Louis Said:

Pursuing a career in the helping professions...Counseling, social work?

We Answered:

I too, have considered such a career. My degree is in psychology. In doing some research and talking to others, what I have found/heard is that the school counselor route is not really the way to go if you're wanting to provide true counseling, unless you're talking about getting your PhD, as opposed to merely a Masters.

Assuming you mean a Masters, the job of school counselor in today's budget cutback environment, entails more and more paperwork that was once handled by others and less time spent directly with children.

If you were to get the PhD, you would most likely be floating among many schools and would be doing more testing than anything else, as it's been explained to me by those with this job and others in the school system.

You might try working for a social service type group that contracts with schools to work with the menally challenged. I have three friends who do this - the job only requires a Bachelor's - and while they do get more time spent directly with the child - a required hour/day, plus whatever classroom emergency may arise - they all tell me that precious little direct counseling can be provided, due to the other tasks that must be handled within their alloted daily time with the child.

They all also tell me that the job is HIGHLY frustrating due to 'red tape' and the often total lack of support by the families, such that each days progress is almost for naught. If, however, what's important to you is mostly the spending of time with the child, then perhaps this is a good possibility.

Given your particular interest, you might also consider working in an in-patient mental facility. Again, you could get this type of job with a Bachelor's, though it would probably be a 'tech' position. But it would be a good way to 'test the waters' and if you liked it, perhaps the facility would help to pay for your graduate degree.

For my money, if what is of most concern to you is spending quality time in a counseling enivironment, then you will most likely need to get your PhD - or MSW, perhaps - and become a straightforward counselor. Obviously, the PhD would give more flexibility, but given insurance companies move to direct people to Master's level counselors - as they don't want to pay the rates for a PhD level counselor - then perhaps the MSW or similar degree is the way to go.

Hope this helps! And I wish you the best of luck. The world needs more people like you!

Ricky Said:

Obtaining scholarships for Physical Therapist Assistant school?

We Answered:

Since you have a BS degree, go for 3 years and get a DPT. Do not spend 2 years to become a PTA. Visit www.apta.org under the education tab. There is some info on scholarships. nLook at the schools accredited for PT and speak to the fini aid office for scholarship info. Best wishes

Anna Said:

What kind of career/major would be suitable for me??

We Answered:

My suggestion is that you don't try to find a career path just yet. What you really should focus on are the things that interest you enough that you think you may be able to enjoy a career doing those activities (and remember, most people go through a major career change about 3 times in their life - so what you do out of college is not what you're likely to be doing 20 years later because you will continue to change and grow)
Okay, so you recognize you like to help people - stick with just that for now. Perhaps get involved in some community programs, volunteer at nursing homes or with Big Brothers/Big Sisters.
Go to college with an open mind - go to a liberal arts school where you can test the waters of several different areas for the first year or so before you commit to a major. You may find that you just LOVE History and doing research. you could combine this with your desire to help people by becoming a research librarian or a professor.
You're young, don't try to rush into a career just yet - you've got so much time and so many things to experience in the next few years - enjoy it!!!

Bobbie Said:

what is the role of race and social class in development and implication to counselling psychology?

We Answered:

This is a very broad topic. First off, your question is stated in a confusing manner. Is this for a class you are taking in school?
I will attempt an answer anyway.

In some parts of the world race largely determines a person's social class. Whether or not race has an effect on one's social class depends on the culture of that area. This being the case I will limit my response to describing social class in the terms you set forth.

In most parts of the world a person's social class is determined by what role that person plays in the economy. A woman working in a low paying textiles job will have little money, this in turn reduces her options. A person stuck in a low paying job such as this would be considered to be of low social standing.

Access to education is a function of social class in some situations. Free education is provided in many places, reducing the role of social class in these instances.

In politics social class plays many different roles. Persons involved in politics have power and would be considered of high social class. In some areas, people of low social class can be denied a voice, and play no role in the political process. There is a wide spectrum of roles that social class plays in politics and it is determined by the form of government and the culture of an area.

careers can be equated to a person's role in the economy.

You question the implication race and social class have on counseling psychology. If you are talking about counciling a person, race and social class may be a consideration, but it is better to examine a person based on their unique personal traits and situation. If you are talking about pursuing a career in counseling or pschology, than race and social class can play a role, but like I mentioned before, It depends on where you live.

Hope this helps :)

Alfredo Said:

Where can I get a loan for a masters degree?

We Answered:

FAFSA

Julian Said:

Is school counseling/college adviser a easy job to find/get after grad school (masters degree)?

We Answered:

I haven't seen them as being hard to find. Quite the contrary with high turnover that goes on. It's a stressful position, you are undervalued, and underpayed. Many do it for a year or two then quit.