Becoming a Clinical Psychologist in Vermont
Find Programs for Psychology Degrees in Vermont
At OnlinePsychologyDegrees.com, we want to be your resource for discovering and connecting you with schools in your area that offer psychology degrees. With our directory of schools in Vermont you can request information from multiple programs to be sure you choose the right one for you. Learn more about earning your clinical psychology degree, then request information from our featured schools below!
Earning your clinical psychology degree in Vermont offers both personal rewards and a variety of job roles.
Clinical psychologists assess, diagnose and treat:
- Behavioral
- Emotional
- Mental disorders
These professionals have the opportunity to help people deal with short-term personal issues or problems that arise from chronic conditions. Often, clinical psychologists give diagnostic tests and provide group, individual or family psychotherapy.
In addition, they design and implement behavior modification programs that help clients improve in their daily living skills. As a professional, you gain the personal reward of watching patients progress and lead more productive lives through your expertise.
Playing a direct role in improving the lives of those in need can give one a great feeling of self-accomplishment.
Clinical Psychology Degree Options and Curriculum
Educational programs in clinical psychology are available at the undergraduate, graduate and doctorate levels. Many of the bachelor’s and master’s degree programs in clinical psychology prepare students to work as community college instructors or mental health counselors.
In addition to a general course of study, typical clinical psychology curriculum programs include courses in:
- Abnormal psychology
- Diagnostic testing methods
- Biological origins of human behavior
- Mental health disorders
- Genetics
Students also learn different types of therapy models, such as cognitive therapy and dialectical behavioral therapy.
The doctoral program for clinical psychology is intensive and can take anywhere from five to seven years to complete
Students are required to complete a dissertation and a practicum internship in a clinical setting. With a doctorate degree, students can apply for state licensure and open their own private practice.
Licensure Requirements
The first step to attaining licensure as a clinical psychologist in Vermont is to have a doctorate degree in psychology from an institution that is approved by the American Psychological Association.
Candidates for state licensure are also required to have a minimum of 4,000 supervised professional experience.
Half of this supervised experience must be done while in the doctoral program, the other half must be complete post-doctorate. Applicants must also take and pass the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP).
This exam is administered by the Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards and is comprised of 225 multiple-choice questions. In Vermont, test takers are allowed three hours to complete the exam.
This nationally-recognized exam is offered several times throughout the year in Vermont. Applicants for state licensure must also submit three professional references and pass a criminal background check.
Career Outlook for Graduates in Vermont
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), licensed clinical psychologists earn a median annual wage of $65,000. Those who work as counselors with a bachelor’s or master’s degree earn an average of $41,000 per year.
The BLS also indicates that the job growth for this profession will be 22 percent through 2020. With this positive demand, the need for psychologists and counselors will be strong, and these professionals will be needed in a wide range of industries, including education and healthcare.
In the education industry, clinical psychologists are often hired by school districts to work with the special education population. They diagnose students and work closely with teachers to develop individual educational programs.
With both a growing population in Vermont and federally mandated educational laws, the demand for clinical psychologists in schools will be strong.
In the healthcare industry, licensed clinical psychologists can work in:
- An existing partnership
- Open their own practice
- Function as a psychologist at a substance abuse clinic
- Work in a hospital. In hospitals
Clinical psychologists often work as a team healthcare provider and collaborate with other hospital personnel, such as medical doctors and nurses. Overall, the job outlook for clinical psychologists in Vermont is very positive.
If you are ready to study behavioral psychology, contact the accredited programs below to get started. We recommend comparing multiple programs to be sure you choose the right one for you!
