What Can You Do in The Medical Field With a Psychology Degree?
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The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author’s and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Grand Canyon University. Any sources cited were accurate as of the publish date.
Psychology is a fascinating area of study because it explores how the human mind works and how our thought processes influence our behavioral patterns. Research-oriented psychologists conduct studies or collect information from their clients’ behavior. A psychology degree opens the door to a wide range of career options. Entry-level opportunities are available for graduates with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology. For higher-level positions, you will need to earn a graduate psychology degree.
With a bachelor’s in psychology, you can launch a career as a psychiatric technician. This entry-level position boasts excellent employment prospects. Many psychiatric technicians are employed by hospitals and substance abuse treatment facilities.
These professionals provide care for patients with psychiatric conditions and developmental disabilities. On a typical day, a psychiatric technician might help patients participate in daily activities. The technician might also monitor patients’ behavior and deliver therapeutic care. Other daily tasks may include the following:
Part of a behavioral specialist’s job is to work alongside people who struggle with disabilities or experience learning and behavioral impairments affecting certain social interactions. Specialists help their clients by providing support with treatment for their mental and physical health. They can work for schools or government-owned organizations.
To prepare, you can earn a Bachelor of Science in Behavioral Health Science, studying the interactions and behavior of human beings. You can also enter a bachelor’s program in Behavioral Health Science (BHS) to learn about behavioral health techniques, research, history and practices. Some valuable competencies you will gain include:
Coursework may involve psychology, statistics and human development. You have the option of earning this degree online to work around your schedule.
For individuals who prefer to work one-on-one with patients helping them accomplish their treatment goals, a career as a psychiatric or behavioral health case manager may be ideal. It is possible to become a psychiatric case manager with just a bachelor’s degree, although some facilities may require a master’s.
Case managers act as liaisons between patients and medical staff. They coordinate patient care services, monitor patients’ progress and connect patients to needed resources both inside and outside the facility. Other tasks may vary with the facility, but generally include the following:
In addition, some case managers perform home visits to check on patients’ wellness after they are discharged. Case managers provide a valuable service for mental health patients working toward their recovery. To succeed in this role, it is essential to have excellent problem-solving skills along with solid communication, interpersonal and critical-thinking skills.
Mental health counselors help individuals cope with and overcome all kinds of challenges in their lives. These can include grief and loss, divorce, relationship problems, job stress, anxiety disorders and substance abuse disorders.
A career as a mental health counselor can be incredibly rewarding and meaningful because of the opportunities to make positive contributions to individuals and the community.
Some typical job duties of a mental health counselor include the following:
The requirements to practice as a mental health counselor vary from one state to the next. Individual facilities may also have hiring requirements beyond those of the state. It is sometimes possible to break into this field with just a bachelor’s degree. However, many positions require a master’s degree and clinical psychology experience.
Grand Canyon University offers a full suite of psychology degree options for both undergraduate and graduate students. Gain a thorough grounding in this field with the Bachelor of Science in Psychology degree, or develop advanced knowledge with the Master of Science in Psychology with an Emphasis in General Psychology program. Use the Request Info button at the top of your screen to learn more about our Christian learning community.
