How Much Training Does it Take to Become a Child Therapist in Hawaii?

It's no surprise that becoming a child therapist is something that takes a lot of formal education and training. However, not all jobs in the field require years and years of schooling. Some can be obtained with only an entry level degree. Therefore, if you aren't the type to commit yourself to ten or more years in school but have dreams of becoming a child therapist in the state of Hawaii, don't worry; you do have a wide variety of options and opportunities available. It's just a matter of deciding what it is you want to do and then taking the right path to get there.

Basically the only degree that won't land you a job in a child therapy field is an associate's degree, and even that can be an important stepping stone to getting where you want to be. An associate's degree can typically be earned in two years or less and provides you with a basic foundation for the knowledge you will eventually need to posses to work in the field. These degrees do not cost much to earn, and the credits you gain can easily be transferred to an accredited bachelor's degree program.

A bachelor's degree, which is earned in about four years on average, is the lowest degree level you should aim for to work in the field. This degree program provides you with an overview of the field of your interest. If you are planning to pursue only this degree, make sure you major in a heavily related area, such as child psychology, child development, general psychology, or sociology/ social work. If you supplement your degree with specialized certifications, you can qualify for entry level positions in the field, such as a group therapy coordinator or a child therapy assistant.

It is true that most of the working professionals in the field in Hawaii posses at least a master's degree, but these degrees are not as difficult to earn as many people believe. In fact, some can even be earned in as little as one to three years after you earn your bachelor's degree, and many people earn them while they are working in the field. With this degree, you can also qualify for statewide certification or licensure, which can have you earning big bucks in absolutely no time at all.

If you are one of those people who enjoys schooling, then a doctoral degree or PhD might be right for you. Be aware, however, that these degrees can take as long as seven years to earn. Once you have one, however, you can have virtually any career in the field that you desire, and you can be paid exceptionally well for it too. You will absolutely need to work as you pursue this long time degree, but once completed, you can make more money even if you stay at your current position. It's up to you to decide which educational path is right for you, but as long as you choose wisely, you can be very satisfied with your new career.