Psychology Jobs Key Terms

Study important psychology jobs key terms

By Mary Spencer-Huber

There is no shortage of psychology jobs and, according to the U.S. Department of Labor, the field is expected to grow. Much of this growth is attributed to increased needs for psychologists in schools, hospitals, social services, mental health centers and other facilities serving the mentally ill. The greatest need will be for people with a doctoral degree in a specialty, such as counseling, health or a degree in the area of school psychology. As you venture into the field of psychology, keep some of the following key terms in mind, as they are pertinent to success.

Psychologist

A psychologist is a mental health professional who maintains a psychologist license from their respective jurisdiction. For example, a psychologist living in Texas is required to obtain a psychology license from the Texas Board of Examiners of Psychologists. In most states, licensed psychologists have a doctoral degree, at least two years of supervised experience under a practicing psychologist and a passing score on the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP).
Try: Psychology Information Online offers a wealth of information about the practice of psychology for students, consumers and psychologists.

American Psychological Association, APA

Many job postings will note they require a degree from an APA accredited program. The APA, also known as the American Psychological Association, sets standards for education and training. Training programs and internships go through an extensive process to become APA accredited.
Try: Peruse the American Psychological Association Guidelines and Principles for Accreditation of Programs in Professional Psychology to learn more information about the accreditation process.

Forensic psychologist

A forensic psychologist applies their practice of psychology to criminal and civil justice systems. Forensic psychologists work in different capacities, including the treatment of mentally ill offenders, consultation with an attorney, jury selection and analysis of the criminal's mental processes.
Try: Psi Chi the National Honor Society in Psychology offers detailed information about the practice of forensic psychology.

Clinical psychologist

The clinical psychologist works with clients at all levels of development ranging from young children to senior citizens. Clients are seen individually or in groups. Groups of clients typically have a common psychopathology or are members of the same family or organization. The clinical psychologist utilizes various assessment and intervention techniques to mollify psychological discomfort and maladjustment, while also enhancing the client's overall mental health.
Try: The APA Division 12 Society for Clinical Psychology provides links to blogs, empirically researched forms of treatment and publications.

Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology

Industrial and organizational psychologists focus their practice on behavior in work settings. Specifically they focus on promoting productive worker attitudes and selecting the ideal candidate for a particular position. The Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology promotes the practice of industrial and organizational psychology as a method for enhancing human well-being and performance in office or work settings.
Try: The Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology, which is a division within the APA, offers additional information about the field of industrial and organizational psychology.

School psychologist

A school psychologist is a professional who assists children and adolescents with academic, social and emotional issues. School psychologists work in cooperation with school staff, parents and other community professionals to establish and maintain a healthy school environment, while also building connections between the home and school. School psychologists must have a minimum specialist-level degree, which included 60 credits and a 1200 hour internship. Many school psychologists hold doctorates, with academic coursework in education, consultation, instruction, child development, school organization, prevention, intervention, program evaluation, learning styles, behavioral strategies and research strategies.
Try: Learn more about the activities of a school psychologist at the National Association of School Psychologists.