What to Do to Become a Forensic Psychologist in Iowa
Once you have your Bachelor’s degree from one of the approve colleges, you will want to enroll in a Master’s or doctoral program. Once you are able to get your doctorate, the Iowa Board of Psychology will give you a psychology associate title while you are completing your work experience for your license. When you are completing your work experience, you will need to have 1,500 hours of supervised professional experience.
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
The supervisor has to be qualified and approved by the Iowa Board of Psychology, and the supervisor has to provide you with at least one hour of direct supervision per week. After you complete the work experience, you will then be able to apply for your license. The Board will then approve the application and let you know when you are eligible to take the EPPP, or Examination of Professional Practice in Psychology. Once you pass the exam, you will be able to get your license. When you are searching for an approved supervisor, you may want to see if you can find a forensic psychologist, as this is going to be the career path that you will want to take.
Steps to Becoming a Forensic Psychologist in Iowa: Quick Reference Guide
- Get a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
- Earn a master’s degree and PhD in forensic psychology.
- Complete 1500 hours of work experience supervised by a individual approved by the Iowa Board.
- Apply for a license through the Iowa Board.
- Take the EPPP.
Employment Trends and Career Areas for Forensic Psychologists in Iowa
Many areas around the United States are seeing a surge in the need for forensic specialists, including forensic psychologists. You will be able to find work in a number of different areas when you have your degrees and your license as a forensic psychologist.
Some choose to work in the court system, where they can evaluate criminals and even provide psychological examinations of victims. Others work in the corrections system or for lawyers. Of course, one of the most common ways to use your degrees is by helping law enforcement agencies through consulting. Finding a teaching position is also possible. There are many different options for forensic psychologists, and the job market seems poised to get even brighter in the coming years.
Salary and Employment Facts for Iowa Forensic Psychologists
The median salary for a forensic psychologist in Iowa is $97,740. This is an excellent salary in Iowa, even though most that enter the field don’t do it for the money. Forensics is a growing job field, and even in the area of psychology, they predict that there will be a 10% increase in the number of positions available by 2024. Getting your degree and doctorate now is ideal for anyone interested in this field.
Iowa Forensics News
You will find a number of ways in which forensics play a role in the criminal justice system in Iowa and around the country. Forensic specialists that work in ballistics are able to determine the gun from which a bullet was fired. Forensic entomologists can use insect proliferation on a body to determine the time of death, and in some cases the place of death. Forensics psychologists can look at cold cases as well as current cases to learn more about criminal behavior. These specialists are doing a great service for the criminal justice system.