How to Become a Forensic Psychologist in Nevada
The first step in becoming a forensic psychologist is to get your Bachelor’s degree from an accredited school. With your Bachelor’s degree, you may be able to find some work in the field, but you will not be a forensic psychologist. You will still need to get your Master’s degree and doctorate from great schools so that you will be able to obtain your license and work in the state as a psychologist.
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
When you are choosing your higher-level degrees, make sure that you choose programs that are in your area of specialty, in this case forensics. When you are pursuing your doctorate, you will have to start your two years of work experience that will meet the requirements for the State of Nevada Board of Psychological Examiners. You will do one year while you are getting your doctorate, and then complete one year post-doctorate. You need to make sure that the Board approves the supervisor for the work experience.
Once you have your work experience requirements and your doctorate, you will then be able to apply for your license through the Nevada Board of Psychology. They will evaluate your application and once they approve it, they will contact you and tell you that you are able to take the Examination for Professional Practice of Psychology (EPPP). After you have your license, you will be able to practice in the state of Nevada, and you can start looking for work as a forensic psychologist.
Steps to Becoming a Forensic Psychologist in Nevada: Quick Reference Guide
- Attend an accredited school and get a bachelor’s degree.
- Receive a master’s degree in psychology or forensic psychology. Some PhD programs do not require this step.
- Earn your PhD in forensic Psychology.
- Complete two years of work experience, one prior to finishing your doctorate and one post-doctorate.
- Apply for your license through the Nevada Board of Psychology.
- Take the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP).
Employment Trends and Career Areas for Forensic Psychologists in Nevada
You will find that there are many great areas of opportunity for forensic psychologists living in Nevada. In the larger cities such as Reno and Las Vegas, you can find work with law enforcement and the court systems, as well as in other career areas. You can work with the corrections system and with lawyers. In addition, you may want to work as a researcher or a teacher. You have plenty of great options throughout the state, although most forensic psychologists are going to live in one of the larger population centers.
Salary and Employment Facts for Nevada Forensic Psychologists
The current average salary for a forensic psychologist in Nevada is $75,970 per year. The cost of living in Nevada can vary, but the pay for a forensic psychologist is going to be more than enough for residing anywhere in the state.
Nevada Forensics in the Media
Nevada is a great state with plenty of potential for a forensic psychologist, or any type of forensic specialist. One of the interesting things about the state is that it is the setting for one of the most popular and famous shows on television: CSI. As you probably know, this show focuses on forensics as well as how specialists use forensics to help catch criminals. While it certainly isn’t the only television show featuring forensics, it is probably the one that really pushed forensics fully into the public consciousness.