How to Become a Military Psychologist

Military psychologists are clinicians who work with military personnel to mitigate mental and emotional problems associated with combat, separation from family and other hardships of military service. Modern military psychologists work extensively with post traumatic stress disorder. Their main priority is to keep servicemen and women mentally fit for service. Most military psychologist jobs are clinical, rather than research based. If you want to go into this specialty, then you must achieve a doctoral degree and internship experience within a branch of the military. Find out how to become a military psychologist.

STEPS

1

Consider joining the military. People with precise interest in working with active duty soldiers will gain valuable experience by serving in a branch of the military. You may choose to delay schooling and serve a term.

2

Gain a bachelor's degree in psychology. If possible, find a program that combines bachelor's and master's degrees in psychology. This accelerated program will allow you to enter into your doctoral program more quickly.

• In some cases, a master's degree is not necessary to apply for a doctor of psychology degree. You may want to research doctoral programs when you are choosing a school for your bachelor's degree.

3

Earn your graduate degrees. In order to work with patients, most people are required to possess a doctor of psychology degree. Write your dissertation on subjects that apply to people in the military, in order to research the topics affecting soldiers more intimately.

4

Start an internship with the military. Apply to complete your practicum in a branch of the military. Psychologist internship programs include sessions with soldiers and training with several different disciplines.

5

Get a job after completing school. The military only hires licensed psychologists. Depending upon the state you want to work in, you may be required to complete 1 to 3 years of practice under the supervision of a licensed psychologist before applying for a license.

6

Apply to be a licensed psychologist. Your state license may require proof of education, proof of internship, examinations, fees and proof of employment.

7

Search for psychology jobs in the military. You may use your contacts from your internship, websites and inquiries to government agencies to find a job with the military. Job openings will differ depending upon the area, the number of soldiers in active duty and the number of psychologists vacating jobs, so your search can take a few years.

8

Be willing to move for a job as a military psychologist. Jobs are in demand on active military bases and in some countries where the military is deployed. You may be required to move or travel for your job.

9

Apply for board certification. Obtaining certification from the American Board of Professional Psychology (ABPP) will place you at the highest ranking for your profession and enable you to achieve a higher salary. You may choose to complete a board certification in clinical or counseling psychology.

• The process of obtaining a board certification can take several years, especially if you are deployed to another location. The American Psychology Association makes adjustments for deployed military psychologists.
• You will need a mentor and a small board to review your accomplishments. You must have high standards of practice, research, ethics, training and formal education in order to be board certified. Request that at least 1 of your board members has experience in military psychology.
• You can choose an early entry program for ABPP certification while you are in graduate school. You can find a mentor, and you may be able to develop the necessary qualifications before you become licensed in your state.

10

Earn continuing education credits in subjects that affect your military patients. This will allow you to stay current with new research and remain licensed in your state.