Am I too old - 2

[iwanttobeapsychologist]

Inspired by the other thread about retraining to be a doctor, I am in my late 40s and would like to retrain as a psychologist, to eventually work as a clinical psychologist in relation to trauma. Am I too old?

No, they should be crying out for people of calibre who have actual life experience for this sort of role.

Ooh following. I am 36 and about to finish my first year studying towards BSc Psychology. I love it! It is super competitive to get on a doctorate though apparently

I would say yes but without knowing your background and qualifications. If you could post what your education is so far and vaguely what you're doing now it would be helpful. To be a psychologist you don't need to train as a Dr. first but if you want to be a psychiatrist then you do need a medical degree.

Posted too soon, so you could train to be a psychologist more quickly than a psychiatrist. As you wouldn't need to do the medical degree first. Speak to a careers adviser and a few university departments to find out what's involved etc. Visit a few university open days and have a good think about how you will fund it etc. Before making a decision.

bluesapp do you know that for sure?!

If anyone who works in the field could think of a suitable job I could do while also studying that would be amazing.

I have a BA in an unrelated subject and post grad qualifications and worked in a competitive graduate career for 15 years before having dc. One of my dc suffered from quite a trauma about 5 years ago, and has now pretty much recovered, they are doing amazingly, beyond expectations. I would have to do a psychology bsc part time and if possible distance learning. I am not sure how all this would be viewed by the profession/in relation to getting on to the doctorate.

Speak to the British Institute of Psychologists and see what they say.

Not too old at all. Mil did this in her 40’s. Trained to be an ed psych. I’m starting my doctorate in September in my late 30’s. Did a accesss course, a bsc at an bps accredited uni & got lots of work experience. Go for it

If you have a degree already you may just be able to do modules to give you undergrad qualifications in order to give you what you need to get onto a masters. You will also need to gain as much work experience as you can preferably as an assistant psychologist somewhere. Be warned the competition for the doctorate is massive so you need to get top marks and a wealth of experience to stand out from the competition.
I actually think your age and life experience will be beneficial though so do not in any way see it as a hinderance. Find your nearest university which has a dedicated psychology department and ring them they will be able to tell you exactly when you need to pursue the course with the qualifications you already have.

thank you, everyone!