Military Psychologist - The military is known for pioneering developments that benefit the entire community. Technical and medical developments often begin as military initiatives before being adopted publicly. Military psychology is no different. Innovations like IQ tests, personnel, and stress management strategies all come from the military.

One such military innovation that has been slowly making its way into mainstream society took a giant step forward last week when the American Psychological Association's House of Representatives accepted clinical psychopharmacology, commonly known as psychopharmacology, as a branch of occupational psychology. This formally recognizes the description of psychology in the light of the way the psychological profession views such disciplines as neuropsychology, child psychology, industrial-organizational psychology, forensic psychology, etc.

Military Psychologist

Military Psychologist

Psychology majors are very specific, require specific knowledge and skills, and have distinct teaching and training components. Clinical psychopharmacology requires a master's degree (in addition to the already required Ph.D.), an exam (that is, a psychopharmacology exam for psychologists), and supervised clinical training to obtain psychiatrist prescribing privileges.

Bachelor's In Psychology

Military psychologists were first licensed through a pilot program at the University Unified Health Service (USUHS) and Walter Reed Army Medical Center (WRAMC) in 1994, and military psychologists have continued to hold these privileges since then. Despite the long history of prescribing drugs within the military, it took time for both military medicine and the government system to adapt.

Part of the problem was the need for an education and training infrastructure that existed only at USUHS and WRAMC in the 1990s. However, this initial pilot program ended in 1997, leading to the establishment of training programs at military treatment facilities. These programs were relatively short-lived, and the military eventually transitioned from vocational training to civilian programs as the number and access to these programs began to increase. Master's programs in clinical psychopharmacology began to appear at several American universities in the early 2000s, and accreditation of these academic programs began in 2010. These formal programs, which are constantly expanding, have increased the actual implementation of this training. later practice.

Five states currently have laws mandating the licensing of psychologists: New Mexico, Louisiana, Illinois, Iowa, and Idaho, and several states have pending legislation. Additionally, Guam has a law that allows psychologists to exercise supervisory authority. The Department of Defense, including the U.S. Air Force, U.S. Army, and U.S. Navy, as well as the Public Health Service and the Indian Health Service, continue to integrate prescription psychiatrists into primary care, specialty care, and the expeditionary unit.

With the formal recognition of clinical psychopharmacology as a specialty in occupational psychology through the American Board of Occupational Psychology, the foundation for board certification was laid. This then aligns prescribing psychology with long-established clinical specialties and allows prescribers to obtain the highest accreditation in the field. Additionally, with this recognition, ongoing legislative changes, increased training programs, and an increased focus on mental health care for underserved communities, the number of psychiatrists prescribing the drug is expected to increase more rapidly.

American Psychological Association 2018

Kennedy, PhD, ABPP is a neuropsychologist specializing in military psychology and air medical psychology. An active-duty US Navy captain who has deployed to Cuba and Afghanistan, psychology is not just a job, it's a calling. It requires dedicated study and a commitment to helping patients, clinical or counseling psychologists, or research psychologists doing scientifically valid research. But what if an aspiring psychologist has more than one calling—to be a psychologist and serve in the United States military? Can a student do both?

The good news is that entering the military is an excellent path for students to pursue while earning a degree in psychology. In fact, there is such a thing as "military psychology," which is the subfield of psychology in which psychological principles and practices are used to control interactions during military operations. The American Psychological Association identifies four common career options for military psychologists: clinical psychologists, research psychologists, government contractors, and professors. Psychologists may also have counseling roles in the treatment of soldiers and their families in response to a traumatic event or mental health condition, although these roles may be considered part of a clinical psychologist's job. Military psychologists often work in research and educational facilities or in hospitals and clinics, although some see active combat zones.

Combining military service and career preparation in the field of psychology has many advantages. In a difficult economic climate, serving in the armed forces can offer paid employment in addition to the professional experience needed to build a resume. Like other professionals within the military, psychologists enjoy the opportunity to travel and see the world.

Military Psychologist

Then there are the benefits of student loans. For example, graduate students who enlist in the United States Navy receive up to 100 percent tuition in addition to the scholarship. The career path can also be a great option for those who have completed their formal education, either as an entry-level psychology career or a welcome career change for practicing psychologists.

Th Cab Psychologist Earns Board Certification

Even if you have both service in the armed forces and training in psychology, your career path can be different. You can choose to go to school first, get a bachelor's degree in psychology, and then serve in the military with qualifications for a higher rank, such as an officer. Alternatively, you can join your chosen branch of the armed forces immediately after graduating from high school and receive educational assistance programs after completing the required number of years of service. You can also look into ROTC programs that allow you to earn a college degree while beginning military training.

Even though there are many advantages to choosing a military career, choosing this path can be complicated. Talking to a school, careers counselor or armed forces recruiter about your personal and career goals and options can help you decide which career is best for you.

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