Maybe sometimes. I was happy when I was ignorant about what it would take to become a psychologist. And now I think I was stupid!
Of course, I knew I needed a Bachelors in Psychology, and a Master's degree too.
But when I came to the United States, I realized that was NOT ENOUGH.
I earned my Master's degree in Clinical Psychology from Michigan, which is one of the few states that allows Masters-Level Psychologists. But in order to practice, I needed to work 1000 hours to get a TLLP (Temp Limited License), thereafter work 2000 hours to get an LLP (Limited License in Psychology) only to realize that this license will never allow me to practice independently, without supervision.
So I decided to pursue a doctoral degree (and you guys already know about the psy.d/ph.d distinction). In this program, I realized that after I graduate, I have to work 2000 hours (oh no..not again) before I can take a licensing exam. This exam varies from state to state. Some have a written exam, while some also add an oral component to it. I also need to take a national licensing exam. And once I pass these exams (pass rate is 70%), I can be a fully-licensed psychologist!!
That's not all! Over and above that, we have to earn 6 continuing education credits each year.
WHY OH WHY!!!!! Maybe I should have stuck to my dream of becoming a teacher.....
Showing posts with label education. Show all posts
Showing posts with label education. Show all posts
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
Psy.D vs. Ph.D in Clinical Psychology
Ok, I lied in my last post. I don't have a Ph.D. I am on my way to getting a Psy.D.
Uh no..not SIDEY..its Psy.D=Doctor of Psychology.
Yes, there is such a thing. I am not making it up. I still qualify to being a false doctor.
What's the difference between a Ph.D and a Psy.D, you may ask, as do the millions who drop their jaws when I tell them what I am doing, and wait for the answer before they run for the door.
This difference is basic. A Ph.D degree is more focused on research, publications, and collection of data while a Psy.D degree is more focused on field experiences, intensive practicum, and lots of real patients before we graduate.
So which one is better? Go figure. I personally feel that Psy.D's can do more justice to you because they have had the real experiences as opposed to bookish or theoretical knowledge, while under supervision. But that is my own personal bias.
Most states in the United States do not give the title of a "psychologist" to anyone who does not have a doctorate degree and the appropriate license to practice (which is a whole new story). So if there is someone who has a Master's degree and poses to be a psychologist, they are probably fooling you or ripping you off! So beware!!!
Why so much education for someone who just sits on their butt and listens to people drone? Because we are dealing with real lives here. Real people. It is no joke.
So if you have taken a psychology 101 class in your undergraduate coursework, please refrain from doing "psychoanalysis" on other people. That is one of my pet peeves. And then I wonder, "If I could do psychoanalysis by taking one class, what the heck am I doing in this "sidey" program for 5 freaking years only to be paid a measly $60,000 a year?"
GROAN!
Uh no..not SIDEY..its Psy.D=Doctor of Psychology.
Yes, there is such a thing. I am not making it up. I still qualify to being a false doctor.
What's the difference between a Ph.D and a Psy.D, you may ask, as do the millions who drop their jaws when I tell them what I am doing, and wait for the answer before they run for the door.
This difference is basic. A Ph.D degree is more focused on research, publications, and collection of data while a Psy.D degree is more focused on field experiences, intensive practicum, and lots of real patients before we graduate.
So which one is better? Go figure. I personally feel that Psy.D's can do more justice to you because they have had the real experiences as opposed to bookish or theoretical knowledge, while under supervision. But that is my own personal bias.
Most states in the United States do not give the title of a "psychologist" to anyone who does not have a doctorate degree and the appropriate license to practice (which is a whole new story). So if there is someone who has a Master's degree and poses to be a psychologist, they are probably fooling you or ripping you off! So beware!!!
Why so much education for someone who just sits on their butt and listens to people drone? Because we are dealing with real lives here. Real people. It is no joke.
So if you have taken a psychology 101 class in your undergraduate coursework, please refrain from doing "psychoanalysis" on other people. That is one of my pet peeves. And then I wonder, "If I could do psychoanalysis by taking one class, what the heck am I doing in this "sidey" program for 5 freaking years only to be paid a measly $60,000 a year?"
GROAN!
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