Steps to Become a Forensic Psychologist in Utah
Step number one is going to be getting your Bachelor’s degree in psychology. After you have your degree, it’s time to start looking for colleges that will be able to offer you a Master’s degree and a doctorate. It’s important that you choose accredited schools for your education, and this is especially important now.
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 have to have 4,000 hours of supervised work experience over at least two years. You will be able to start working toward those hours while you are still in school for your doctorate. The other hours will be done post-graduation. Make sure that you have a qualified supervisor approves by the Utah Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing.
When you complete your necessary hours, you will then be able to apply for your license with DOPL. They will look over your application and let you know when you will be able to take the EPPP, the Examination of Professional Practice of Psychology. The EPPP is a national test that psychologists around the country have to take. You will also have to take a state exam. Passing those exams means that you will be able to receive your license.
Steps to Becoming a Forensic Psychologist in Utah: Quick Reference Guide
- Find an accredited college that offers psychology or forensic psychology programs and earn a bachelor’s degree.
- Earn a master’s degree and doctoral degree. Some PhD programs do not require a master’s degree.
- Complete an approved internship that starts during the final year of your PhD program.
- Gain 4000 hours of supervised experience, which can be started before you graduate.
- Apply for licensure through the Utah Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing.
- Take and pass the EPPP and the state exam.
Employment Trends and Career Areas for Forensic Psychologists in Utah
The need for forensic psychologists is rising. A 10% increase in jobs by 2024 is expected across the nation, and that means that getting your doctorate and license now is a great idea. You will have a number of job options available to you.
Forensic psychologists are able to work in many different capacities, from working in the court system to working in the prison system. Some choose to go into research, or they find a teaching job. Still others want to work with law enforcement and help to catch criminals. You have many options.
Salary and Employment Facts for Utah Forensic Psychologists
Choosing to become a forensic psychologist in Utah can be a great move for your career. The current salary for a forensic psychologist working in the state is $92,880 per year. Even though most don’t get into the field for the money, it’s nice to know that you will be able to live well while doing a job that you love.
Utah Forensics in the News
One of the well-respected forensic companies in Utah, Sorenson Forensics, has been taking their show on the road. They helped set up the first DNA laboratory in Nigeria for the use of law enforcement. Specialists traveled to Nigeria to ensure that the equipment at the lab was set up properly. Sorenson was also the company that set up a lab in Senegal, which was the first one on the continent. Many countries in Africa are far behind when it comes to forensic technology, and with the help of Sorenson Forensics, they starting to make a change.