Psychologists are trained professionals who apply their skills and expertise to diagnose and treat emotional, cognitive, and behavioral disorders while adhering to the profession's theories and code of conduct.
The Canadian Mental Health Association has proven that every year 1 in 5 people experience mental health issues, and some might not even be aware of it. In addition, with the fast pace of technological and social development, negative events and more, more people need psychological help now than ever. Learn more!
learn about the different career paths for aspiring psychologists.
So if you have ever considered becoming a psychologist, now is the best time to start the journey. In the future, you may have the opportunity to help others live the kind of life they envisioned.
To become a psychologist in Canada, you have to complete your education and gain certification. In this guide, you will learn about the common concerns of many aspiring psychologists, how to kick-start a career in psychology, and so much more. Let’s get started!
What is the Job of a Psychologist Like?
Psychologists are certified healthcare professionals with the skills to assess people's emotional state, cognitive abilities and psychological patterns to provide the necessary care for their mental health.
However, the job description of a psychologist may vary with different health facilities and various mental issues. Psychologists have a lot of responsibilities on their shoulders. Usually, their job description depends on their field of specialty, experience and education. Most psychologists that aren't in the consulting field may have more job roles than psychologists who work as consultants in independent practice.
The duties of a psychologist may include:
- Consultation services.
- Clinical conferences.
- Reviewing patients' medical history.
- Accessing patients with standard psychological testing.
- Accessing patients' behavior, diagnosing and providing therapy for them.
- Conducting interviews with patients.
- Writing reports on patient interviews.
How Long Does it Take to Become a Psychologist?
While you can take various psychology courses to become a psychologist, the time will depend on your chosen institution and career goals. Some schools allow transition directly to PhD from undergraduate studies.
However, it may take five to eight years of study to attain a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology.
Is Canada a Good Country for Psychology?
The benefits of studying psychology in Canada are numerous, including the affordable cost of living, top-class universities, access to some of the best research institutions in the world, and the fantastic experiences of Canada's multicultural society.
Aside from these amazing benefits, it will also interest you to know that psychologists are in high demand in Canada and are currently among the highest-paid workers.
In addition, if you are an international student, you will enjoy multiple options for jobs with a psychology major and several other opportunities in the country after graduating.
As a certified clinical psychologist in Canada, you should expect to earn at least $97,451 to $130,932 per year. So you can never go wrong with a psychology degree in Canada.
Can a Foreigner Become a Psychologist in Canada?
Yes, anyone can study and become a psychologist in Canada and even for foreigners, there are still numerous opportunities awaiting you. Psychologists from other countries with the right skills, qualifications and experience are eligible to apply for the Express Entry program for Canada Residency.
While you can study in Canada and become a psychologist, if you are already a psychologist, you can still immigrate to Canada and get a good job.
What do I Need to Become a Psychologist in Canada?
To become a qualified psychologist in Canada, you must complete different levels of education and training, from undergraduate studies to a PhD. In addition, you will also need a practicing license and professional certification. So if you are interested in becoming a psychologist in Canada, here are the steps to follow.
Do Research
Psychology is a broad field of study, and it has many subfields that you can choose to specialize in, so you need to do proper research to decide on your area of specialty. Here is a list of the common psychology subfields to consider.
- Industrial psychology
- School and education psychology
- Health or Clinical psychology
- Neuropsychological research and experimental research
- Social psychology
- Counseling psychology
- Social psychology
- Sports psychology
Get a Bachelor's Degree
Getting an undergraduate qualification is the best way to set a foundation for a career in psychology. In this stage, you will learn the basics of psychological methodologies and theories, and after getting this degree, you can choose to further your education anytime you want.
During your program, you may study courses related to your area of interest in psychology. For example, you can choose education-related courses if you wish to become a school psychologist.
Complete a Master's Degree
Obtaining a master's degree is a significant criterion for becoming a psychologist in Canada, and it usually takes two years to complete the program.
This degree will prepare you for work in various settings like school, mental health, government, or healthcare institutions, and after the degree, you will be fit for a doctoral degree.
Gain Working Experience
Getting working experience is essential when planning to become a qualified psychologist in Canada. After completing your master's degree, you should consider getting the necessary exposure for psychology work, and this will help you decide which psychology subfields you want to specialize in.
Get a PhD
Now that you have a master's degree and some experience in psychology, you may consider advancing your knowledge in clinical or experimental psychology education.
You must take psychology courses and comprehension exams to attain a PhD in this field. In addition, you must complete a one-year internship to qualify you for a license in your chosen field.
Consider Getting Supervised Clinical Experience
The hours of supervised clinical experience you need depend on the jurisdiction you choose to practice, so you should get more information from the board of psychologists in your specialty.
Take Oral and Written Exams
In Canada, the requirements for obtaining a license as a trained psychologist depend on the province, so getting a master's and a PhD doesn't necessarily qualify you to practice everywhere in Canada. You must pass the various compulsory oral and written exams required by your province to gain licensure.
What are the Requirements for Teaching Psychology in Canada?
Do you have a passion for impacting others with your skills and knowledge? Then while planning to become a psychologist in Canada, you might also want to consider becoming a psychology teacher. Here are the following requirements for teaching psychology in Canada.
Get the Necessary Degrees
The degrees you need to qualify as a psychology teacher in Canada include bachelor's, masters and doctorate degrees. The four years of undergraduate studies will cover various education and school-related psychology courses. After completing this program, you can take a step further for a master's degree to prepare you for your career as a psychology teacher.
Complete a Student Teacher Program
The best time to do this is after your undergraduate studies because most undergraduate degrees require a student teaching program regardless of specialty. This teaching program will give you an insight into the real world and help you gain experience as a psychology teacher.
Get License
The licensing requirements for psychology teachers vary from state to state. Some may require you to pass a test, while others might ask you to take additional student teaching programs under supervision. However, state licensing is not commonly required for teaching in a college or university.
Gain Experience
At this stage, you should consider applying for jobs with a psychology major in schools or the institutions you are interested in. In addition, consider participating in extracurricular activities and some adjunct work with various community colleges to augment your experience level.
Join Professional Associations Most professions usually have associations or organizations that help bring people together and build a network to enhance opportunities and stay up to date with events and news related to the profession. Some of the associations you may consider may include:
- APA Committee of Teachers of Psychology at Secondary Schools.
- Psi Chi Honor Society.
- Society for the Teaching of Psychology.
- American Federation of Teachers.
- American Psychological Association (APA).
Further Your Education
While a bachelor's and a master's degree are vital for your psychology teaching career, a PhD is crucial to moving your career to the next level. In addition, your PhD can give you access to many career opportunities in Canada and increase your chances of teaching at a university or college. To have a successful career in psychology, you also need essential skills like good listening, communication, observation, comprehension, and problem-solving skills.
In addition, you must learn how to keep up with developments and changes in your field by connecting with other students, reading news and articles about psychology, attending professional conferences, and you can also take online courses.
Furthermore, it will be an excellent idea to walk through this process with a tutor, and Superprof is the right place to find the best psychology tutors in Canada. Learn more about the different career types in psychology.
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