Becoming a Canadian Psychologist

The general description of a Psychologist would be that they study how people think, feel, & behave in a scientific manner. This information can then be applied to helping people in understanding & explaining their behaviours. Psychologists usually work either in research, consulting, teaching, administration, & service provision. A psychologist will usually work in any number of the earlier categories & be working mostly from Universities, Government organizations, non-governmental organizations, hospitals, schools, clinics, correctional facilities, worker assistance programs etc.

What is a Psychologist?

There is lots of different types of psychologists: According to the Canadian Psychological Association the most common graduate programs in Psychology include Experimental Psychology, Clinical Psychology, Counselling Psychology, Neuropsychology, Forensic Psychology / Correctional Psychology, & Developmental or Infant Psychology. Since there's so lots of fields to study within Psychology, it is recommended that you research each psychology field individually to find out which one you would be most interested in, & whether you have the right character suited towards that specific field.

The personal characteristics that a Psychologist usually includes someone who has a actual interest in helping others, emotional maturity & stability, excellent communication skills, a willingness to keep learning new methods of psychology, & the ability to be flexible in day to day work.


The typical route to become a Psychologist in Canada goes as follows:

Examples of the lots of sub-fields within psychology can include: clinical psychologist, counselling psychologist, developmental psychologist, educational psychologist, forensic psychologist, health psychologist, industrial/organizational psychologist, neuropsychologist, experimental psychologist, school psychologist, social psychologist, & sports psychologist.

The requirements for becoming a Psychologist in Canada depends on which province/territory you are from. In some provinces/territories the requirement to register as a psychologist is a Masters Degree in Psychology, while other provinces/territories need a Doctoral Degree.

How do you find out your specific provincial requirements on how to become a psychologist?

1. You will get an Undergraduate Degree in Psychology. This ought to take about one years to complete

2. You will receive a Masters Degree in Psychology. This ought to take between one to one years to get.

4. In most provinces/territories you must complete the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP).

3. Optional (Depending on your location in Canada): You will receive a Doctoral Degree in Psychology which can take anywhere from one to one years to complete.

6. Usually you will must complete a period of post schooling supervised experience under another registered Psychologist.

5. Some provinces/territories also need an oral examination, along with specific provincial/territorial examinations.

You can visit http://www.psychology-canada.ca to find out more detail on specific Psychology degree granting educational institutions for both undergraduate & graduate degrees. As well details on what you need for each province/territory in Canada.

In general, each province/territory has a governing body that handles the registration of Psychologists; each provincial body has its own requirements for registering as a Psychologist. In the event you choose you would like to become a Psychologist then do your research! There is allot of information obtainable to you. Plan your Educational route & beyond. This is a long term dedication but well worth it for the right individual!

Corey
Psychology Canada
http://www.psychology-canada.ca