If you have ever thought about becoming a psychologist, then this article is for you. You'll learn everything you ever wanted to know about becoming a psychologist. Enjoy guys!
Despite potentially grueling schedules and emotional demands, psychologists report great satisfaction in their jobs; the gratification they receive from helping others keeps them in the field.
These individuals assess and diagnose the psychological functioning and behavioral, emotional and cognitive disorders of clients. They counsel ans treat them to help maintain or improve their functioning (psychological, social, emotional, etc.). Information, health promotion, prevention of suicide, illness, accidents, and social problems are part of their professional practice. In general, psychologist cannot prescribe medication.
In the public sector, a typical day can be quite hectic. They usually don't have a fixed schedule. On the other hand, in the private sector, the already have a fixed schedule that they make and can even work during after hours and weekends. There is also psychologists that own a practice, so they are there own boss.
A psychologist's can either work in clinical, research or education. Usually, most of them work in the clinical field. There's either the public or private field.
In Quebec, you need to complete a DEC in Cegep which is a College Diplomat of at least two years. Personally, I am in Social Science. Then, you will have to University to complete a Bachelor degree in psychology of 4 years followed by a Master degree of 2 years and often a Doctoral degree of 4 to 6 years. But it doesn't end yet. You will also have to do the province exams in order to obtain a permit from the Ordre psychologues du Québec and have at least 2 300 hours of supervised practical experience as part of the doctoral program in psychology. So, you will need at least 8 to 12 years of school post-secondary.
Usually, you make more money in the private sector than the public one. For provinces like British Colombia, Alberta and Ontario, psychologists get paid $93 per hour for a big total of $214 500 per year.
Licensed psychologists also need to complete continuing education, such as conferences, research and classes, every year throughout their career to stay up to date with advances in their field.
Some of the patients a psychologist are mentally ill. It can sometimes be tricky during the consultation. One of my professors in Cegep once told me that one of her patients wasn't feeling well mentally at all so after their usual appointment, she called 911 after the patient said goodbye forever. She later found that the patient had a gun in his coat and was about to commit suicide. Thankfully, the police made it in time.
A robot can listen to you talk about your day the life problems but they won't be able to intervene if you have mental health problems and guide you to a professional like a psychiatrist. So I would say there is a 35% that psychologists will be replaced by robots soon.
There isn't really an age for retirement in psychology. Usually, in Quebec, people retire at the age of 60-65 years old.
So, I hope this was useful and that you guys have learned more about the work as a psychologist.
Rationale: to inform or educate
Authority: government
Date: subject to change soon
Accuracy: probably true
Relevance: relevant for this document
Rationale: to inform or educate
Authority: government
Date: subject to change soon
Accuracy: probably true
Relevance: relevant for this document
Rationale: to inform or educate
Authority: government
Date: still relevant
Accuracy: probably true
Relevance: relevant for this document