As mentioned in this manual, there are several alternative graduate degrees in psychology for you to choose from. Each varies in terms of application procedures, admission criteria, academic curriculum, and prospective employment alternatives. It is important to research these areas thoroughly so as to make an informed decision regarding your academic aspirations.
There are several things to consider when applying to doctoral programs in clinical psychology. For both Ph.D. and Psy.D. programs, you want to attend a school that "jives" with your theoretical belief system. Each individual graduate program will "specialize" in a particular psychological orientation. For example, one program may be Psychodynamic, while another embraces Cognitive-Behavioral theoretical perspectives. If you are oriented toward Psychodynamic theory, you will be unhappy in a Cognitive-Behavioral program.
For Ph.D. programs, you will not only be admitted into the program as a whole, but you are also admitted into a lab, under your advisor, where you will be expected to work on research. Within the graduate program at a particular institution, each faculty member runs a lab that specializes in different areas of research. For example, within one school there may be five faculty with five respective labs. One lab may be conducting research in the area of sports psychology, another in behavioral medicine, another in crisis intervention. When selecting a program, the "best fit" not only comes from the theoretical orientation, but also from your research interests.
As mentioned, clinical psychology programs come in two different models of training. Ph.D. programs are designed from a Scientist-Practitioner Model and Psy.D. programs from a Practitioner Model. Regardless of whether a program offers a Ph.D. or a Psy.D., it is best to choose a program which is approved by the American Psychological Association -- not all are. While both will earn you the title "doctor" they offer somewhat different educational and occupational experiences. You need to decide which is best for you. There are several factors to consider. Ph.D. programs generally admit fewer students per year than Psy.D. programs. For example, a Ph.D. program may admit 10 students where as a Psy.D. program may admit 50 students. As Psy.D. programs are more clinically oriented, a Psy.D. program may not be as interested in research work as a Ph.D. program. In terms of curriculum, Psy.D. and Ph.D. programs which are accredited by the American Psychological Association must offer similar core classes. There may be differences, however in other course offerings and the emphasis placed on them. For example, Ph.D. programs require more statistical and research coursework than Psy.D. programs.
An additional difference between the two programs is lifestyle. In general, Ph.D. programs follow a fairly traditional scheduling of courses. Courses usually meet once per week for three hours. You will generally be expected to be a full-time student for the first portion of your academic career. In addition to your coursework, you will be required to participate in research projects related to your lab. Psy.D. programs do not have the same research/lab requirements. In addition, many programs offer classes through non-traditional scheduling. For example, some programs offer classes that offer once a month on Saturday with assignments in between meeting times. Unsolicited commentary from Psy.D. students would appear to reflect a life style more conducive to an individual who must continue to hold employment throughout graduate school.
In addition to your coursework (and lab responsibilities if you are in a Ph.D. program), you will be expected to complete practicum/externship placements. These are placements, typically 20 hours per week, where you will gain direct field experience in clinical psychology -- both diagnostic and therapeutic work. The process for gaining a practicum placement is well organized through your school. Your job is to decide what type of experience you would like and who offers the best training in that area. For example, you may want to gain experience in psychological assessment with the pediatric population. Practicum placements may be offered at various hospitals or residential facilities.
Both Ph.D. and Psy.D. programs will require you to pass a comprehensive examination. These vary from institution to institution:
Lastly, both programs will require you to complete a clinical internship. Internships last for one year and are your last training experience. It is a nationally coordinated event where all doctoral candidates apply for pre-doctoral positions at internship sites. Internship applications, much like graduate school applications, are due once a year. Typically, the are due in late November/early December. It is best to choose an internship that is approved by the American Psychological Association. Once your applications have been reviewed, you may be asked to interview at certain sites. The notification of your acceptance into an internship site is completed through a nationally coordinated system that occurs on the second Monday in February. On that day, you will be telephoned by a site who will ask if you are interested in an internship slot. This is a very brief run through of internship procedures. Your graduate program will provide you with the assistance you need to be successful in this venture. What's important to recognize is that this is the last of your formalized training under the pre-doctoral level.
Although financial aid is difficult to obtain, some universities award fellowships or scholarships or arrange for part-time employment. The Veterans Administration (VA) offers predoctoral traineeships to interns in VA hospitals, clinics, and related training agencies. The National Science Foundation, the Department of Health and Human Services, and many other organizations also provide grants to psychology departments to help fund student stipends.
Certification/Licensure
Psychologists in independent practice or those who
offer any type of patient care, including clinical, counseling, and school
psychologists, must meet certification or licensing requirements. All states
and the District of Columbia have such requirements. Licensing laws vary
by state, but generally require a doctorate in psychology, completion of
an approved internship, and 1 to 2 years of professional experience. In
addition, most states require that applicants pass an examination. Most
state boards administer a standardized test and, in many instances, additional
oral or essay examinations. Very few states certify those with a master's
degree as psychological assistants or associates. Some states require continuing
education for license renewal. Most states require that licensed or certified
psychologists limit their practice to those areas in which they have developed
professional competence through training and experience.
The American Board of Professional Psychology recognizes professional achievement by awarding diplomas primarily in clinical psychology, clinical neuropsychology, and counseling, forensic, industrial and organizational, and school psychology. Candidates need a doctorate in psychology, 5 years of experience, and professional endorsements; they also must pass an examination.
Even more so than in other occupations, aspiring psychologists who are interested in direct patient care must be emotionally stable, mature, and able to deal effectively with people. Sensitivity, compassion, and the ability to lead and inspire others are particularly important for clinical work and counseling. Research psychologists should be able to do detailed work independently and as part of a team. Verbal and writing skills are necessary to communicate treatment and research findings. Patience and perseverance are vital qualities because results from psychological treatment of patients or research often are long in coming.