I want to work with patients.
2007-01-31 01:08:28 · 8 answers · asked by devinepromises 1 in Education & Reference ➔ Higher Education (University +)
Huh? A PhD is a doctorate. Yes, you should get one if you want to be a psychologist.
If you're thinking about a doctor like the person you go to if you're sick, that's a medical doctor (or MD). You have to go to med school for that. Totally different. You'd likely end up as a psychiatrist, meaning you can prescribe drugs which a psychologist can't.
2007-01-31 05:49:21 · answer #1 · answered by Linkin 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
People who work as counselors (addiction counselors and things like that) often have a masters degree, not a PhD. However, I don't believe that you can call yourself a psychologist and practice independently unless you have a PhD. Although psychologists can practice independently, many practice along with psychiatrists. Since a psychologist cannot prescribe medications, working in a clinic or practice with psychiatrists means that if you and the patient determine that meds are necessary you don't have to refer them to a completely different doctor to get them. The other way that some get around this is to get a PhD and a LNP. There's at least one program in the country where you can get the two concurrently.
2007-01-31 01:41:35 · answer #2 · answered by pag2809 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If I'm not mistaken you will need a PhD cause you will be working with patients, and given medication.
2007-01-31 01:20:36 · answer #3 · answered by yellowcar64 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
psychology is an area of work you can undertake without requiring a Phd, although a degree at Bsc or Ma level would be useful.
Don't confuse psychology with psychiatry which requires a medical degree Md.
2007-01-31 01:26:15 · answer #4 · answered by john k 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The doctorate is a PhD.
2007-01-31 02:05:35 · answer #5 · answered by Curt 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
If you want to have a job on your own terms in that field, you need a PhD.
2007-01-31 01:19:27 · answer #6 · answered by togashiyokuni2001 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If that is something that you have wanted to do for a long time I say go for it. I've been thinking about that for a long time about being a psychiatrist. I think you should do it so that is a yes!
2007-01-31 01:19:36 · answer #7 · answered by Shizzy 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
psyD
2007-01-31 01:19:28 · answer #8 · answered by Nicholas C 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋