How to Become a Psychologist in Michigan
If you plan to learn and practice psychology in the “Wolverine State,” you’ll be happy to know that there is a decent job market for psychologists. According to the Michigan Labor Market, the healthcare industry is expected to grow 10% through the year 2030. The effects of this growth will be seen in the psychology industry as well, meaning new positions opening up and competitive pay for psychologists.
Patients place their trust in their psychologists and go to them for help with mental and emotional conditions that can range from mild to debilitating. This is a lot of responsibility the psychologist must take on, and although most are happy to do so, the state of Michigan needs to make sure that all psychologists are qualified to do so. Therefore, there is a strict set of requirements that individuals must meet in order to obtain licensure.
Education Requirements for Psychologist Licensing in Michigan
The first step in becoming a licensed psychologist in the state of Michigan (as with most other states) is obtaining a doctoral degree from a psychology program or a closely related field that is regionally accredited. It must also have the State and Provincial Psychology Boards’ National Register Designation or be accredited by the American Psychological Association. Michigan offers up a few great programs, including the ones available at Michigan State University and East Michigan University. You will find a complete list of campus-based programs and online doctoral programs here. Review the psychology degree options in MI.
Different doctoral programs can take different lengths of time to complete, but generally they take between 2 and 4 years. It’s best if you can find a program with a supervised residency or internship, as this will help you accumulate the necessary supervised experience you need in the state of Michigan.
Supervised Professional Experience Requirements for a Psychologist
Once you have obtained at least a Master’s Degree in psychology, you can be granted a limited license to practice psychology while you earn your supervised professional experience. You will need to earn at least 2 years’ experience; 1 year gained during schooling and the other gained after you’ve obtained your degree. The supervised experience must take place under a licensed psychologist. Once you’ve earned this experience, you can apply for the doctoral level license.
Note: To learn more about how to earn a psychology license in the state of Michigan, please visit the Michigan Board of Psychology - Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs.
Examinations for the Psychologist License in Michigan
The EPPP or the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology is the test required by Michigan law, and your final step before being issued a license. This examination consists of 225 multiple-choice questions that range from diagnosis to the different bases of behavior to intervention and ethics. The cost is about $600, and the board will notify you of your rejection or acceptance after they have reviewed your score.
Psychologist Career Outlook In Michigan
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that there are approximately 3,510 clinical, counseling, school, and other types of psychologists in the state of Michigan. In May of 2022, it was reported that these psychologists earned average annual salaries between $76,120 and $82,950 depending on specialty. The lowest ten percent of clinical and counseling psychologists on a national level earned lower than $42,760 and the top ten percent earned an annual median wage exceeding $168,790.
Find information regarding tuition, financial aid, enrollment dates, and curriculum by requesting information from the programs below:
Additional Psychology Resources for Michigan:
- Michigan Counselor Licensing
- Michigan Social Work Licensing
- Michigan Marriage and Family Therapist Licensing
- Explore Additional Psychologist Careers
2022 US Bureau of Labor Statistics and Michigan Labor Market job market trends and salary figures for clinical and counseling psychologists, school psychologists, and psychologists (all other) are based on national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed July 2023.
