Psychologist
Quick Facts
Median Salary$85,058
Most Common EducationPh.D. or professional degree
Projected 10-Year Growth+25.07%
Assessment MatchTake the Assessment
What They Do
A Psychologist studies human behavior to learn about the mental processes that affect people and how they relate to each other. Specializes in research or works directly with patients. May assess, diagnose and treat mental, emotional or behavioral disorders, provide counseling, advise students, focus on workplace issues or consult on criminal cases.
Core Tasks:
- Maintain accurate and complete student records as required by laws, district policies, and administrative regulations.
- Counsel students regarding educational issues, such as course and program selection, class scheduling and registration, school adjustment, truancy, study habits, and career planning.
- Counsel individuals or groups to help them understand and overcome personal, social, or behavioral problems affecting their educational or vocational situations.
- Provide crisis intervention to students when difficult situations occur at schools.
- Review transcripts to ensure that students meet graduation or college entrance requirements, and write letters of recommendation.
- Refer students to outside counseling services.
- Prepare students for later educational experiences by encouraging them to explore learning opportunities and to persevere with challenging tasks.
- Refer students to degree programs based on interests, aptitudes, or educational assessments.
- Evaluate students' or individuals' abilities, interests, and personality characteristics, using tests, records, interviews, or professional sources.
- Provide students with information on topics such as college degree programs and admission requirements, financial aid opportunities, trade and technical schools, and apprenticeship programs.
- Conduct follow-up interviews with counselees to determine if their needs have been met.
- Assess needs for assistance, such as rehabilitation, financial aid, or additional vocational training, and refer clients to the appropriate services.
- Instruct individuals in career development techniques, such as job search and application strategies, resume writing, and interview skills.
- Attend meetings, educational conferences, and training workshops, and serve on committees.
- Plan and promote career and employment-related programs and events, such as career planning presentations, work experience programs, job fairs, and career workshops.
- Teach classes and present self-help or information sessions on subjects related to education and career planning.
- Plan and conduct orientation programs and group conferences to promote the adjustment of individuals to new life experiences, such as starting college.
- Address community groups, faculty, and staff members to explain available counseling services.
- Prepare reports on students and activities as required by administration.
- Provide information for teachers and staff members involved in helping students or graduates identify and pursue employment opportunities.
- Collaborate with teachers and administrators in the development, evaluation, and revision of school programs and in the preparation of master schedules for curriculum offerings.
- Plan, direct, and participate in recruitment and enrollment activities.
What to expect as a Psychologist
1Earn a Ph.D. or professional degree
46% of people achieve this level of education.
2Gain skills and experience
See Psychologist related courses on Tallo
3Land a job
8676 openings for Psychologists
Career Progression
in United States (Nation)
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