Health psychologist
Work to change behaviour that affects people's health. Study the psychological effects of illness and care for patients under stress.
About the job
What it's like
You would work to change behaviour that affects people's health and promote general wellbeing.
You'd study the psychological effects of physical illness. You'd help people who need support with the psychological and emotional aspects of a diagnosis of an illness or who are living with a health condition.
The tasks vary depending on where you work but you might:
research how social factors such as income and location affect health
undertake projects to raise awareness about healthy lifestyles
coach healthcare staff on dealing sensitively with patients under stress
give support to patients who are dealing with illness or addiction
explore how mental and physical health affect one another
work with government organisations to improve health policy
interview patients to assess their emotional state during illness
study the relationships between healthcare staff and their patients
find new ways to change health behaviour
study how patients and doctors make treatment choices
You could be based in hospitals or community health facilities or work in a local authority or public health department.
Other roles are in research units and universities where you would do teaching and research.
Hours
You would work between 35 and forty hours a week, Monday to Friday. There may be some weekend work involved. It may also be possible to work part-time.
Environment
You would probably be based in a university, but would spend a lot of time in healthcare facilities. You would have to visit patients in hospitals, clinics and possibly at home.
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Top skills
Skills are things you're good at. Whether you know what yours are or not, everyone has them!
It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.
Meta skills
Here are some of the meta skills you'll need to do this job.
- understanding
- making decisions
- time management
- developing a plan
- social conscience
- empathising
- observation
- written communication
- verbal communication
- listening
Your skills are important
Our unique skillsets are what make us stand out from the crowd. Learn about each skill in depth and discover what employers look for in your applications and interviews.
Getting in
Explore each section to find more information about getting into this career.
Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:
English
Maths (Mathematics)
Psychology
Applications of Mathematics
Becoming a health psychologist involves taking a postgraduate training route.
You'll need the following qualifications:
a Psychology Degree (SCQF Level 10) accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS)
Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC) of the BPS. You're accredited degree will qualify you for membership. If you don't have a BPS accredited degree you can gain membership by completing an accredited conversion course
Once you've gained GBC membership, you'll need to complete a BPS accredited Master's in health psychology (SCQF Level 11) and one of the following Stage 2 doctoral-level qualifications:
a BPS accredited qualification in health psychology Stage 2. This includes two years of supervised practice
a BPS accredited Doctorate in health psychology (SCQF Level 12)
In Scotland, the NHS funds a training scheme to recruit health psychologists. You would complete the BPS Stage 2 training over two years. The NHS Education for Scotland has more information.
Your postgraduate training will qualify you for Chartered Membership of the BPS.
To start work as a health psychologist you'll need to register with the Health and Care Professionals Council (HCPC).
To enter an Honours degree (SCQF level 10) in psychology usually requires National 5 qualifications and four to five Highers - often in one sitting.
Once qualified it may be helpful to become a Chartered member of British Psychological Society (BPS) or become a member of the Division of Health Psychology.
To be approved for membership of the Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) Scheme run by Disclosure Scotland.
Once qualified you will need to register with the Health and Care Profession Council (HCPC).
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