Steps to Become a Forensic Psychologist in Idaho
Having a solid foundation of an education is important for anyone who wants to become a forensic psychologist. After high school, you will need to get your bachelor’s degree, and then go on to your Master’s degree and your doctorate. While it may be possible to find some jobs on the periphery of forensic psychology when you have a bachelor’s degree, they are mostly going to be in support roles. To become a true forensic psychologist, you are going to need to have your doctorate, and then you will need to get your license. Always choose the accredited colleges that have the best programs when you are pursuing your degrees. Great schools are important when you are entering this field. When you are finished with at least a year of graduate study, you will be able to start your work experience required for your license. You will need to have one year during this time, and then an additional year, or 1,000 total hours, after receiving the degree.
Featured Programs:
Grand Canyon University - BS in Psychology: Forensic Psychology
Southern New Hampshire University - BA & MS in Forensic Psychology
Walden University - Online Forensic Psychology Programs
Once you have the work experience that you need, you will then be able to apply for your license from the Idaho Board of Psychologist Examiners. They will approve your application after an evaluation and then you will be able to take the EPPP, or Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology. Upon passing this exam, you will then be able to receive your license.
Steps to Becoming a Forensic Psychologist in Idaho: Quick Reference Guide
- Find an accredited school that offers bachelor’s programs in forensic psychology or psychology. Earn a bachelor’s degree.
- Complete a master’s degree program in forensic psychology. Some PhD programs do not require this step.
- Earn a PhD. During this program, you must complete one year of work experience.
- Following your doctoral degree, complete 1000 hours of work experience.
- Apply for a license from the Idaho Board of Psychologist Examiners.
- Following approval from the board, take the EPPP, or Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology.
Employment Trends and Career Areas for Forensic Psychologists in Idaho
The demand for people with forensics specialties is on the rise, and it doesn’t show any signs of slowing. Getting your doctorate and license as a forensic psychologist will provide you with many different employment opportunities. Some choose to work with the corrections system, the courts, or with lawyers. An option that quite a few people choose is to work with law enforcement in a consulting capacity. This allows the forensic psychologists to use their skills and knowledge of criminal behavior to help track down criminals. You will find many different options as a forensic psychologist, including working in a teaching capacity.
Salary and Employment Facts for Idaho Forensic Psychologists
The average annual salary for a forensic psychologist in Idaho is $90,070. This is a great salary for the state. With the demand for specialists rising, there’s a good chance that the number of jobs in the state will go up in the next few years. A nationwide projected job increase of about 10% is between 2014 and 2024, which is great news for anyone who is starting schooling now.
Forensics in the Media
The media is rife with information on forensics today, from popular television shows to novels, and documentaries. It’s little wonder that forensics has such a strong grip on the nation. Those who are interested in forensic psychology and who want to see a portrayal of a psychologist on television may want to watch few episodes of the later seasons of Bones, which has Dr. Lance Sweets, a psychologist working with the FBI. While most real life cases aren’t solved in an hour, these forensics shows do make for some interesting television.