How many years of college for a child physiologist?

Question

I want to work with children who have mental disabilities does anyone know how many years of college that requires? It's my all time dream but not if I won't be working until I'm 40! I'm just almost out of highschool, does anyone know how many years?

Answer 1

Physiology is the study of the mechanics of the human body and is associated with exercise, sports and medical majors.  There does not appear to be a sub-heading under physiology that specializes in working with children.

Distinct from physiology is the profession of psychology.  There is a sub-heading under psychology that specializes in working with children.  Those professionals are known as child psychologists.

Your question centers on how to become a child psychologist.  In California, you, first need to check current state requirements for licensure.  Second, you obtain the necessary educational background, usually a doctoral (6+ year degree) in a psychology-related area (psychology, educational psychology, education with a field of specialization in counseling psychology or education with a field of specialization in educational psychology) from an accredited institution, or the equivalent.  Third, you need to obtain the necessary supervised clinical experience (3,000 hours over 2 years) after earning a doctorate or as an intern, usually as a psychological assistants. Fourth, you need to pass the necessary written and oral examinations.

"Most states limit the practice of psychology to the extent that you have appropriate expertise in the area in which you practice.  Assuming that you have adequate experience with Children based upon your education and internship, then upon licensure you are able to practice 'child psychology'.  If not, then after licensure you may need additional training and supervision in order to gain the skills necessary to work with a child population."

In California, it may take 6 to 8 years or more to qualify as a child psychologist.

http://www.childpsychologist.com/mod/res...