How to Become a Psychiatrist Guide

Many people today who have the desire to help others in their professional career are considering the option to major in psychology. A psychology degree can open up many doors for a fulfilling and successful career in various niches within the field of therapy. This is a growing field that offers job security with a wonderful outlook in the future, and it also offers the ability to advance with experience and further education and training.

The Difference Between Psychology and Psychiatry

These two therapy-based careers are often confused with each other, and so a closer look should be taken at both. A psychology major is one that focuses on the clinical aspect of mental health. It may deal with mental illness, behavioral disorders, and more. Different forms of non-medicated therapy options are pursued as treatment options. A psychiatry major, on the other hand, is one that is pursued through medical school. Before becoming a psychiatrist, a professional will earn a medical degree and attend residency in a psychiatry department of a hospital. One of the key differences with psychiatry is that these professionals are able to prescribe prescription medications as a treatment option. Many people initially consider how to become a psychiatrist and then opt to major in psychology when they learn medical school is required for a career in psychiatry.

Educational Requirements For a Psychologist

For those interested in pursuing psychology as a major, there are many programs available to choose from in both public and private colleges and universities. To become a psychologist, a professional needs to have a Bachelor’s degree in this major as well as a Master’s degree, too. Professionals wishing to work in the field by teaching psychology or in a research setting often obtain their PhD. It should be noted that while many schools today offer this psychology as a major, not all schools will offer niche areas of specialized education. For instance, those interested in working with special types of mental illness or special groups of children may benefit from finding a school that offers special classes on these topics.

Top Psychology Schools

Many schools across the country offer a psychology degree program that students can pursue. However, some stand apart from the rest as top schools for psychology majors. Among the top schools for those pursing psychology degrees are:

• Stanford University
• University of California – Berkeley
• Harvard University
• University of California – Los Angeles
• University of Michigan – Ann Arbor

With a Major in Psychology

There are different levels of education that a professional can pursue with a degree in psychology. Some may choose to earn a Bachelor’s degree and then seek a job in a professional work environment. Some of the career options available to those with a Bachelor’s degree in this field include:

• Rehabilitation Specialist
• Career Counseling
• Case Manager or Social Worker
• Psychiatric Technician

Additional career opportunities are available to those who continue on with education and pursue a Master’s degree in this field. With a Master’s degree, professionals may pursue work in areas such as:

• Licensed Social Worker
• Counselor or Therapist
• Clinical Psychologist

Some professionals will continue on with formal education to earn a PhD in this field. There are more advanced career opportunities available to a psychology major with a PhD. Some of these options include:

• Researcher
• Psychology Teacher or Professor

Career Advancement

In some areas of psychology, there is room for advancement as a professional gains experience in the field. For instance, a social worker may move into a supervisory or managerial role after gaining several years of professional work experience. In other areas of psychology, a professional may progress in different ways in his or her career. For instance, a clinical psychologist may begin a career working at a hospital or mental health center, but may later move into his or her own private practice.

Career Outlook

Before pursuing a major in psychology, it is interesting to note the career outlook for professionals in this field. Job growth is anticipated to grow in most areas of psychology over the next ten years. This field growth includes new opportunities in various work environments including public and private social service agencies, hospitals and specialized healthcare centers, schools and educational environments, and more.

Many people today make the decision to pursue psychology as a career of choice. Some may earn a Bachelor’s degree and work in the field with their degree while earning a Master’s degree through evening or online education. This is a great way to continue the education process while also gaining real-life work experience. Some may consider pursuing additional education only after years of experience in the field when they are ready to branch out into different areas of the field. With a major in psychology, there are many different career opportunities and paths available to consider.