Should I do a PhD or work towards being a Chartered Psychologist?

Question

I have just moved to Australia. I have a BSc in Psychology and an MSc in Forensic Psychology. I want to work as a Psychologist. I am in the process of choosing between undertaking a PhD (three years as a full paying International Student - $90,000 for 3 years) or choosing to undertake Chartership to become a Psychologist in Australia (two years - $15,000 for 2 years).

I wonder whether having a PhD would offer me more job prospects compared to having Chartership status as a Psychologist? I am very confused, and as I don't have any practical experience as a Psychologist (i.e. working as a Psychologist), I wonder if it would be more beneficial to gain this experience. Would being a Chartered Psychologist offer me better job prospects in Australia? and across the World?

Any help would be appreciated. Only serious answers please.

Answer 1

A good job or a good education. Or both. In the long run how would you feel ultimately without one or the other? Would you be able to live with yourself after having earned and payed for the higher PhD or would you be satisfied with the other lesser hard to reach Chartership. Are you willing to make the sacrifice of 3 years to obtain the PhD? And if you are willing are you able? I would go for it if I were able. I can tell you that it is better to have and not want then to want and not have. You will be able to work almost all of your life. You wont have the opportunity to obtain a higher education all your life. Are you just finding a way to procrastinate. Dont. Go for the PhD. I think you will feel better with yourself.

Answer 2

Why not do the $15,000 for 2 years, get a job after you're done there, see how well it pays etc, then if you still feel the need to pursue being a phd, you'll know you'll have the money because you have the job already. Just a suggestion

Answer 3

Do your PhD because there are plenty of psycho analysts around here. I would want some one to know what he/she is doing.