After I get my Masters in Psychology, can I get my license to work as a psychologist?

Question

Or is there something else I must do first?

Answer 1

It varies from state to state. In Pennsylvania, you used to be able to take the test to be licensed as a psychologist with an M.A. or an M.S. in Psychology, but the law was changed to require a Ph. D., Ed. D., or a Psy. D. to be licensed.
http://www.dos.state.pa.us/bpoa/LIB/bpoa/20/10/psybd-act.pdf

However, you can be licensed in Pennsylvania to be a "school psychologist" with a masters degree.

Answer 2

you do no longer choose a Masters in scientific psychology to get a Ph.D. in scientific psychology even if it helps. A Ph.D. in scientific psychology has many scientific direction standards. Many require circumstances that are commonly achieved in a Masters point application. each college is slightly diverse. in case you already know the place you want to acquire your Ph.D., it will succeed so get a replica of the curriculum and see precisely what are the must haves. yet many colleges will settle for you with yet another Masters (e.g., Experimental Psych, Developmental Psych, everyday, etc.). you have gotten some catching as much as do. in simple terms make confident the school is APA approved- mandatory in maximum states to acquire the license. BTW- exhibiting a school which you're working in some part of Psychology (e.g. as a psychological affiliate) can help a great deal with admissions.

Answer 3

depending on the state you live in, you can get licensed with a Master's in psychology to be a THERAPIST. Ohio does not license at the Master's level, Kentucky does... so check out the requirements in your state.

By definition a "psychologist" has a doctorate (PhD, PsyD, EdD), you cannot call yourself a psychologist with a Master's (that's what i have).

Answer 4

This is how it works in California - I don't know where you are from, but it is probably similar.

If you get a masters in psychology, you have to get 3000 hours of supervised experience in order to take your test for licensure as a marriage and family therapist - you can get up to 1300 of these hours before you finish your degree, but most people get around 500.

If you get a PhD in psychology, you have to get 3000 hours of supervised experience, with 1500 of these hours post doctorate to get your license as a psychologist. You usually get 1500 hours by graduation.

In both instances - you get some of this experience before graduation and after. It takes about two years after graduation to be able to qualify to take either test for licensure.

Answer 5

No, to be a psychologist you have to get a Ph.D. in Psychology.