How long does it take to be a clinical psychologist. During this period students should gather information about their states licensing process. You have to earn a doctoral degree in clinical psychology. For this specialty area most people will spend between eight to 12 years in higher education.
To become a clinical psychologist you will need an undergraduate degree four to five years of college plus a doctorate degree four to seven years of graduate school. To gain endorsement to work as a clinical psychologist six years of study plus two years of supervised practice is required. There are other similar careers counseling social work school counseling family therapy which may require less time in school in order for you to begin working.
Instead students receive educational credits. Undertake a three year accredited undergraduate psychology sequence then commence a fourth year accredited psychology course and finally complete a two year internship or two year masters degree in order to work as a psychologist. But a typical masters degree will take just a couple of years to complete.
Use this resource to learn more about internship organizations and information for psychology students. The seminars and clinical rotations of these programs usually take a year to complete and are designed to expose students to real world situations and prepare them for licensure. After graduating high school it can take up to 12 or more years to become sufficiently qualified to be a clinical psychologist.
The exact length of time depends on factors such as whether you study full or part time and state licensing requirements.