license.

That is, they offer a license but do not require

PSYCHOLOGIST that marriage and family therapists obtain one.
Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC). Similar to the
A psychologist is a professional who evaluates and MFT, the LPC license requires a master's or doctorate
studies behavior and mental processes (see degree, a minimum number of hours of supervised
also psychology). In order to become a psychologist, clinical experience in a pre-doc practicum, and the
a person must complete a doctoral (PsyD or PhD) passing of the National Counselor Exam. Similar licenses
degree. This definition of a psychologist is non-exclusive. are the Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC),
In most state jurisdictions, members of other behavioral Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC), and
professions (such as counselors and psychiatrists) can Clinical Counselor in Mental Health (CCMH). In some
also evaluate, diagnose, treat, and study mental states, after passing the exam, a temporary LPC license
processes. There are many types of psychologists as is awarded and the clinician may begin the normal
reflected by the 56 divisions of the American 3000-hour supervised internship leading to the full
Psychological Association (APA). Some of the license allowing for the practice as a counselor or
major categories include clinical, counseling, psychotherapist, usually under the supervision of a
and educational psychologists; professionals licensed psychologist. [Some jurisdictions have
who work with persons in a variety of therapeutic exemptions that allow counseling to be practiced
contexts. There are also other categories such without meeting the requirements for a license. That is,
as industrial, they offer a license but do not require that counselors
organizational and community psychologists; obtain one.
professionals who apply psychological research, theories
and techniques to "real-world" problems that apply to Licensed Psychological Associate (LPA) About twenty-
mainly to business, industry, social benefit six states offer a master's-only license, a common one
organizations, government; and academics. being the LPA, which allows for the therapist to either
Psychology can be divided into two general categories - practice independently or (more commonly) under the
Applied Psychology which includes "practitioners" or supervision of a licensed psychologist, depending on the
"professionals; and research-orientated psychology state.[44] Common requirements are two to four years of
which includes "scientists" or "scholars". The training post-master's supervised clinical experience and passing
models endorsed by the APA require that applied a Psychological Associates Examination. Other titles for
psychologists be trained as both researchers and this level of licensing include psychological technician
practitioners, and that they possess advanced degrees. (Alabama), psychological assistant (California), licensed
People often think of the discipline as involving clinical clinical psychotherapist (Kansas), licensed psychological
or counseling psychology. While counseling practitioner (Minnesota), licensed behavioral
and psychotherapy are common activities for practitioner (Oklahoma), licensed psychological
psychologists, these applied fields are just one branch in associate (North Carolina) or psychological examiner
the larger domain of psychology. (Tennessee).

There are professions whose scope of practice overlaps Licensed behavior analysts
with the practice of psychology (particularly with Main article: Professional practice of behavior analysis
respect to providing psychotherapy) and for which a Licensed behavior analysts are licensed in five states to
license is required. provide services for clients with substance
abuse, developmental disabilities, and mental illness.
Psychologist. To practice with the title of "psychologist", This profession draws on the evidence base of applied
in almost all cases a Doctorate degree is required (a PhD behavior analysis and the philosophy of behaviorism.
or PsyD in the U.S.). Normally, after the degree, the Behavior analysts have at least a master's degree
practitioner must fulfill a certain number of supervised in behavior analysis or in a mental health related
postdoctoral hours ranging from 1,500-3,000 (usually discipline as well as at least five core courses in applied
taking one to two years), and passing the EPPP and any behavior analysis. Many behavior analysts have a
other provincial exams.[ doctorate. Most programs have a formalized internship
program and several programs are offered online. Most
Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT). An MFT license practitioners have passed the examination offered by
requires a Doctorate or master's degree. In addition, it the behavior analysis certification board.[3] The model
usually involves two years of post-degree clinical licensing act for behavior analysts can be found at
experience under supervision, and licensure requires the Association for Behavior Analysis International's
passing a written exam, commonly the National website.
Examination for Marriage and Family Therapists which is
maintained by the American Association for Marriage Professional practice
and Family Therapy. In addition, most states require an Clinical psychologists can offer a range of professional
oral exam. MFTs, as the title implies, work mostly with services,[60] including:
families and couples, addressing a wide range of
common psychological problems. Some jurisdictions Provide psychological treatment
have exemptions that allow marriage and family therapy (psychotherapy)
to be practiced without meeting the requirements for a Administer and interpret psychological
assessment and testing
 Conduct psychological research conditions that can present similarly to psychiatric
Teaching diseases.
Development of prevention programs Psychologists generally do not prescribe medication.
Consultation (especially with schools and Although, in some jurisdictions, psychologists have
businesses) limited prescribing privileges. Clinical and other
psychologists are experts at psychotherapy (typically
Program administration clinical psychologists are trained in a number of
Provide expert testimony (forensics) psychological therapies, including, behavioral, cognitive,
In practice, clinical psychologists may work with humanistic, existential, psychodynamic, and systemic
individuals, couples, families, or groups in a variety of approaches), and psychological testing (e.g.
settings, including private practices, hospitals, mental including neuropsychological testing). In three US states
health organizations, schools, businesses, and non-profit (Illinois, Louisiana, and New Mexico), some
agencies. Most clinical psychologists who engage in psychologists with post-doctoral pharmacology training
research and teaching do so within a college or have been granted prescriptive authority for certain
university setting. Clinical psychologists may also choose mental health disorders upon agreement with the
to specialize in a particular fieldcommon areas of patient's physician.
specialization. Some of which can earn board
certification include: PSYCHOLOGY: SCIENCE IN ACTION
Specific Practicing psychologists have the professional training
disorders (e.g. trauma, addiction, eating, sleep, and clinical skills to help people learn to cope more
sex, depression, anxiety, or phobias) effectively with life issues and mental health problems.
Neuropsychological disorders After years of graduate school and supervised training,
Child and adolescent they become licensed by their states to provide a
Family and relationship counseling number of services, including evaluations and
Health psychotherapy. Psychologists help by using a variety of
Sport techniques based on the best available research and
Forensic consider someone's unique values, characteristics, goals
Organization and business and circumstances. Psychologists with doctoral degrees
School (either a PhD, PsyD or EdD) receive one of the highest
levels of education of all health care professionals,
Contrast with psychiatrists spending an average of seven years in education and
Main article: Psychiatrist training after they receive their undergraduate degrees.
See also: Clinical psychology The American Psychological Association estimates that
Although clinical psychologists and psychiatrists may there are about 105,000 licensed psychologists in the
share the same fundamental aimthe alleviation of United States.
mental distresstheir training, outlook, and
methodologies are often different. Perhaps the most What they do
significant difference is that psychiatrists are Practicing psychologists help a wide variety of people
licensed physicians. As such, psychiatrists often use and can treat many kinds of problems. Some people
the medical model to assess mental health problems may talk to a psychologist because they have
and rely on psychotropic medications as the chief felt depressed, angry or anxious for a long time. Or, they
method of addressing mental health problems. Clinical want help for a chronic condition that is interfering with
psychologists receive extensive training in psychological their lives or physical health. Others may have short-
test administration, scoring, interpretation, and term problems they want help navigating, such as
reporting (psychiatrists are not trained in psychological feeling overwhelmed by a new job or grieving the death
testing and cannot administer Qualification Level C of a family member. Psychologists can help people learn
Tests). These tests help to inform diagnostic decisions to cope with stressful situations, overcome addictions,
and treatment planning. For example, in a medical manage their chronic illnesses and break past the
center, a patient with a complicated clinical presentation barriers that keep them from reaching their goals.
who is being seen by a psychiatrist might be referred to Practicing psychologists are also trained to administer
a clinical psychologist for psychological testing to aid in and interpret a number of tests and assessments that
diagnosis and treatment. In addition, psychologists can help diagnose a condition or tell more about the
(particularly those from Ph.D. programs) spend several way a person thinks, feels and behaves. These tests may
years in graduate school being trained to conduct evaluate intellectual skills, cognitive strengths and
behavioral research, including research design and weaknesses, vocational aptitude and preference,
advanced statistical analysis. While this training is personality characteristics and neuropsychological
available for physicians via dual MD/Ph.D. programs, it is functioning.
not typically included in medical education. Conversely,
psychiatrists, as licensed physicians, have received How they help
training more broadly in other areas such as medicine Practicing psychologists can help with a range of health
and neurology and may bring this knowledge to bear in problems and use an assortment of evidence-based
identifying and treating medical or neurological treatments to help people improve their lives. Most
commonly, they use therapy (often referred to as
psychotherapy or talk therapy). There are many
different styles of therapy, but the psychologist will paraphrasing or reproduction in a commercial work,
choose the type that best addresses the persons must be presented in writing to the APA.Images from
problem and best fits the patients characteristics and the APA Help Center may not be reproduced.
preferences. Some common types of therapy are
cognitive, behavioral, cognitive-behavioral, Psychology Careers
interpersonal, humanistic, psychodynamic or a Psychology is similar to other social sciences in that it
combination of a few therapy styles. Therapy can be for uses theories to explain the things you observe.
an individual, couples, family or other group. Some However, psychology differs from other social sciences
psychologists are trained to use hypnosis, which in that the focus is placed on the individual and their
research has found to be effective for a wide range of behavior rather than a group. Psychologists focus on the
conditions including pain, anxiety and mood disorders. feelings and beliefs that form an individuals thought
For some conditions, therapy and medication are a patterns and guide their actions. In some situations,
treatment combination that works best. For people who they also mold those behavior and thought patterns into
benefit from medication, psychologists work with something that is productive to the individual rather
primary care physicians, pediatricians and psychiatrists than destructive. Because of this huge responsibility,
on their overall treatment. Three states, New Mexico, psychologists are asked to undergo years of education
Louisiana and Illinois, have laws allowing licensed and training. Psychology is a fascinating field that
psychologists with additional, specialized training to studies human behavior and the way people think
prescribe from a list of medications that improve through research, observation, analyzing and
emotional and mental health disorders, such as interpretation of how people relate to their
depression and anxiety. environment and other people. The field of psychology
offers plenty of diverse, varied jobs for individuals that
How they are trained are qualified. Those with psychologist jobs may work in
A doctoral degree to practice psychology requires at the clinical field, meaning they work in schools,
least 4-6 years of full-time study after completing an hospitals, clinics or the private sector. Others may be
undergraduate degree. Coursework includes areas such employed by businesses, nonprofit organizations,
as ethics, statistics, individual differences and the government or industry as they conduct research
biological, cognitive-affective and social bases of provide training, design systems for organization, or act
behavior, as well as specific training in psychological as advocates for the growing field of psychology.
assessment and therapy. While in graduate school, Psychologists often have the option and the benefit of
psychology students may also participate in research running their own business. Statistics show that close to
and teaching. A one-year full-time 34% of psychologists are self-employed as independent
supervised internship is required prior to graduation consultants or private practitioners. Compared to other
and in most states an additional year of supervised industries and occupations, this number is four times
practice is required before licensure. Psychologists must above the national average. While knowledge of
pass a national examination and addition examination psychology can be applied in almost any situation, and
specific to the state in which they are being licensed. the study of human behavior is relevant to all industries,
Once licensed to practice, psychologists must keep up those with psychologist careers often focus their
their knowledge, which is demonstrated by earning learning and employment in one specific area.
several hours of continuing education credits annually, Those who are interested in the field of psychology are
as required by their states license and regulations. usually drawn to how humans act and why they do the
For the states where psychologists are allowed to things they do. With the appropriate degree in
prescribe medication, they must have advanced training psychology, you can often help others turn bad habits
after they are licensed. Specific education guidelines and behaviors into productive, positive responses that
vary by state, but they must complete a specialized change lives. While success is never guaranteed, the
training program or masters degree in right training, experience and education make it more
psychopharmacology. likely that you will help others live better lives.

Where they work Psychologist

Many practicing psychologists manage their own private Those who are qualified to practice as a psychologist
practice or working with a group of other psychologists may specialize in one of the following areas:
or health care providers. Practicing psychologists work
in many other places too. They are found in schools, Health Psychologist
colleges and universities, hospitals and prisons, Child Psychologist
veterans medical centers, community health and Consumer Psychologist
mental health clinics, businesses and industry, nursing Cognitive Psychologist
homes, and rehabilitation and long-term care centers. Social Psychologist
Updated July 2014 Sports Psychologist
The full text of articles from APA Help Center may be Educational Psychologist
reproduced and distributed for noncommercial Forensic Psychologist
purposes with credit given to the American Clinical Psychologist
Psychological Association. Any electronic reproductions Counseling Psychologist
must link to the original article on the APA Help Center. Military Psychologist
Any exceptions to this, including excerpting,
 Media Psychology
For those who choose to pursue an advanced degree in Primary Therapist
Psychology, the career prospects are virtually endless. Art Therapist
Many choose a specialty that falls within their field of Music Therapist
interest, while others are focused on the money they Existential Therapist
would like to make. Psychologists are often able to help Exercise Therapist
people struggling in a variety of different situations. Marriage and Family Therapist
They are tasked with changing behaviors and patterns
through better thought processes and deep insight into Working in therapy gives you the opportunity to take
the psyche. the knowledge you earned while in school and apply it
in a real-life setting where you can change lives for the
Counseling better.
Careers in psychology also include opportunities to
counsel others in a variety of different settings. Most Employment Opportunities With Psychology Degrees
individuals choose to specialize in one of the following There are many interesting statistics about degrees in
areas: psychology. Each year, thousands of people choose to
earn a degree in psychology because they are fascinated
Victims Advocate with how the mind works and how it affects an
Child Abuse Counselor individual.
Child Counseling
Career Counseling In 2012, there were close to 160,200 psychologist jobs
Military Chaplain 21% of psychologists were employed in healthcare
Marriage, Family and Child Counseling settings like outpatient mental abuse centers, substance
Domestic Violence Counseling abuse centers, hospitals and physicians offices
Community Counseling 29% of psychologists are employed by educational
Rehabilitation Counseling institutions doing things other than teaching, such as
Substance Abuse counseling testing, research, administration and counseling
Veterans Counselor Psychologists are also employed by the government at
Gerontological Counseling both the federal and the state level for correctional
Licensed Professional Counseling facilities and law enforcement

Counseling gives you an opportunity to take your In 8 years, the projected employment of psychologists is
knowledge and apply it in situations where individuals set to rise by 18,700 jobs
truly need your help. Many come to a counselor when
they are battling an addiction, a mental illness, or even a These statistics illustrate the fact that there are plenty of
particularly hard time in life. A psychologist with the opportunities for employment for those who are
right training and experience can guide an individual interested in and would like to get an education in the
through a rough spot in life. field of psychology.
Social Work
Various career opportunities exist in social work Most psychologists will gain several years of experience
for those with degrees in psychology. Choose working in the field before they set up a private practice
from one of the following fulfilling careers when or consulting firm. In 2012, about 35% of these
you are qualified: individuals were self-employed as private practitioners.
Substance Abuse Social Work These are individuals with a doctoral degree in
Army Mental Health Specialist psychology. Psychologists are also drawn to educational
Public Health Social Work careers, and many hold faculty positions in high schools,
Child Welfare Social Work universities or colleges.
Mental Health Social Work
Geographic Information About Psychology Careers
Clinical Social Work
The state you live in plays a huge role in your ability to
Medical Social Work
get a job once you have earned your degree. If you plan
Disability Case Manager
to earn your degree and set up a private practice,
Geriatric Social Work
location is a key part of success. States with the highest
number of psychologist include:
You may choose to work with those who are
overcoming addiction, those who are entering society
Florida
again after serving in the Armed Forces, or those who
California
are aging and need to make adjustments in life.
Texas
New York
Therapy
Maryland
Therapy offers unique opportunities for therapists and
students to work in a growing, popular field. Many
While these states have a higher number of
individuals choose to work in the following
psychologists, that doesnt necessarily make them the
specializations with a therapy degree:
best places to set up a private practice. In all states,
there is a great need for those with education in and deal with diverse situations every day. Those who
psychology, both at the educational and clinical level. If are interested in the field of psychology have many
psychology is something you are interested in pursuing, career options if they obtain the right qualifications.
there are great opportunities for jobs all over the
country, and the world. Job Outlook and the Future
Information About Clinical, Counseling and School Choosing a career is a big decision, and not something
Psychologists you should take lightly. When you choose your field, you
Within the field of psychology, the largest employment must know that you have a future, and that there will be
group is created of clinical, counseling and school a job waiting when you are done. Fortunately, jobs in
psychologists. On average, these individuals make psychology are expected to grow just as fast as other
around $65,000 a year and growth is projected to be professional industries through 2022 in the United
around 11% for the next few years. While this is slightly States.
lower than the growth rate for psychologists, it is higher
than the average rate for most occupations in the Those with a doctoral degree should choose an applied
United States. The following industries expect huge specialty in order to increase their chances of getting a
growth and need for clinical, counseling and school job. Those with a masters degree may face strict
psychologists. competition for jobs unless they choose industrial or
organizational psychology to specialize in. It is more
Elementary and Secondary Education difficult to find a job in the field with just a bachelors
Health Practitioner Offices degree, although there are plenty of entry level jobs
Family and Individual Counseling available throughout the country. It is common for those
Outpatient Care with a bachelors degree in psychology to pursue a job
State Government in another industry or field when jobs arent as plentiful
in the field.
If pay is an issue, the following industries offer the
highest paycheck for those with the appropriate Over a period of ten years, from 2012-2022,
qualification and education. employment opportunities in the field are expected to
grow by 12%. This meets the average for jobs in other
Research and Development industries and fields. This growth is due to an increased
Specialty Clinics and Hospitals demand to have a psychologist on hand in the following
Employment Services settings:
General Medicine
Substance abuse treatment clinics
Health Practitioner Offices Social service agencies
States that have the highest employment level for these Hospitals
jobs are: Schools
Consulting firms
California Mental health centers
New York Private companies
Pennsylvania
Texas If you are interest in a job in the field of psychology,
Illinois these are good places to funnel your education and
Massachusetts research toward.
Ohio
New Jersey Changes in Employment
Florida As children and teens deal with complex problems in
North Carolina school like bullying, the need for school psychologists
increases. They are given the task of dealing with
Most industries employ some type of counselor, and the general student counseling, work with special needs or
following (in order) are likely to hire more than others: disabled students, deal with drug abuse, manage
personal crisis, and teach students to process their
Elementary and Secondary Schools problems and learn in an educational setting.
Offices of Health Practitioners Qualified clinical psychologists are more necessary than
Individuals and Family Services ever in a world where healthcare costs are skyrocketing
Outpatient Care Centers due to unhealthy lifestyles. These individuals deal with
State Government things like alcoholism, obesity and smoking and how to
Hospitals treat and prevent these problems. This also creates a
Local Government need for more counseling and clinical specialties.
Substance Abuse and Psychiatric Hospitals Counseling and clinical psychologist are also more
Professionals Schools, Colleges and Universities needed than ever to help individuals cope with mental
disorders like depression, problems with family and
This illustrates the fact that an individual with the right marriage, job stress, and many different addictions that
training and education can work in a variety of fields can bleed into every aspect of life.
Those interested in geropsychology are given the chance doctorate degree in psychology. Once education is
to work with an increasing number of elderly individuals complete and the degree is earned, the individual must
as they deal with the mental and physical changes that pass a licensing exam given by the state licensing board.
occur as they age. This exam is a comprehensive evaluation of what you
As veterans return from war and are asked to adjust to have learned, and may come in essay, multiple choice or
civilian life, they may require the services of a verbal response sections, although the requirements are
psychologist to help them adjust. This results in an different in each state. Psychologists may also be asked
increased need for clinical psychologists that are to undergo a short residency or internship before they
specially trained to work with these individuals. are allowed to practice on their own or become eligible
Many private companies and corporations also employ for a state license.
psychologists to increase retention rates and boost Employment Resources
worker productivity throughout the company. Those Fortunately, once you obtain your degree, you are not
who specialize in industrial or organizational psychology alone in your job search. While the field may be
are likely to be in high demand over the next decade. competitive, there are plenty of groups to help people
These professionals are also asked to help deal with in your exact situation. Join professional organizations
issues like diversity in the workplace and and associations in the field to help you make
antidiscrimination policies. Those with expertise and connections to find more information about jobs with
training in research, analysis and survey design are likely psychology degrees.
to find a job without any problems.
Psychologists study cognitive, emotional, and social
Job Prospects processes and human behavior by observing,
Those with a doctoral degree in an applied specialty interpreting, and recording how people relate to one
from an accredited university are likely to get jobs first. another and their environments.
These applied specialties can include counseling or
healthcare. Job prospects are also plentiful for those Duties
with a doctoral degree or specialization in school Psychologists typically do the following:
psychology. If you want a competitive advantage over Conduct scientific studies of behavior and brain
others in the field, look closely at computer science and function
training in quantitative research methods. Collect information through observations, interviews,
Those with a masters degree in psychology may find it surveys, and other methods
harder to get a job, and are more likely to work under Research and identify behavioral or emotional patterns
the direction of a licensed psychologist or as an assistant Test for patterns that will help them better understand
to a professional. There may also be opportunities for and predict behavior
employment in the fields of research and data collection Use their knowledge to increase understanding among
for those who want to work for universities, private individuals and groups
companies or the government. Psychology seeks to understand and explain thoughts,
Most job candidates already have a bachelors degree emotions, feelings, and behavior. Depending on the
and some type of graduate experience before entering topic of study, psychologists use techniques such as
the job field, so it may be more difficult for those with observation, assessment, and experimentation to
just a bachelors degree to find a job. Those with a develop theories about the beliefs and feelings that
bachelors degree are most likely to work in research or influence a persons actions.
in rehabilitation centers as assistants. With the right Psychologists often gather information and evaluate
certification, those with a Bachelors degree in behavior through controlled laboratory experiments,
psychology can also teach the subject at a high school psychoanalysis, or psychotherapy. They also may
level. administer personality, performance, aptitude, or
intelligence tests. They look for relationships or
Licensure patterns of behavior between events, and use this
State and federal law mandate that any psychologist information when testing theories in their research or
that provides direct services to patients in a private treating patients.
practice must meet certain requirements. These The following are examples of types of psychologists:
requirements are different in each state and in the
specific focus of education and training. Before you start Clinical psychologists assess, diagnose, and treat
your own private practice and begin counseling others, mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders. Clinical
it is essential that you are aware of your states licensure psychologists help people deal with problems ranging
requirements and that you have met them. Failure to do from short-term personal issues to severe, chronic
so can result in loss of your job or your license. conditions.
Once you have your state license, you have been given Clinical psychologists are trained to use a variety of
the seal of approval to treat others as you are capable approaches to help individuals. Although strategies
and trained to effectively help your clients. In most generally differ by specialty, clinical psychologists often
situations, state licenses only allow a psychologist to interview patients, give diagnostic tests, and provide
practice within the area of his or her specialty or individual, family, or group psychotherapy. They also
education. design behavior modification programs and help
Before they can be eligible for licensure, most clinical patients implement their particular program.
and counseling psychologists are required to have a
Some clinical psychologists focus on certain based professionals to suggest improvements to
populations, such as children or the elderly, or certain teaching, learning, and administrative strategies.
specialties, such as the following:
Social psychologists study how peoples mindsets and
Health psychologists study how psychological factors behavior are shaped by social interactions. They
affect health and illness. They educate both patients examine both individual and group interactions and
and medical staff on psychological issues and promote may investigate ways to improve negative interactions.
healthy-living strategies. They also investigate health Some psychologists become postsecondary
issues, such as substance abuse or teenage pregnancy, teachers or high school teachers .
and develop programs to address the problems.
Work Environment:
Neuropsychologists study the relation between the Psychologists held about 160,200 jobs in 2012. About
brain and behavior. They typically work with patients 31 percent worked in educational services, and 29
who have sustained a brain injury. percent worked in healthcare and social assistance.
Clinical psychologists often consult with other medical Nearly one-third of all psychologists were self-
personnel regarding the best treatment for patients, employed.
especially treatment that includes medication. Two Some psychologists work alone, which may include
states, Louisiana and New Mexico, currently allow independent research or patient counseling. Others
clinical psychologists to prescribe medication to work as part of a healthcare team, collaborating with
patients. In most states, however, only psychiatrists physicians, social workers, and others to treat illness
and medical doctors may prescribe medication for and promote overall wellness.
treatment. See the profile on physicians and Many clinical and counseling psychologists in private
surgeons for more information. practice have their own offices and can set their own
schedules. Other typical workplaces include clinics,
Counseling psychologists advise people on how to deal hospitals, rehabilitation facilities, and community and
with problems. They help patients understand mental health centers.
problems, including issues at home, at the workplace, Most research psychologists work in colleges and
or in their community. Through counseling, they work universities, government agencies, or private research
with patients to identify their strengths or resources organizations.
they can use to manage problems. For more Most school psychologists work in public schools,
information, see the profiles on mental health ranging in level from nursery school through college.
counselors and marriage and family They also work in private schools, universities,
therapists, substance abuse and behavioral disorder hospitals and clinics, community treatment centers,
counselors, and social workers . and independent practice.

Developmental psychologists study the psychological Work Schedules

progress and development that takes place throughout Psychologists in private practice often set their own
life. Many developmental psychologists focus on hours, and many work part time as independent
children and adolescents, but they also may study consultants. They may offer evening or weekend hours
aging and problems facing the elderly. to accommodate clients. Those employed in hospitals,
nursing homes, or other healthcare facilities may also
Forensic psychologists use psychological principles in have evening or weekend shifts. Most psychologists in
the legal and criminal justice system to help judges, clinics, government, industry, or schools work full-time
attorneys, and other legal specialists understand the schedules during regular business hours.
psychological aspects of a particular case. They often
testify in court as expert witnesses. They typically Education and Training:
specialize in family court, civil court, or criminal court. Although psychologists typically need a doctoral
degree or specialist degree in psychology, a masters
Industrial-organizational psychologists apply degree is sufficient for some positions. Practicing
psychology to the workplace by using psychological psychologists also need a license or certification.
principles and research methods to solve problems and
improve the quality of work life. They study issues such Education
as workplace productivity, management or employee Most clinical, counseling, and research psychologists
working styles, and employee morale. They also work need a doctoral degree. Psychologists can complete a
with management on matters such as policy planning, Ph.D. in psychology or a Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.)
employee screening or training, and organizational degree. A Ph.D. in psychology is a research degree that
development. culminates in a comprehensive exam and a dissertation
based on original research. In clinical, counseling,
School psychologists apply psychological principles school, or health service settings, students usually
and techniques to education-related and complete a 1-year internship as part of the doctoral
developmental issues. They may address student program. The Psy.D. is a clinical degree and is often
learning and behavioral problems; design, implement, based on practical work and examinations rather than
and evaluate performances; and counsel students and a dissertation.
families. They may also consult with other school-
School psychologists need an advanced degree and Important Qualities
certification or licensure to work. The advanced degree Analytical skills. Psychologists must be able to examine
is most commonly the specialist degree (Ed.S. degree, the information they collect and draw logical
which requires a minimum of 60 graduate semester conclusions from them.
hours and a 1,200-hour supervised internship), a
doctoral degree in school psychology, or in some Communication skills. Psychologists must have strong
instances, a masters degree. School psychologists communication skills because they spend much of
training includes coursework in both education and their time listening to and speaking with patients.
psychology, because their work addresses education
and mental health components of students Observational skills. Psychologists study attitude and
development. behavior. They must be able to watch people and
Graduates with a masters degree in psychology can understand the possible meanings of peoples facial
work as industrial-organizational psychologists. When expressions, body positions, actions, and interactions.
working under the supervision of a doctoral
psychologist, masters graduates can also work as Patience. Psychologists must be able to demonstrate
psychological assistants in clinical, counseling, or patience, because research or treatment of patients
research settings. Masters degree programs typically may take a long time. They must also be patient when
include courses in industrial-organizational psychology, dealing with people who have mental or behavioral
statistics, and research design. disorders.
Most masters degree programs do not require an
undergraduate major in psychology, but do require People skills. Psychologists study people and help
coursework in introductory psychology, experimental people. They must be able to work well with clients,
psychology, and statistics. Some doctoral degree patients, and other medical professionals.
programs require applicants to have a masters degree
in psychology; others will accept applicants with a Problem-solving skills. Psychologists need problem-
bachelors degree and a major in psychology. solving skills to find treatments or solutions for mental
Most graduates with a bachelors degree in psychology and behavioral problems.
find work in other fields such as business
administration, sales, or education. Trustworthiness. Psychologists must keep patients
problems in confidence, and patients must be able to
Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations trust psychologists expertise in treating sensitive
In most states, practicing psychology or using the title problems.
of psychologist requires licensure or certification. In
all states and the District of Columbia, psychologists Pay:
who practice independently must be licensed. The median annual wage for psychologists was
Licensing laws vary by state and type of position. Most $69,280 in May 2012. The median wage is the wage at
clinical and counseling psychologists need a doctorate which half the workers in an occupation earned more
in psychology, an internship, at least 1 to 2 years of than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10
professional experience, and to pass the Examination percent earned less than $38,720, and the top 10
for Professional Practice in Psychology. Information on percent earned more than $110,880.
specific requirements by state can be obtained from The median annual wages for psychologist occupations
the Association of State and Provincial Licensing in May 2012 were as follows:
Boards. In many states, licensed psychologists must $83,580 for industrial-organizational psychologists
complete continuing education courses to keep their $67,650 for clinical, counseling, and school
licenses. psychologists
The American Board of Professional Psychology awards $90,020 for psychologists, all other
specialty certification in 13 areas of psychology, such Psychologists in private practice often set their own
as clinical health, couple and family, psychoanalysis, or hours, and many work part time as independent
rehabilitation. Although board certification is not consultants. They may offer evening or weekend hours
required for most psychologists, it can demonstrate to accommodate clients. Those employed in hospitals,
professional expertise in a specialty area; however, nursing homes, or other healthcare facilities may also
some hospitals and clinics do require certification. In have evening or weekend shifts. Most psychologists in
those cases, candidates must have a doctoral degree in clinics, government, industry, or schools work full-time
psychology, state license or certification, and any schedules during regular business hours.
additional criteria of the specialty field.
Job Outlook:
Training Overall employment of psychologists is projected to
To become licensed, psychologists must have grow 12 percent from 2012 to 2022, about as fast as
completed one or more of the following: the average for all occupations. Employment growth
pre-doctoral or post-doctoral supervised will vary by specialty.
experience Employment of clinical, counseling, and school
internship psychologists is projected to grow 11 percent from
residency program 2012 to 2022, about as fast as the average for all
occupations. Greater demand for psychological
services in schools, hospitals, mental health centers, quantitative research methods and computer science
and social services agencies should drive employment may have a competitive edge.
growth. Most graduates with a bachelors degree in psychology
Demand for clinical and counseling psychologists will find work in other fields such as business
increase as people continue to turn to psychologists to administration, sales, or education. However, they may
help solve or manage their problems. More be able to find work in the field of psychology as
psychologists will be needed to help people deal with assistants.
issues such as depression and other mental disorders,
marriage and family problems, job stress, and
addiction. Psychologists will also be needed to provide
services to an aging population, helping people deal
with the mental and physical changes that happen as
they grow older. Psychological services are also needed
for veterans suffering from war trauma, for survivors of
other trauma, and for individuals with autism.
Demand for psychologists in the healthcare industry is
also expected to increase because their collaborative
work with doctors, social workers, and other
healthcare professionals provides patients with
comprehensive, interdisciplinary treatments. In
addition to treating mental and behavioral health
issues, psychologists will be needed to work on teams
to develop or administer prevention or wellness
programs.
School psychologists will be needed to work with
students, particularly those with special needs,
learning disabilities, and behavioral issues. Schools also
rely on school psychologists to assess and counsel
students. In addition, school psychologists will be
needed to study how both in-school and out-of-school
factors affect learning, which teachers and
administrators can use to improve education.
Employment of industrial-organizational psychologists
is projected to grow 53 percent from 2012 to 2022,
much faster than the average for all occupations.
Organizations use industrial-organizational
psychologists to help select and keep employees,
increase productivity, and improve office morale.
However, because it is a small occupation, the fast
employment growth will result in only about 900 new
jobs over the 10-year period.
Job Prospects
Competition for jobs for psychologists will vary by
specialty. Overall, candidates with a doctoral or
specialist degree and post-doctoral work experience
will have the best job opportunities.
Job prospects should be best for those who have a
specialist degree or doctoral degree in school
psychology. Employment of school psychologists will
continue to grow because of the raised awareness of
the connection between mental health and learning
and the need for mental health services in schools.
Given the limited number of graduates in this specialty
and the growing need of mental health services in
schools, school psychologists are expected to have
good job opportunities.
Candidates with a masters degree will face
competition for most positions, and many of them will
find jobs in a related field outside of psychology. Even
industrialorganizational psychologists, despite much
faster-than-average employment growth, are expected
PSYCHOMETRICIAN
to face competition for positions due to the large
number of qualified graduates. Industrial- What is a psychometrician?
organizational psychologists with extensive training in
A psychometrician is someone who practices also do client-facing work like Angoff studies; many
psychometrics the Science of Assessment. That is, Level 2 and Level 3 psychometricians do not enjoy this
they are familiar with the scientific literature devoted to work.
the development of fair, high-quality assessments, and
they use this knowledge to improve assessments. Level 2: Practitioners at this level are familiar with
Psychometricians learn about many different topics, advanced topics like item response theory, differential
and can take a number of slants, such as applied vs. item functioning, and adaptive testing. They routinely
academic, or quantitative vs. test development. Also, in perform complex analyses with software such
some parts of the world, psychometrician refers to as Xcalibre.
someone who administers tests, typically in an
employment or counseling setting, and does not Level 3: Practitioners at this level contribute to the
actually know anything about psychometrics. We will field of psychometrics. They invent new
not consider that here since I consider that usage to be statistics/algorithms, develop new software, publish
bogus. books, start successful companies, or otherwise impact
What does a psychometrician do? the testing industry and science of psychometrics in
There are many steps that go into developing a high some way.
quality, defensible assessment. These differ by the Note that practitioners can certainly be extreme experts
purpose of the test. When working on professional in other areas: someone can be an internationally
certifications or employment tests, a job analysis is recognized expert in Certification Accreditation or Pre-
typically necessary. Its totally irrelevant for K-12 Employment Selection but only be a Level 1
formative assessments; the test is based on a psychometrician because thats all thats relevant for
curriculum. them. They are a Level 3 in their home field.
Do these levels matter? To some extent, they are just
Some topics include: my musings. But if you are hiring a psychometrician,
Analyzing test data with item response either as a consultant or an employee, this
theory or classical test theory to evaluate differentiation is worth considering!
item performance
Linking and equating What is a Psychometrician?
Job analysis and test blueprint design psychometrician is a professional who practices the
Standard setting cutscore studies like science of measurement, or psychometrics.
modified-Angoff studies Psychometrics is the field of science associated with the
Item writing workshops development of instruments (such as examinations) that
Assessment program design and management measure knowledge, skills and attributes (KSAs). A
Software design and development psychometrician develops assessments such as
Where does a psychometrician work? examinations for educational, employment or
They work any place that develops high-quality professional credentialing purposes. From the Greek
tests. Some examples: root word psych which means mind and metr which
Large educational assessment organizations means measure, psychometrician is just what it sounds
like CaMLA or ACT like a person who measures what is in someones
Professional certification and licensure boards mind. Certification and licensing bodies that develop
like the International Federation of assessments for professional credentials employ a
psychometrician (or outsource to a psychometrician) to
Boards of Biosafety
make sure that they are developing examinations that
Employment testing companies like Biddle
are fair and valid. After all, it is important to be sure that
Consulting Group
any certification or licensing body using an examination
Medical research like Inflexxion
to verify competence is certain that the examination
Universities (typically an Education department, really is measuring knowledge and skills required for
sometimes Psychology) like the University competent performance. Consider a multiple choice test
of Minnesota question that could have a hidden bias in the way the
Language assessment groups like Berlitz question is worded thus affecting a candidates ability to
accurately respond to the question. Or an essay
Are all psychometricians created equal? question that is in fact assessing reading or writing skills
Absolutely not! Like any other profession, there are instead of knowledge of the concept the essay question
levels of expertise and skill. I liken it to top-level is asking. These are the types of careful considerations
athletes: there are huge differences between what that psychometricians evaluate to ensure a quality, fair,
constitutes a good football/basketball/whatever player valid and reliable examination process. Someone with
in high school, college, and the professional level. And the title of psychometrician might work in any area of
the top levels are quite elite; many people who study testing. For example, a psychometrician might spend
psychometrics will never achieve them. most of his or her time overseeing an examination
Personally, I group psychometricians into three levels: program. This could include facilitating a job/task
analysis, managing the item writing process, and
Level 1: Practitioners at this level are perfectly conducting standard setting (or passing score) studies. A
comfortable with basic concepts and the use of classical psychometrician might also spend considerable time
test theory, evaluating items with P and Rpbis. They conducting data analyses. He or she might score exams,
run item analyses, produce score reports, and conduct involved in the development of the test specifications,
reliability and validity studies. Typically, a the item writing process and the standard setting
psychometrician has an advanced graduate degree from studies. While practicing or overseeing each of these
a university, usually either from an Educational areas, the psychometrician is highly concerned with
Measurement program, from an Industrial Organization ensuring that each part of the process conforms to
program or from a Quantitative Psychology program. testing industry standards, such as those in
Masters and PhD programs in measurement can be the Standards for Educational and
found in colleges of education, psychology and Psychological Testing. These standards are
occasionally statistics. Holding advanced studies from a considered the primary source for test publishers, test
university helps psychometricians understand the takers, and test users.
complexities associated with developing good
examinations. However, there is no certification or How Do I Become a
license that a person has to complete or hold in order to Psychometrician?
become a psychometrician. A person working in any There are currently no certifications for becoming a
area of testing could simply choose to call himself or psychometrician; rather, people practicing in the field
herself a psychometrician. What is a Psychometrician? 2 will often have an advanced degree from an Educational
Professional Testing Inc. Psychometricians often focus Measurement or Psychology program. Generally, a
on a few areas of expertise. Very few psychometricians psychometrician needs skills and experience in
have expertise in all of the areas of specialization quantitative analyses, critical thinking and statistics, as
associated with measurement. Some psychometricians data analyses is an integral part of psychometrics. Many
spend a lot of time working with subject matter experts psychometricians go on to work for testing
(SMEs) facilitating meetings and serving as project organizations. The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates
directors and liaisons with certification and licensing that the job outlook for psychometricians will grow
bodies. Other psychometricians choose to stay in the faster than the average rate for all occupations, with
background working with the data or the test questions excellent salary prospects.
and limiting their interaction with certification and A 2012 list of over fifty advanced degree programs in
licensing bodies. Some psychometricians are experts at the U.S. and Canada that focus on Educational
defining the knowledge and skills required for Measurement was compiled by the National Council on
competence (such as in a job/task analysis) while others Measurement in Education (NCME). It can be
are experts at establishing the passing standard. Some found here.
psychometricians are experts at reviewing statistics for ALTA Language Services is a leader
purposes of cheat detection, while others might be in Language Testing for government agencies and
experts at the statistics associated with developing businesses nationwide. Our organization develops and
adaptive examinations. When determining the administers thousands of language tests each year and
psychometric expertise required to produce quality we have the largest archive of recorded language
examinations, certification and licensing bodies should evaluations in the world. ALTA currently provides
consider these expertise variations, among others. It Language Testing for organizations only. Please fill out
would be difficult to find one psychometrician with our form, or contact Derek Ford by email or phone
expertise in all areas associated with assessment and 404.920.3832.
measurement. Therefore many certification and
licensing bodies outsource their measurement to a What is psychometrics?
psychometric firm. Certification programs may benefit Broken down, the word psychometrics consists of two
from working with a testing company with a staff of basic parts. Psychology is the study of the human
psychometricians in a number of different areas of mind, and metrics are ways of measuring, tracking, or
expertise. This will allow for the adjustment of assessing some type of performance. Ergo,
psychometric expertise as the examination and the psychometricians measure the human mind. This
program evolves. Changes to the examination life-cycle sounds a bit like psychic voodoo, with a hint of
will affect many other decisions of a psychometric astrology, so let me explain further.
nature and certification and licensure programs Unlike some professions such as engineering,
committed to producing quality assessments will benefit psychometricians are not able to measure human traits
from finding the right psychometric talent to partner directly. As a result, a persons standing on a given trait
with throughout the life of their examinations (e.g., intelligence, extraversion, mathematical ability)
must be inferred based on how the person performs on
Psychometricians: What They Are and What They Do a task (e.g., a written examination). In a way,
What is a Psychometrician? psychometricians are experts in indirect measurement.
A psychometrician is someone who practices the Anyone can use a ruler, a gas chromatograph or a Geiger
science of educational and psychological measurement, counter. Try measuring using a test! Its not easy.
or in other words, testing. Psychometricians measure Psychometricians are employed in a number of fields
the validity, reliability, and fairness of an exam program, such as human resources, research, K-12 education and
and are an integral part in the process of creating valid licensure/certification. Although there are a number of
and reliable language tests. They may be involved nuances within each field, there are many similarities.
in all aspects of the development of the program, such This blog entry will focus primarily on psychometricians
as defining the knowledge, skills and abilities (KSAs) that working in the licensure/certification field. Within this
the exam is designed to measure; they may also be
field, the psychometricians primary duty is to develop A psychometricians day-to-day work can take on a
and administer valid and reliable assessment tools (e.g., variety of tasks depending on the type of organization in
examinations) that are based on generally-accepted which they choose to work. At a high level,
testing standards. psychometricians work to ensure exams are valid and
reliable. Their responsibilities may include conducting
Educational background research, collecting and analyzing test data, developing,
There is no educational program called psychometrics. administering and scoring exams, as well as providing
As a result, psychometricians usually have a PhD or recommendations for how test results should be
Masters degree from a range of fields including interpreted. In their spare time, psychometricians enjoy
educational measurement, industrial-organizational reading, long walks on the beach, and convincing people
psychology or statistics. Almost every psychometrician that they are not, despite popular belief, employed as a
fortuitously fell into the profession one day, found the psychopath.
work interesting and rewarding, and built a career out
of it. Why does this matter?
1. Public protection
What skills does a psychometrician Every day, we come into contact with people who must
need? meet certain eligibility requirements to perform a job.
The short answer is that a psychometrician needs to be This includes bus and taxi drivers, heating and
a math whiz with social skills. Yes, you read that right. ventilation technicians, automobile mechanics,
Math and people skills. The ungodly Holy Grail-like teachers, police officers, accountants, lawyers and
cocktail. However, thats only part of the story. Here are physicians. We take it for granted that these people are
a few more details. all competent and qualified. The truth is that in order to
gain entry to these professions, these individuals had to
1. Statistics go through specialized training and assessment. In
Contrary to popular belief, most psychometricians are cooperation with regulators, psychometricians ensure
not high-level statisticians or mathematicians (nor do that these assessments are valid and reliable, and
they carry calculators with them at all times!). Many provide protection to the consumer and to the public.
large testing organizations hire associates or analysts
with advanced mathematical skills to fill that void. 2. Fairness to candidates
However, to work in psychometrics, one must be Every year, millions of people complete assessments to
comfortable with numbers, understand which statistical gain access to a desired profession. These people
tools to use, and be able to interpret the results. If you generally complete an approved education program
have a math phobia, dont worry. Youre still a good (which can include post-secondary education or a
person but probably not meant to be a psychometrician. graduate-level degree), and devote time and money in
order to prepare to complete the assessment. For many,
2. Facilitation this includes a number of sacrifices. The end result of
Psychometricians are not subject matter experts in the this assessment process for the candidate will either be
technical content of the assessments they produce (e.g., a source of great or devastating news. To protect the
engineering, law, medicine) although after a bit of time, candidates rights, psychometricians must ensure that
they pick up the jargon and could play one on TV. As a assessments are developed in a fair and transparent
result, assessment content is generally developed and manner, are free of bias, and offer the candidate the
validated by committees of subject matter experts best opportunity to demonstrate his or her competence.
(usually volunteers) who meet in person or remotely.
Some of these meetings can be very contentious and
the psychometrician must be able to skillfully facilitate
and lead these sessions. Some days, psychometricians
should probably be wearing a referees jersey and be
armed with a whistle (or maybe a gavel or club).

3. Project management
The development and validation of assessment tools
(e.g., creation of an exam) is the end product of a
complex set of steps. Although these steps typically
follow a linear progression, budget and time constraints
means that some of these processes must be run
concurrently or expedited in order to finish a project on
time. This work also involves a number of other
stakeholders such as regulators, subject matter experts
and colleagues. In addition, most of these projects
operate on a strict budget that must be monitored.

But what does a psychometrician

DO?