to protect the state’s citizens from fraudulent health practitioners, Florida has made sure that any person without a professional license is not allowed to practice as a psychologist. If you want to get your license, you will have to send a licensure application to The Florida Board of Psychology. The Board will check your educational credentials, work history, criminal background, exam scores and personal details etc., and will then determine whether you are eligible for a state license.

Requirements to Become a Psychologist in Florida

Gaining your psychology license requires you to meet the following criteria:
1. You must graduate from an accredited Ph.D. or Psy.D. program in psychology.
2. You must complete 4,000 hours of clinical training, which must be supervised.
3. You would have to pass the National Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP) and Florida Laws and Rules Examination with flying colors.
If you are successful in meeting these requirements, the Board will approve your licensure application and you will get your license number within a week’s time.

How Much Do Psychologists Earn in Florida?

As per the employment statistics taken from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the yearly mean pay of Clinical, Counseling, and School Psychologists in Florida was $76,190 in May 2018.