How to Find Work as a Health Psychologist
(9/07/2011)
Working as ahealth psychologistcan be a very rewarding experience. Below is an outlne of the working life of ahealth psychologist, and tips on finding a job in the field.
The Job of aHealth Psychologist
A health psychologist performs varied functions, from clinical work to research and public policy. Depending on the setting and the work environment, the health psychologist works directly with patients to help prevent illness and promote good health.
He or she also works on researching health-related issues, or participates in influencing public policy on issues related to health care in the community. Public policy influences governments and agencies in addressing community needs in healthcare and determining any required reforms.
Clinical work entails conducting behavioral assessments and clinical interviews. Interventions include helping individuals lead better lives through education on smoking cessation, stress reduction, and improving behaviors that lead to unhealthy lifestyles. Personality assessments help thehealth psychologistunderstand patient behaviors that influence healthy lifestyle choices.
A health psychologist generally holds a PhD or PsyD (Doctoral degree) in psychology. The doctoral degree is obtained after completingundergraduatand master's level degree programs. Psychologists seeking licensure in clinical orcounselingpsychology complete an internship program that lasts for one year after they receive their psychology degree. ABoardCertification in health psychology is offered through the AmericanBoardof Professional Psychology.
There are someundergraduatedegree programs in health psychology focusing on abnormal and social psychology, behavior therapies, community psychology, and public health, along with technical areas such as anatomy and physiology, learning processes, and psychopharmacology.
Some schools train specifically for health psychology degrees. The trainings specialize in research careers, or focus on clinical patient practice.
Work Settings for Health Psychologists
Ahealth psychologistmay work in a hospital, clinic, or private company. They could also work in an academic or government setting developing issues affecting health care public policy or administering programs in the community. Health psychologists can specialize in pain management, oncology, health issues affecting women and/or minorities, or healthy lifestyle choices.
Income Earnings for Health Psychologists
Ahealth psychologistthat has a doctoral degree would fall under the career of a licensed psychologist, and would earn, on average, $80,000 per year, according to the American Psychological Association. There are other associations that estimate earnings at $40,000 for entry-level positions, and up to $85,000 for an advancedhealth psychologist. These estimates would depend on educational background, work setting, experience, and geographic location.
The job outlook for health psychologists is very good, as hospitals and medical organizations are at an increase in hiring psychologists, according to the APA Division 38 on Health Psychology.
Posted in Labels: Public Health Posted by pokerstars-blog at 7:04:00 AM
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