While a psychology degree might seem generic, you may be surprised to learn about the wide range of psychology jobs available in a hospital. Psychology lays foundations for understanding how environmental, cultural and social factors affect human behavior and the most appropriate therapeutic approaches to use in counseling and treatment plans. In a hospital setting, these foundations are important for those with physical or mental issues to help them respond more favorably to treatments and regain wellness of body and mind. For these reasons, hospitals hire those with psychology backgrounds and degrees in a variety of roles to assist medical staff and patients with the recovery process.
Psychology Majors and Hospital Job Opportunities
Psychology majors are undergraduates who have obtained a bachelor’s degree in the field. Many bachelors are generalist degrees, meaning they provide the fundamental skills and competencies required to work in social services sectors like healthcare. Psychology majors can also concentrate a general degree in specific areas of interest, such as healthcare management, mental health or rehabilitation. While psychology majors cannot assess or prescribe treatment plans on their own, they can carry out these responsibilities under supervision of licensed psychologists or counselors. Hospitals may hire graduates with bachelors in psychology from accredited schools to work as technicians or assistants in clinical counseling, laboratory science, gerontology, pharmaceutical, mental health, rehabilitation, human resources, nutrition or social services departments.
Hospital Positions for Master of Psychology Professionals
The master’s level of education provides candidates with the knowledge necessary to take licensing or certification exams to become credentialed in the field. These credentials translate to jobs in hospital settings that carry more responsibility, such as conducting mental health assessments, developing treatment plans, and coordinating services with other healthcare workers. Master’s level psychology professionals may find hospital employment working with staff and patients as:
- Mental Health Counselors
- Health and Wellness Coordinators
- Psychology Consultants
- Behavioral Specialists
- Human Resource Managers
- Trauma and Grief Counselors
- Substance Abuse Counselors
- Child Development Specialists
- Family Counselors
- Genetic Counseling Technicians
- On-site Educational Supervisors for Psychology Majors in Training
Psychology Jobs Available in a Hospital for Doctoral Level Professionals
To be called a psychologist, one must earn a doctoral degree in general psychology or a sub-specialty such as neuropsychology or gerontology. Job responsibilities for psychologists typically include program development and implementation, staff training, and supervisory duties. According to the American Psychological Association, hospital careers available for doctoral degree-holders in psychology include positions such as:
- Neuropsychologists
- Supervising Instructors
- Human Resource Administrators,
- Clinical psychologists
- Geropsychologists
- Hospice Coordinators
- Emergency Management and Trauma Specialists
- Health and Rehabilitation Psychologists
- Developmental Psychologists
- Cognitive Psychologists
- Family and Group Psychologists
- Research Psychologists
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Earning a bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral degree in psychology can lead to careers at all levels in hospital settings. A baccalaureate provides versatile occupational choices for those just starting their careers and gives a foundation for advanced studies or to explore various aspects of the profession. The master’s degree develops competencies to higher professional levels that translate into greater job responsibilities and more autonomy over career choices. Finally, the doctoral degree offers full credentialing as a psychologist to practice independently and achieve career success at top levels of service. With the wealth of psychology jobs available in a hospital setting, those interested in psychology careers can plan a path for their futures.
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