{"id":26309,"date":"2021-02-10T10:39:47","date_gmt":"2021-02-10T10:39:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/stonebridge-blog.positive-dedicated.net\/?p=26309"},"modified":"2023-03-28T14:54:42","modified_gmt":"2023-03-28T13:54:42","slug":"is-clinical-psychology-the-right-career-for-me","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.stonebridge.uk.com\/blog\/psychology\/is-clinical-psychology-the-right-career-for-me\/","title":{"rendered":"Is Clinical Psychology the Right Career for Me?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>If you\u2019re an aspiring clinical psychologist then you have the desire to help others overcome a broad range of issues. Making a difference in people\u2019s lives is the core of clinical psychology and most jobs in healthcare.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>However, that alone is not enough to provide the in-depth level of expertise that clinical psychologists offer. As a clinical psychologist, you\u2019re also a science practitioner so you conduct research to help advance the field. Whilst also working directly with clients to improve their quality of life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Clinical psychology covers many aspects of mental health from emotional disturbances and learning disabilities to eating disorders and more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Therefore, getting fully qualified is quite the academic feat as there\u2019s much to learn. You\u2019ll have to work your way through many stages of education before finally receiving a doctorate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Although should you have the determination to succeed then it\u2019ll lead you to an extremely fulfilling career.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Qualities of a Clinical Psychologist<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Clinical psychologists need to be empathetic and have a person-centred approach to their clients. Helping people is the main attribute of a clinical psychologist. So, demonstrating you genuinely have this characteristic is essential.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You\u2019ll need the ability to respond to difficult situations appropriately and understand your own limitations. The relationship between the client and psychologist is important. So, if you\u2019re not connecting or don\u2019t have the right skillset, they may not receive the help they need.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>What\u2019s more, you need to be a proficient critical and analytical thinker. Working with your clients to improve their mental wellbeing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Stellar communication and interpersonal skills are important when dealing with people in distress. In addition to this, it also helps to work well in teams and be collaborative with colleagues from other disciplines. Together you can support your clients and help them overcome whatever challenges they face.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>However, it still helps to be self-motivated as you\u2019ll often work independently from other professionals too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">A day in the life of a Clinical Psychologist<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"619\" height=\"250\" src=\"https:\/\/www.stonebridge.uk.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/SAC-Is-Clinical-Psychology-the-Right-Career-for-Me-A-day-in-the-life-of-a-clinical-psychologist.png\" alt=\"SAC | Is Clinical Psychology the Right Career for Me? | A day in the life of a clinical psychologist\" class=\"wp-image-26315\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.stonebridge.uk.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/SAC-Is-Clinical-Psychology-the-Right-Career-for-Me-A-day-in-the-life-of-a-clinical-psychologist.png 619w, https:\/\/www.stonebridge.uk.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/SAC-Is-Clinical-Psychology-the-Right-Career-for-Me-A-day-in-the-life-of-a-clinical-psychologist-300x121.png 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 619px) 100vw, 619px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Each day will differ depending on where you\u2019re located or the clients you\u2019ll work with.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Should you choose to specialise than this will impact the types of clients you\u2019ll see most often. You can specialise in substance abuse, young people and children, mental health or many other mental illnesses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Common responsibilities for clinical psychologists include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Assessing clients\u2019 behaviours and needs using psychometric tests, interviews, and direct observations<\/li><li>Devising a treatment plan in collaboration with other professionals<\/li><li>Monitoring a clients\u2019 progress with their treatment<\/li><li>Working alongside other healthcare professionals such as doctors, nurses, social workers, psychiatrists, and occupational therapists<\/li><li>Offering therapy and treatments for a broad range of mental health conditions<\/li><li>Consulting professionals in other areas of work to encourage a psychological approach<\/li><li>Providing counselling and support<\/li><li>Utilising your expertise and carrying out research adding to the evidence base of practice<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What Qualifications do I need?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>To become a fully qualified clinical psychologist you\u2019ll first need to secure an undergraduate degree. The course needs to be in Psychology and accredited by the British Psychological Society (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.bps.org.uk\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">BPS<\/a>). Following the completion of your undergraduate degree you\u2019ll then need to continue your studies further still.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Three years of postgraduate training is necessary leading to a doctorate in clinical psychology. To get accepted onto a doctorate course you\u2019ll need a first-class honours or 2:2 in your undergraduate degree. In addition to 12 months relevant clinical research or work experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Currently, doctorate courses are funded by the NHS. You\u2019re likely to be employed by them as a trainee clinical psychologist too. During your doctorate studies, you\u2019ll combine academic and practical learning with clinical placements and research.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Finally, upon completion of your doctorate, you\u2019re eligible to register with the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hcpc-uk.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">HCPC<\/a> and gain chartered status with the BPS. Only then are you legally allowed to practice as a clinical psychologist.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Getting into University<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"619\" height=\"250\" src=\"https:\/\/www.stonebridge.uk.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/SAC-Is-Clinical-Psychology-the-Right-Career-for-Me-getting-into-university.png\" alt=\"sac | Is Clinical Psychology the Right Career for Me? | Getting into University\" class=\"wp-image-26317\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.stonebridge.uk.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/SAC-Is-Clinical-Psychology-the-Right-Career-for-Me-getting-into-university.png 619w, https:\/\/www.stonebridge.uk.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/SAC-Is-Clinical-Psychology-the-Right-Career-for-Me-getting-into-university-300x121.png 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 619px) 100vw, 619px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>To start your journey within higher education you\u2019ll need to meet the requirements to get into university. Usually universities ask for the following:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>5 GCSEs C\/4 or above<\/li><li>2\/3 relevant A Levels or equivalent<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>This is generally what universities look for. However, universities can set their own entry requirements so always check your desired institute to make sure. If you don\u2019t have relevant A Levels for whatever reason then there is an alternative.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The<strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.stonebridge.uk.com\/course\/access-to-higher-education-diploma-psychology\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Access to Higher Education Diploma (Psychology)<\/a> <\/strong>is equivalent to A Level study. The course is designed to give you highly relevant knowledge to prepare you for university.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>An A Level in Psychology would also give you the desired level of understanding. However, one A Level alone isn\u2019t enough to secure a university place. Whereas the one Access to HE Diploma is all you need.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>An Access to HE Diploma is worth between 48 and 144 UCAS points. So if you were to achieve a high grade upon completion your qualification would be worth 3 As at A Level.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Studying Online<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Online learning gives you the flexibility to engage with your studies whenever suits you best. No matter what time constraints you may already be under. Whether you have work, family or other commitments you\u2019re able to progress with your learning at a pace that works.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You have a full two years to complete the course if need be. Or you can blitz through the material in as little as 6 months. It\u2019s completely up to you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Having the freedom to study wherever and whenever means you can enjoy your learning experience. You won\u2019t have to worry about rearranging shifts, finding childcare or rescheduling appointments to attend class because there aren\u2019t any. As long as you have a stable internet connection and a laptop, you\u2019re good to go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>What\u2019s more, the material is readily available to you as soon as you enrol. So you won\u2019t have to wait until the term begins before progressing with your learning like at a physical college.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you\u2019re considering a career as a clinical psychologist Stonebridge Associated Colleges could help.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Stonebridge Associated Colleges is one of the UK\u2019s leading online learning providers. You\u2019re able to complete the Access to HE Diploma (Psychology) online and get closer to reaching your goals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>All our courses have flexible payment options and expert tutors to support your learning. They\u2019ll provide constructive feedback and any extra assistance when needed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To learn more on how to prepare for your online learning experience visit our blog <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.stonebridge.uk.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">here.<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you\u2019re ready to get back into education, <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.stonebridge.uk.com\/contact-us\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">speak to an advisor<\/a><\/strong> for more information or browse below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.stonebridge.uk.com\/course\/access-to-higher-education-diploma-psychology\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"541\" height=\"218\" src=\"https:\/\/www.stonebridge.uk.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/SAC-Is-Clinical-Psychology-the-Right-Career-for-Me-CTA.png\" alt=\"SAC | Is Clinical Psychology the Right Career for Me | CTA\" class=\"wp-image-26311\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.stonebridge.uk.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/SAC-Is-Clinical-Psychology-the-Right-Career-for-Me-CTA.png 541w, https:\/\/www.stonebridge.uk.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/SAC-Is-Clinical-Psychology-the-Right-Career-for-Me-CTA-300x121.png 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 541px) 100vw, 541px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>If you\u2019re an aspiring clinical psychologist then you have the desire to help others overcome a broad range of issues. Making a difference in people\u2019s lives is the core of clinical psychology and most jobs in healthcare. However, that alone is not enough to provide the in-depth level of expertise that clinical psychologists offer. As [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":27,"featured_media":26313,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[346],"tags":[189],"class_list":["post-26309","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-psychology","tag-psychology"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.stonebridge.uk.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/26309","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.stonebridge.uk.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.stonebridge.uk.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.stonebridge.uk.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/27"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.stonebridge.uk.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=26309"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/www.stonebridge.uk.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/26309\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":29580,"href":"https:\/\/www.stonebridge.uk.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/26309\/revisions\/29580"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.stonebridge.uk.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/26313"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.stonebridge.uk.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=26309"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.stonebridge.uk.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=26309"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.stonebridge.uk.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=26309"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}