Clinical vs. applied programs

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Does anyone know the difference between clinical programs and applied programs in terms of what types of jobs one might qualify for after completing a PhD in a clinical or applied program? Which type of program would be more competitive for clinical jobs after graduating?

 

[erg923]

Again, have to be more specific here. A clinical psych doctorate is an applied degree. Clinical, counseling, school and I/O are "applied" psych degrees. That is, their graduates directly apply their skills in the field with humans. Developmental, cognitive, neuroscience, and social psych are the "experimental" branches of psychology, meaning that their grads are only trained for research, not for work in therapy, assessment, and diagnosis of psychiatric disorders with humans.

 

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[Therapist4Chnge]

Does anyone know the difference between clinical programs and applied programs in terms of what types of jobs one might qualify for after completing a PhD in a clinical or applied program? Which type of program would be more competitive for clinical jobs after graduating?

If you are interested in providing therapy, assessments, etc...then a balanced training program is best. People in research heavy programs often do clinical work, though some programs are less supportive of a purely practitioner career.

 

[erg923]

Thanks again for your reply, erg923. To be more specific about this, I am interested in whether a degree in Clinical Psychology would be more competitive for clinical jobs (therapy in particular) than a degree in Applied Developmental Psychology. I'm in an Applied Developmental Psych program that trains students in research as well as requires a certain number of practicum hours but not as many practicum hours are as required for clinical programs and practicums in my program may not be APA accredited. Any information would be greatly appreciated!

Well yes, clinical would be better I assume. I know nothing of your program/degree, but "developmental" usually denotes young ages, no? Anything that limits your skills set to one population or age group would limit your marketability for clinical positions.

Practicums are not APA accredited, only the predoctoral internship is. Is your program a Ph.D.? If not, this all moot. You can simply apply to a more traditional degree program (ie., clinical, counseling, or school) for your doctorate and avoid the complication.

 

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