Psychologist Licensure Procedures in South Dakota

How to become a Psychologist in South Dakota...

Click on the link that best describes your current situation.

Explore the information below and begin your journey toward becoming a licensed psychologist in South Dakota. The following procedures have been the same for many years; however, they are subject to change and it would be wise to contact the South Dakota Board of Examiners of Psychologists at (605) 642-1600 if you have any concerns or questions regarding requirements for earning your South Dakota psychologist license.

I'm a High School Graduate...

Becoming a psychologist can be a highly rewarding career both in salary and emotionally. With a wide variety of specializations to choose from, psychologists can choose to affect the world in any way they choose.

However, to earn a South Dakota psychologist license, you will need to complete a doctoral degree program. This will take some time, but, regardless of what industry you enter, an advanced education is always a great investment of your time. To begin the process of entering the psychology field, follow the steps listed below.

Step One:

The first step you need to take is contact various schools offering undergraduate psychology degree programs. Psychology is a growing field, reaching into practically all industries from government to business to mental health.

Even if you decide not to become a psychologist, a bachelor's degree in psychology will offer almost limitless possibilities for a future professional career.

Click on the links below to browse schools offering programs you are currently qualified to begin!

Step Two:

Secondly, due to increasing competition for the best graduate level psychology programs, it is wise to begin acquiring field experience as soon as possible. Volunteering opportunities can greatly increase your chances of being accepted in graduate programs and acquiring that all important first internship or job.

Finally, regardless of whether a career as a licensed psychologist is in your future or not, a higher education is always a great investment of your time and energy. So, go ahead and get started!

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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, or a related field, 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 South Dakota.

Step One:

In addition to the coursework that is required, you will also need to have had a supervised internship of 1800 hours during a time period of no more than 2 years.

Step Two:

After graduation, you will need to accumulate one year of professional work experience.

Step Two:

The next step is to apply to the South Dakota Board of Examiners of Psychologists. Include with your application all necessary forms and fees.

You can download the application and other forms here.

Step Three:

The Board will review your application. Once approved, they will contact the testing company who will notify you of your eligibility and provide further information. South Dakota requires that you pass the Examination for the Professional Practice of Psychology.

You can find more information about this examination can be found on the ASPPB website.

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