Shaping your future: Careers in Psychology with RCI Accreditation

The session titled "Shaping Your Future: Careers in Psychology with RCI Accreditation" was conducted by Dr. Monica Sharma, a clinical psychologist and associate professor. It was an insightful and informative event aimed at guiding students about career opportunities in psychology, particularly those acknowledged by the Rehabilitation Council of India (RCI).Dr. Monica Sharma began the session by introducing the Rehabilitation Council of India (RCI), the statutory body responsible for regulating and standardizing education and professional services in rehabilitation and special education. She emphasized the importance of obtaining RCI accreditation for pursuing specific careers in psychology, ensuring quality standards and credibility.

Careers with RCI

Dr. Sharma elaborated on the various career paths in psychology that require RCI accreditation:

Clinical Psychologist

Recognized professionals who engage in practice, supervision, and research.

Rehabilitation Psychologist

Specialists in rehabilitation psychology working with individuals facing mental and physical challenges.

Special Educator

Focuses on intellectual and developmental disabilities, learning disabilities, and Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Counseling

For those interested in counseling psychology, Dr. Sharma highlighted the NCERT course, which is an alternate pathway.

Pathways to Becoming a Clinical Psychologist

Dr. Sharma detailed the various academic routes one can take to become a clinical psychologist under RCI accreditation and guided that M.Phil. in Clinical Psychology is Available until 2026; this two-year program includes practice, supervision, and research. She further guided the course Postgraduate Diploma in Clinical Psychology (PDCP) which is a one-year program, after which one becomes an associate clinical psychologist with a focus on practice. She highlighted Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.) a four-year intensive program that qualifies one as a clinical psychologist with broader expertise.

She explained the Pathways to Becoming a Rehabilitation Psychologist like 

M.Phil. in Rehabilitation Psychology: and PG Diploma in Rehabilitation Psychology.Dr. Sharma outlined the specific training programs for special educators and She went on to explain how to navigate the RCI website to access detailed information. Dr. Sharma stressed that obtaining an RCI license is not a one-time process. Professionals are required to engage in continuous education to earn points for renewing their licenses every five years, ensuring that they stay updated in their fields.

Outcome: The session was highly informative, offering a clear roadmap for those aspiring to build a career in psychology with RCI accreditation. Dr. Monica Sharma’s detailed explanations and guidance on various courses and career paths provided participants with a comprehensive understanding of the opportunities available in this field. The emphasis on continuous learning and ethical practices underscored the session's importance.