When can you say you are training to become a psychologist?

[Wordsofthewise]

Following a conversation with a friend about when you can start saying “l’m training/working towards being a psychologist”. Friend has an undergraduate and currently completing a masters degree in psychology with the intention of doing a PhD and qualifying as a child psychologist.

When asked what they are currently working on by someone, friend replied they are ‘in training to become a psychologist’.
I thought it’s more accurate to say that perhaps when doing the PhD but friend feels they are working towards the goal now so their currently in training.

It was just a casual/pleasant discussion and it got me wondering what others thought.

So would is it ok to consider doing a Masters in Psychology with the intention of becoming a psychologist as “^^in training” or would you consider this only to be true while on the PhD programme?

I'd be interested in what undisclosed competitiveness prompts this interest in semantics.... But yes your friend is being perfectly reasonable as she's on a vocational career path leading to that role.

@Beowulfthethird

I'd be interested in what undisclosed competitiveness prompts this interest in semantics.... But yes your friend is being perfectly reasonable as she's on a vocational career path leading to that role.

Yes, this.

It doesn’t matter really, does it OP?

I'd say it's reasonable to say that they're training to be a psychologist. They've done an undergrad, doing a masters and plan to continue with a PhD with the express intention of remaining in the field of psychology🤷🏻‍♀️

Why do you think they shouldn't word it so?

This has obviously really pissed you off, OP. You have 2 threads asking the same thing.

I’m currently also completing a masters in psychology and intend to start my Phd in September but personally don’t say I’m in training yet but I absolutely have no problem with him saying he is! It was just a conversation that prompted me to think when others consider their training for a profession, that’s all

You have SO much to learn about yourself OP!

When you finish your masters you can register as a psychologist so I guess he’s right?

What do you mean?

In the NHS people can only describe themselves as trainee psychologists if they are on an accredited doctoral programme in either clinical or counselling psychology.

However outside the nhs , ‘psychologist’ is not a protected title so legally speaking anyone can call themselves a psychologist even if they’ve never done a psychology course in their life! Which I find a bit scary.. That’s why it’s so important when you are seeking therapy to check that the therapist is properly trained by an accredited body. It’s a minefield!

I'm a psychologist. I think it's fine to describe yourself as in training during an MSc.

This seems massively pedantic. Are you sure you're in the right career, OP?