How You Can Become a Forensic Psychologist in New Mexico
Once you finish with your Bachelor’s degree in psychology, you will then be able to move on to your Master’s degree and your PhD in forensic psychology. You are going to need to have a doctorate if you want to become a forensic psychologist in New Mexico, and you have to go to the best colleges that have accreditation. When you are working through your doctorate, you will want to start your supervised work experience requirements.
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
You are going to need two years or 3,000 hours worth of work experience. You will be able to do one of the years, or 1,500 hours worth, during an approved internship while you are still in school for your doctorate. The rest of the hours need to be complete after you have your doctorate, and this will generally take another year. You may submit your work experience plan to the New Mexico Board of Psychologist Examiners, but you do not have to.
When you finish with the hours needed for your work experience, you will then be able to apply for your license in New Mexico. Submit the application to the Board, and then they will review it. Once they approve the application, you will be able to take the EPPP, or the Examination of Professional Practice of Psychology. Passing the exam will mean that you can receive your license. With your license, you will then be able to practice in New Mexico.
Steps to Becoming a Forensic Psychologist in New Mexico: 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.
- Complete 3000 hours of work experience (1500 can be done while in school).
- Apply for a license from the New Mexico 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 New Mexico
Jobs for forensic psychologists are going to increase in the next few years according to many. The Department of Labor anticipates that the job market could increase by as much as 10% by 2024 across the country. The forecast for New Mexico is even better. A 21% increase in forensic psychologists is expected in New Mexico by 2024. Now is a great time to start your education.
You will find many different types of career options when you are looking for work as a forensic psychologist in New Mexico. You can work for the court systems and evaluate defendants. It’s possible to offer counseling for victims of crimes, and you may want to work in the corrections system where you can help with rehabilitation. Many forensic psychologists work with law enforcement and provide analysis of crime scenes and the motives of criminals, which can help lead to their capture.
Salary and Employment Facts for New Mexico Forensic Psychologists
Becoming a forensic psychologist in New Mexico can be quite lucrative. The average annual salary for the profession in the state is $92,350 per year. When you are searching for employment, consider going to one of the areas that has a larger population, as it can be easier to find work.
Forensics in New Mexico
The use of forensics in criminal investigations can cover all different areas, and law enforcement agencies in New Mexico do their best to make use of the various forensics specialists. In addition to forensic psychology, they can also use forensic anthropologists, blood spatter analysts and serologists, and ballistics specialists.