How to Become a Psychologist in Massachusetts
The state of Massachusetts has a growing psychology industry, so if you plan to become a psychologist in this state, you’ll enjoy competitive pay. You also shouldn’t have difficulty finding a position. The Massachusetts Labor and Workforce Development Office states that psychology jobs will grow 17.6% through the year 2020.
Before becoming a psychologist, individuals will need to gain a significant amount of education and experience. In addition, they’ll have to pass a state examination to prove that they’re ready for licensure. Because a psychologist assumes a lot of responsibility with each patient he or she sees, the state wants to ensure that all applicants are highly qualified and ready to assume that responsibility. Individuals are not permitted to use the title “psychologist” until they have earned a psychology license.
Education Requirements for Psychologist Licensing in Massachusetts
If you want to be a psychologist in the “Bay State,” you’ll need to first obtain a doctoral degree in psychology or a closely related industry. The program should be accredited by the American Psychological Association. Massachusetts offers up a few different doctoral programs in psychology, including those available from the University of Massachusetts Boston, Harvard University and Lesley University. You will find a full list of campus-based and online doctoral programs for Massachusetts here.
A doctoral program will generally take anywhere from 2 to 4 additional years (after you’ve graduated from a master’s program). This will depend upon your current educational background and the program you choose. The doctoral requirement does not apply to you if you’re pursuing a career in school psychology; for this career, you must obtain at least a master’s degree that includes an advanced practicum of at least 1,200 hours. Learn more about a psychology degree in Massachusetts.
Supervised Professional Experience Requirements for a Psychologist
In the state of Massachusetts, the next step in becoming a psychologist is to complete at least 2 years of supervised experience. This can include an internship of some sort in the field of psychology; from assisting a licensed psychologist, researching or teaching.
Note: To learn more about how to earn a psychology license in the state of Massachusetts, please visit the Board of Registration of Psychologists.
Psychology Career Outlook In Massachusetts
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that there are approximately 3,960 clinical, counseling and school psychologists in the state of Michigan. In May of 2011, it was reported that these psychologists earned an annual median wage of $77,070. The median wage is the center line of the data, meaning that half of the psychologists in the state earned more than $77,070 while the other half earned less. The lowest ten percent of psychologists on a national level earned lower than $39,060 and the top ten percent earned an annual median wage exceeding $110,410.
