Published Aug 24, 2010
GivingLove
108 Posts
What degree and classes do I need to become a child psychologist? Do I have to have an RN license to do this? What is the pay like for them?Any other info would be helpful please!
elkpark
14,633 Posts
Psychology and psychiatric nursing are two entirely separate disciplines/professions (regardless of the age of the client population). In order to become a child psychologist, you would need at least a Master's (and preferably a doctorate) in psychology. A nursing license has nothing to do with becoming a psychologist.
I don't know much about the pay, except that it varies greatly depending on what kind of agency or practice one is working in and what kind of work, specifically, one is doing. (And, also, whether one is Master's-prepared or doctorally prepared).
I'm sure there are lots of sites on the 'net that would have more (and better :)) information about psychology as a career than a nursing site.
Best wishes for your journey!
What do i need for child psychiatry?
Psychiatrists are MDs (or DOs). That requires an undergraduate degree, four years of medical school, and a psychiatric residency. The standard psychiatric residency is four years. In order to be eligible for board certification as a child psychiatrist, one has to complete the standard adult psychiatric residency (four years) and an additional child psychiatric residency (two years).
Again, I'm curious about why one would be asking questions about these other disciplines on a nursing website -- there are much better places to find out information about these topics. Best wishes!