Hi, I found this site about a week ago after leaving another site in tears. They had such nasty things to say about DL. I am so glad I found you guys, because, everywhere I turned to online has been so negative. I spent the first 20 years of my life caring for my mom, grandma and late sister. I am a 40 year old mother of a 12 year old daughter and a young adult son living with autism. Unlike the kids, I am currently working on MY social skills (smile). I am 2 assignments away from earning a B.S in Clinical Psychology from Union Institute & University with a current GPA of 3.9. I would like to know what all of my options are so I can continue on to a masters program asap. I am fearful of the GRE not to mention paying for it as I am a displaced housewife. Another issue for me is that through all of the caregiving, I have almost no work history this means no substantial vita or resume. This is also an issue with UI&U graduate dept. Heck, Ive been a model undergrad student. I sooo need to move forward financially! I am super depressed right now lol thank goodness for my motivation and training. Guys, I don't know which way I am going I would be an awesome student and employee if someone would give me a half a chance. If anyone has any ideas that would be great.
There are several masters programs. The ones that come to mind are Capella, Northcentral, and Argosy. Argosy is expensive but it is APA accredited so you could earn a PsyD and become licensed. It is not completely DL so there would need to be flexibility. As far as gaining experience, volunteering is a great way. Even if it is 4 hours a week, it gets something in the resume and you will start building contacts. I hope this helps.
I believe that you can succeed as a graduate student of psychology. If Union has an issue, there are plenty of colleges and universities at the masters level that will more than accept your academic credentials for admission. Take a look these threads for information about psychology programs at the graduate level. http://www.degreeinfo.com/showthread.php?t=30460&highlight=psychology http://www.degreeinfo.com/showthread.php?t=29968&highlight=psychology Volunteering, as randell suggested, may help you discover if a field of study is for you. Have you done any volunteering or anything related to the health care field? If not and you are seeking licensure in a health care field, the location you intern at will give you a sample of what the profession entails. You don't need experience or licensure to apply for an entry level position. I recommend that you seek a position that will provide you with the experience and training you need to move to more complex and knowledge intensive positions. There are other related professions that may interest you. Human Resource Management, Forensic Psychology, School Psychology, School counselor, and Academic Advising. What area of Psychology interests you? Are you interested in licensure? Would you like to teach online or on-campus as a tenured professor? If you are interested in licensure, are you aware of licensure in professional counseling? A program in professional counseling that is preferably CACREP accredited will more than likely meet educational requirements for licensure. That route may be more cost effective for you. Don't hesitate to ask more questions.
Feeling optimistic again Thanks so much, those are some awesome ideas. No, I never have volunteered "officially" for a organization but, I have helped young mothers of special needs children navigate through social services, gave a bit of moral support and help to advocate things of this nature. People say that it is my house you come to when you need a shoulder. In the Winter of 2006 I had a small pantry in my kitchen maybe I could add that. So yes, volunteering would be a great start! In the recent past I thought about it and figured that it wouldn't be enough. But you are right! I'm convinced! A few hours here and there would make a difference not just for the organization bu for me too. I have been appying for work since last semester it's pretty competive with the economy and all so now is an ideal time. I will begin researching this immediately. As far as schooling, I will check out the thread links you provided. Eventually earning a PsyD is my goal, I really want to counsel adults. My main focus is rather unique, I want to help the caregiver. As the babyboomer generation matures not to mention higher rates of ASD and terminal illness.... informal caregivng will plumit. I have a need to lessen the burden and distress for carers. I don't want people going through what I went through as a young woman not everyone is as strong. This was my area of study I chose for my Carstone Learning Experience. You know, I noticed today that many of you here have several, no multiple degrees and certifications under your belts. That got my wheels turning! I saw both gerontology and autism certification programs being offered at a couple of online colleges. Considering my focus, these certificats may be an asset in order to work with caregivers of both populations effectivley. Wow, I'm feeling a lot better now. Well I don't mean to be so long winded lol I am just working it out I am so glad I found the site.
Hi desire - It seems clear that you're on the right track. You've accomplished a lot and did it under difficult circumstances. I'd say don't worry about the experience thing. You're no different than some 22 year old who has earned their degree right out of high school. No experience but a good degree, motivated, determined, and even better, a bit more mature and knowledgable in the ways of the world. I would only suggest that you carefully read up on the licensure laws in your state. You're in a career track that really requires a license. You can almost certainly become licensed with a Masters degree but you'll need to choose the right program. It's partly about the degree title and it's partly about the number of credits. You'll find the info with your state dept of public health (some states have a special dept just for licensure). Try to work it out so that you do an internship. You'll learn a lot and make some good connections for references/employment. If you'll say which state you're in we could link you to the licensure laws as well as point you toward any local degree programs. Good luck.
Did a lil research Hi Kizmet, Thanks for the awesome insight; I agree I have a bit more experience then a younger learner. I live in Cincinnati, Ohio. So far this is what I have found. For Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) Professional Counselor/Clinical Resident Registered Counselor Trainee I would apply at the State of Ohio Counselor, Social Worker and Marriage & Family Therapist Board http://cswmft.ohio.gov/ I called and a representative told me that online learning was fine as long as I chose a counseling (not psychology) program fulfilling the requirements as well as the internship hours. So, all of this led me to research PsyD licensure http://www.psychology.ohio.gov/licensing.stm After earning the doctorial degree and 1800 hours of supervised training I could apply. For now online learning id okay but it can change. Now, a friend told me that I could apply to Cincinnati Christian College’s M.A.C program and fulfill the LPC requirement and do my internship on campus no GRE. CCU also has both online and campus classes. I went to the site and Googled em and the courses look pretty good. I went to parochial schools from pre-school to 12th grade so I am not really concerned about the religious aspect, just wonder if it’s a good move professionally. Maybe I will ask around and try to find some alumni… I also learned that professionally, psychology and counseling overlap but are not seen as the same field! Some even argue now, that blew me away! Walden looks pretty good I am waiting to hear from someone. I don’t know (sigh), it seems that if chose counseling I could be helping folk and working a lot sooner. Desiree`
