Psychologist Licensure Procedures in Rhode Island

How to become a Psychologist in Rhode Island...

Click on the link that best describes your current situation.

Explore the information below and begin your journey toward becoming a licensed psychologist in Rhode Island. The following procedures have been the same for many years; however, they are subject to change and it would be wise to contact the Rhode Island Office of Health Professionals Regulation at (401) 222-7883 if you have any concerns or questions regarding requirements for earning your Rhode Island psychologist license.

I'm a High School Graduate...

Congratulations. You are certainly ahead of the curve doing you career research this early. However, since you currently have a foot forward, keep your momentum going and take the all important next step toward Rhode Island psychologist licensure.

Below are two steps that are most likely the only steps you should be thinking about regarding your future career in psychology.

Step One:

Education. Absolutely the most important action you should be taking right now is learning how you can continue your education.

Rhode Island psychologist licensure requires you to hold a doctoral degree before applying. In addition, if you ever decide to switch into another field or profession, a college degree is the ticket to even being considered for a professional position in any other industry.

Your next move... learn how you can enroll in an associate or bachelor degree program.

Click on the links below to browse schools offering psychology programs!

Step Two:

Secondly, you will want to gain experience in an environment that revolves around helping others. Since being a psychologist is about helping other people sort through their issues in order to live a better life, gaining experience in a similar environment will help you learn if such a career is right for you.

One way to acquire this type of experience is through volunteering. In addition, having volunteer work on your work resume or college application shows employers and college admissions the motivation and strength of character they want in their employee and student.

Below is a link to a volunteering organization in Rhode Island:

If volunteering is out of the question, look to find paid work or speak with professors about career options as soon as possible in your academic career.

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I've already received my Bachelor's or Master's degree...

Once you have your undergraduate or Master's degree you will need to continue on and earn your doctorate degree in psychology, educational psychology or an education degree that specializes in counseling psychology or educational psychology from an accredited college or university.

Step One:

Contact schools offering Master's, PhD or PsyD programs you are interested in.

Step Two:

When choosing a Master's or Doctoral program, you will be narrowing your career focus. Since there are a large variety of areas where you can go within the field of psychology, it would be wise to speak with the career services personnel at your school to learn more about various opportunities you may participate in to boost yourself higher on the list of possible applicants for school and/or for a professional position once you have completed your schooling.

Step Three:

Once you have completed your PhD or PsyD program, you may continue down to:

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I have finished my PhD or PsyD...

Follow the steps to learn how to acquire your Psychologist license in Rhode Island.

Step One:

You will need to complete two years of supervised experience with at least one of the years done after receiving your doctoral degree (the other year can be completed during an internship or practicum experience). Each year should consist of at least 1500 hours.

More details about the hourly requirements and qualifying supervisors can be found in the rules and regulations on the Rhode Island Board of Psychology's website.

Step Two:

Next, you can submit a Rhode Island psychologist licensure application to the Rhode Island Office of Health Professionals Regulation Board of Psychology. Included in the application should be all supporting forms and fees.

You can download an application or begin the online application process on the following Rhode Island Board of Psychology webpage.

Step Three:

The Board will review your application and once approved, you will be notified of your eligibility to sit for the national Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology.

You wil find information about the examination (such as dates, content, registration, etc.) on the ASPPB website.

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