Ignorance is Bliss

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.....