Putting Your Psychology Education to Work |
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March 28, 2006
by Gabby Hyman
gabby.hyman@healthcare-programs.com
Healthcare Programs Columnist
A certificate, undergraduate, or graduate diploma in psychology can lead to a diverse range of professional opportunities and career leverage. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), trained psychologists held nearly 180,000 jobs in 2004, and the demand for them is expected to increase faster than the average for all other occupations through the year 2014.
Those with psychology training are needed to fill vacancies at social service agencies, in hospitals and mental health centers, at schools, and in substance abuse treatment clinics.
School Psychology in Demand
The BLS predicts an especially strong demand for grads with a specialty in school psychology. Typically, the top positions are filled with people who have completed a post-graduate education in psychology. However, there will be openings for undergrads in research and data collection, as well as in counseling fields and psychological assistants.
Breakdown of Psychology Careers
The American Psychological Association (APA) has detailed studies on where graduates of a psychology education ply their trade. Among grads with a BA in psychology, nearly 50% found work with profit-making companies, some 15% with federal, state, and local governments, and the balance in private practice, education, and non-profit organizations.
The ratio changes for post-graduate school psychology degree holders. The APA reports that 20% work in business and government, while almost 40% work in higher education, and the balance in clinics, hospitals, and human service agencies. Only 4% of post-graduate degree holders work in private practice.
New Directions in Psychology
More and more, the BLS reports, psychologists work in partnerships, pairing with other career psychologists and counselors in a team setting. The good news--if you're considering a psychology education--is that the workplace is broad, with educational, governmental, clinical, research, and consulting practices available throughout the country.
Sources
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
American Psychological Association
About the Author
Gabby Hyman has written for print and online media for more than 20 years. He has created online content for eToys, GoTo.com, Siebel Systems, Avaya, and Nissan UK.
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