It takes a special type of individual, with unique traits, to work with children. Calm, patient and considerate are all valuable characteristics for working with younger people. Some individuals may wish to study the child’s psyche and attempt to help them overcome their challenges. In order to do this, one should consider learning how to become child psychologist, which can be a tremendously rewarding career.
Below, you will learn everything you need to know about this unique, but rewarding, career field.
How To Become Child Psychologist.
What is a Child Psychologist.
Leading researchers often suggest that childhood is a pivotal point in an individual’s life and can actually impact the remainder of their lives. Some children are raised in volatile environments, which can stunt their growth and impact the person’s adulthood negatively. So what is a child psychologist?
These individuals practice a particular brand of psychology, which focuses on the behavior and development of young children. At first glance, this may seem like a simple study of childhood behavior, but many individualized areas of psychology are studied in this regard.
The psychologist is responsible for studying all areas of the adolescence’s psyche. Unsurprisingly, there are many offshoots of this particular field of study and each researches and works with an assortment of different individuals. Now that you know what is a child psychologist, it is important to get to know the individual sectors of this career.
Different Types of Child Psychologist.
As mentioned above, child psychologist can work with individuals of all ages, including infants and teens. Below, you will discover a little more about the different areas of study.
Abnormal Child Psychologist.
This individual works with children of all ages. The sole similarity is that each child is suffering from specific psychological disorders, such as anxiety and other personality disorders.
This professional works with individuals between the ages of 12 to 18. The specific psychological illnesses encountered range from depression to anxiety and even eating disorders.
Here, the psychologist focuses on the development of the youth.
This type of professional works within a school system and helps the student with an arrangement of different issues, including emotional and academic complications.
This type of psychologist focuses on the learning process. In this regard, the professional works with tremendously quick learners, as well as those with learning disabilities.
Once you’ve found an area that peaks your interest, it is helpful to learn how to become child psychologist. This will help you figure out, whether or not this career field is right for you.
Child Psychologist Education.
As with almost any career in healthcare, you’ll be required to attend school, before you’ll be able to work in this field. It is actually possible to begin working, as a child psychologist, once you’ve obtained a masters degree, but the number of jobs available will be few and far in between.
Instead, it is more beneficial to remain in school for a longer period of time. By obtaining a more impressive degree, you’ll make yourself eligible for an increased number of jobs. Either way this information will help you figure out how long does it take to become a child psychologist.
- Bachelor’s Degree – It is possible to obtain a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, after five years of study. Some courses may actually require a bit longer of schooling.
- Master’s Degree – This is a graduate level degree, which requires approximately 2 to 3 years of study.
- PhD in Psychology – This is certainly the longest program, which requires 5 to 7 years, aside from the regular coursework.
- PsyD Degree – Going this route is a little less time consuming than the PhD. In most cases, the student will receive their degree in 4 to 6 years.
How Long Does it Take to Become a Child Psychologist?
Although the information above may help you understand the requirements to be a child psychologist, the actual time it takes to become a practicing child psychologist may actually be longer. Of course, the specific requirements will differ significantly depending on your particular state of practice. In order to figure out the specifics, you will need to research the licensing requirements for your specific state.
However, most states will require all aspiring child psychologists to complete an internship, which typically lasts two years, although it may be longer in some areas. After this has been completed, the individual will be required to pass state and national tests, before they’ll receive their license for their state.
So, how long does it take to become a child psychologist? The answer isn’t simple and could ultimately vary.
How To Become Child Psychologist: Jobs.
The Career Outlook.
Before you take the time to learn the requirements to be a child psychologist, it is imperative to examine the potential outlook for this career.
Make sure that the career field is going to grow exceptionally in the future. This is pertinent, due to the somewhat shaky economy. The good news is that the government expects the job openings for child psychologists to continue increasing in the next few years.
Those, who obtain a doctorate degree, within a specific area, will likely be able to find an increased number of jobs.
This is pertinent, due to the somewhat shaky economy. The good news is that the government expects the job openings for child psychologists to continue increasing in the next few years. Those, who obtain a doctorate degree, within a specific area, will likely be able to find an increased number of jobs.
Child Psychologist Job Description.
Before attempting to learn how to become child psychologist, it is imperative to learn about the job duties for this profession. The truth is that the specific duties will vary depending on the particular area of expertise, but there are a number of duties that all child psychologists will need to juggle.
Below, you will discover these specific activities.
- Working to overcome and diagnose developmental and learning ailments.
- Work with youths, in order to rectify behavioral complications.
- Understand and administer intellectual tests.
- Actively study and research the subject of childhood development.
- Work alongside other experts to develop individualized strategies to treat each patient.
Still, it is important to remember that this can be a very challenging career. Before researching you should ensure that you’d be able to manage these tasks.
While it is important to learn how to become child psychologist, it is even more vital to take the time to examine the potential salary for this type of career. As with many characteristics of a child psychologist, the salary will actually vary depending on your geographical location. However, there are many other factors that will play a role in determining your overall salary.
However, there are many other factors that will play a role in determining your overall salary.
more vital to take the time to examine the potential salary for this type of career. As with many characteristics of a child psychologist, the salary will actually vary depending on your geographical location. However, there are many other factors that will play a role in determining your overall salary.
- Geographical region
- Specific field of employment
- Level of education
- Experience level
By sticking with the job for many years, your salary will ultimately soar. Still, the overall average is expected to be around 64,000 dollars a year. On the lower end of the spectrum, some professionals will be able to pull in $37,000 a year, with the highest salaries lingering around $150,000 a year.
Overall, you’ll want to remember to consider the requirements to be a child psychologist, the job duties and the possible salary, before you dig right in. Make sure that this job will be rewarding and satisfying for your specific needs.
With a bright future ahead, becoming a child psychologist is certainly very beneficial, but you’ll be required to complete many years of schooling. Sticking it out will ultimately be well worth it in the end. Once you’ve come to the conclusion that this is the type of job for you, it is imperative to learn how to become child psychologist.