How to Become a Psychologist: A Comprehensive Guide
Becoming a psychologist is a rewarding career path that involves understanding human behavior, emotions, and mental processes. This guide will provide you with a step-by-step process on how to become a psychologist, including the specific pathway to becoming one in AIIMS.
Steps to Becoming a Psychologist
1. Choose Your Pathway: Arts Degree with Psychology Honours
To embark on a career in psychology, you typically need to pursue an arts degree that focuses on psychology as an honours subject. This degree will provide you with a strong foundation in the core principles of psychology. If you have subjects like Chemistry and Biology in your Class 12, it can be advantageous as they relate to some areas of psychology, but they are not mandatory. Here are the steps to follow:
Complete Class 12: Get yourself enrolled in a Bachelor of Science (BSc) or Bachelor of Arts (BA) program with psychology as an honours subject. Choose Subjects Wisely: While subjects like Chemistry and Biology can be helpful, they are not completely necessary. Focus on solidifying your understanding of psychology.2. Obtain a Master’s Degree in Psychology
After completing your Bachelor's degree, you should pursue a Master’s degree in one of the many specializations within psychology. Here are some options you can consider:
Clinical Psychologists Cognitive and Perceptual Psychologists Counseling Psychologists Developmental Psychologists Educational Psychologists Engineering Psychologists Experimental Psychologists Forensic Psychologists Health Psychologists Industrial/Organizational Psychologists Neuropsychologists School Psychologists Sport PsychologistsOnce you have completed your Master's degree, you can further enhance your career prospects by obtaining a PhD.
3. Apply for Training/Internship at AIIMS
AIIMS, being an institution primarily focused on medical sciences, does not run BA or MA programs in psychology. However, if you wish to practice as a psychologist in AIIMS, you will need to:
Fill an Application: Start by filling out an application form for the short-term full-time training or internship provided by AIIMS. Wait for Vacancy: Submit your application and wait for any available vacancy. This opportunity is typically open to postgraduate (PG) students.AIIMS offers a training program that is both practical and theoretical, providing hands-on experience in psychological interventions and therapy.
Conclusion
Becoming a psychologist is a multi-step journey that requires dedication and a passion for understanding human behavior. While AIIMS does not run its own psychology programs, you can still make your way to practice in such an institution by obtaining the necessary qualifications and completing the required training.