Introduction: A Psychologist tends to Psychological illnesses of individual to make him/her fully functional once again and be productive in-spite of the fearful problems. To learn about human behavior and psychological problems one has study psychology.
Psychology is considered as the midstream branch of academics combining the science with social aspects of human behavior. In general it is that branch of academics where a scholar learns about human behavior and mind to the level of sub-conscious, conscious and unconscious.
Human beings are complex in nature as no two individual are same and each one of us has a different experience of emotions, cognition, perceptions and actions to the outer stimuli, it could be said that human behavior and responses to daily situations depend on many factors which psychology can reveal to a vast extent.
Within the context of psychology, problematic situations such as behavioral problems, stress, conflicts and mental health problems arise within individuals and groups. We board in times where life is fast paced and more of mental health issues are increasing on day by day.
In order to help out in these situations, an interventionist or counselor is required and herein fits the role of psychologists who is well qualified to assess, diagnose and provide therapeutic solutions to such problems. Alleviated level of awareness, in the Indian paradigm, to promote mental health has created more opportunities for psychologists’ jobs which were not seen in the past decade.
The job profile is not just limited to clinical setup patterns but now has far larger areas which include schools, industries, rehabilitation centers, asylums, sports, institutions, hospitals and NGOs (Non- Government Organization) indicating towards a promising career. Scholars interested in the field should plan the career from the class xii standard itself by taking psychology as a subject.
You have to complete the undergraduate level program usually a B.A or B.Sc. (Psychology) followed by Post Graduate degree in Psychology. A master’s degree in social work is also acceptable in few places for the post of counselors. The highest degree which could be attained in the field is the M/Phil & PhD (doctorate program in Psychology). A doctorate program ensures a high remuneration and also opens the door for becoming a professor in an academic setting.
Eligibility Criteria for Psychologist
Eligibility criteria for Psychologist: Students planning to become psychologists should preferably take science (biology, physics & chemistry) along with psychology in the XII standard and then go for an undergraduate program which will be a minimum of 3 years after that admission could be obtained at a higher level, the Post Graduate degree program.
Admission for post Graduate degree will depend on the marks obtained at the UG level and percentage may vary from institution to institution, also some universities have entrance exams depending on their mandates. Further, as I have earlier discussed that pursuing a higher degree in M/Phil or PhD. will influence the remuneration and career path. Taking admission could be a cheesy task; it is highly suggested that choosing a reputed university which has a UGC (University Grants Commission) accreditation will keep you in the safer hands.
Universities Offering Psychologist Programs
List of Universities offering UG and PG courses: Applicants considering admission in the UG or PG program for becoming a psychologist should check the accreditation of the university, which should be from the UGC (University grants commission). I am mentioning a list of few universities which offer under- graduate and post-graduate degrees. To suggest a few, Jamia Milia Islamia (New Delhi), Delhi University (New Delhi), Punjab University (Chandigarh), Banaras Hindu University (Varanasi), Aligarh Muslim University and Tata Institute of Social Sciences. Getting into the right university will provide a great advantage for your future.
Course Details for Psychologist Course
Course Details: The course entails, during the undergraduate program, the study of applied psychology, general psychology, human behavior, physiology, and statistics will be prominent. At the postgraduate program level, one will learn about clinical psychology, social psychology, child psychology, organizational behavior, and Diagnoses. This will also include practical application of knowledge through an internship for few months under a practitioner. Working closely with a practitioner would help you learn how you assess a client and help him by providing appropriate feedback, becoming a loop around the client and the psychologist.
Your internship will provide you with a necessary opportunity to test the water as a thorough professional. As for the research work is concerned, you would require to select a best possible unique topic on which your dissertation shall be prepared. Finally, a presentation has to be done in order to defend the learning inculcated during the research work. Usually a team of expert coming from the same field would review your work and make a few suggestions here and there for improvement before your thesis is finally accepted and you are bestowed with the PhD degree.
The job of a psychologist is a true professional trade and it is highly suggested that you take your course seriously and make sure that whatever things are taught during the course, learn with zeal and enthusiasm as it will be going to support you in your professional practice and in making a name for yourself.
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Job Prospects and Opportunities for Psychologist
Job Prospects for Psychologists: In the present picture the anticipated demand for psychologists have seen an increase in the growth rate of somewhere around 12% to 22% which is much more as compared to any other field of occupation, steady growth is the key factor for opening up of new vistas.
Here is another option, establish your own business office as clinical psychologists where one can be his own boss provided you have a Doctorate or M/Phil degree, those who have an ardent bend for research programs may also go for the M/Phil or doctorate degree.
Keeping this in mind, it is advisable to follow highest degree pattern. As of now, many psychologists are turning into motivational speakers and trainers for private companies which prove a lot of potential in the career. Psychologists have more job channels, considering the requirement for the specialty in various fields and institutions.
A psychologist gets more job satisfaction by helping people come over mental adversities. Looking at the national and international scenarios there a trends suggest that drug abuse, family problems, stress, escapism and other problems are in rise, so our government under the ministry of National Health and Family Welfare is planning to depute professional psychologist in every government hospital which opens up new channels for job prospects and a positively bright future.
Salary Scope for Psychologist
Salaries and remuneration prospects: For beginners, salary for postgraduate psychologists starts approximately around Rs. 15000 but depending upon the knowledge and skill applicability the possibility of earning more than previous increases with 3 to 4 years of experience.
Salary structure also depends upon the employee organization, for example, if you are employed at school which obviously will pay according to their norms. As a researcher, you may earn around starting with Rs. 30,000 to Rs. 50,000. For Doctorate or M/Phil degree holder practicing as clinical psychologists might earn up to Rs. 80,000 per month.
Conclusion: Students who are interested in the arena of psychology be assured, there is no denying regarding the fact that bright future awaits, provided one is motivated to invest time and energy to get hold of the skills.
Don’t plan for just an undergraduate degree, it will not earn you perks that you are looking for, half battle won and you’ll land up doing a low pay grade job. It’s of vital importance to at least contemplate for a post graduate degree from a reputed university if not a PhD.
A psychologist gets fairer share of respect as compared to any other occupation, but honestly, it all comes with its own baggage, there will be days when you have to deal with unstable clients with exaggerated anger, drug issues and stress problems, you may have to see clients in odd hours, the job may take up to 10 hours of your daily routine. Only motivated, resilient and patient being could handle such kind of strain.
For those who are looking for settling abroad, this is your chance to make it happen, psychologists are in demand virtually in almost every country, you will get paid on hourly basis, although there is a test to be cleared for acquiring a practice license, licensing procedure may vary from country to country.
However, way forward, conjointly earn a name for yourself then there is no looking back. Isn’t it good enough that there is virtually an opportunity everywhere, and it is worth mentioning that research in mental health is another preference to be seized. If you are a kind of person who is intellectual, good at statistics and really have an appeal for investigation then research is your thing. Simply put, psychologist only has to worry about their clients, there is ample work.
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