How to Become a Child Therapist in Vermont

As a Vermont resident interested in pursuing a career in child therapy, then your biggest questions are probably about how to get started in the field and, of course, how to actually make those career goals come true. The good news for you is that the state is home to many wonderful educational programs that can get you to stop dreaming and to start doing! It's simply up to you to, first and foremost, discover what your exact career goals are and then, secondly, to figure out what you need to do educationally to make them happen.

A good starting off point for many people is to pursue an associate's degree. These degree programs only take about two years to complete and, because they are typically offered at online schools or at local community colleges, they are incredibly affordable to own. Many programs are even designed specifically for working adults or for those with families to care for, meaning that most courses take place in the evening hours or are offered almost exclusively online. It's important to keep in mind, however, that an associate's degree on its own does not carry much weight in the child therapy workforce. In order to get a job in the field, you are going to have to transfer the credits that you earn to an accredited bachelor's degree program.

Many people do not want to deal with all of the hassle of transferring credits and switching schools, so they simply decide to pursue their bachelors' degrees right from the start. This can also be a smart move if you don't trust yourself to continue your education after taking a brief break! Bachelor's degrees can be earned in only four years, and they can qualify you for entry level positions in the field. With a specialized certification, they can also qualify you for certain other jobs.

However, in order to get the positions that most people really want when they are considering careers in child therapy, you'll want to have a master's degree. This is the lowest level degree with which you can actually practice as a licensed therapist in the state of Vermont. Just like associate's degree programs, master's degree programs are designed with working adults in mind, so you don't have to give up your day job or time with your family in order to earn one. They typically take about one to three years to complete, and once you have them, you're ready to earn your license and then find real success within the field!

Some people will decide, after earning their master's degrees, that they can benefit from taking it to the next level. That next level, the doctorate degree or PhD, just happens to be the highest educational level one can obtain in the field. With a doctorate degree, you are guaranteed to earn a higher salary than other professionals practicing in your same area. Plus, no position will be off limits to you with this degree.

It's important to pick a degree program based on several different factors. While it's tempting to think about the amount of money you want to earn or the prestige you want to have when deciding upon a degree program, it's more important to be realistic. Look at how much time you have to commit to your schooling. Also think about how you will acquire funding for your education. While scholarships do come along every once in a while, you can get yourself in some serious debt by getting loans to pay for your education. Also think about the job that you want to do and the education it requires. If you know you want to work a job that requires only a bachelor's degree, then there is no need to push yourself to obtain a higher level degree.

There is no right or wrong way to go about pursuing an education in child therapy in the state. There is only doing what is right for you and what will best help you to meet your personal, educational, and career goals. So remember that when making your decision, and remember too that you are the only one who knows whats right for you.