How do I become a Trainee Psychologist?

A HSE Psychology Trainee is a 3 year accredited postgraduate professional training programme in the area of either Counselling, Educational or Clinical Psychology, in a partnership between the HSE and selected Irish universities.

Successful completion of the programme leads to a qualification of Doctorate in Psychology in the area you studied. You will contribute to the provision of psychological services in a broad range of clinical settings.

Click here for information on the requirements to apply.

Additional information on the profession can be found on The Psychological Society of Ireland (PSI) website.

For further information, listen to the PSI’s podcast How to become a Psychologist

 

Your role with the HSE

Psychology is a broad discipline that focuses on the scientific study of the person from a behavioural, emotional, psychological and health perspective.

Psychologists are part of a clinical workforce called Health and Social Care Professionals, who work together with medical and nursing colleagues as a team in the delivery of clinical, therapeutic and social care.

Throughout your training, you will need to develop a capacity for self awareness about your current knowledge and skills and use this to determine your own learning needs.

Psychologists will work in a health setting that they have gained experience in as part of their Doctoral training programme. Clinical and Counselling Psychologists typically work across the lifespan and Educational Psychologists work more specifically with those under the age of eighteen.

Career Progression

There are many ways for you to progress in your career:

Career progression pathway: 

Clinical pathway

• Psychologist (Clinical/Educational/Counselling)
• Psychologist Senior (Clinical/Educational/Counselling)
• Psychologist Principal (Specialist)

Management pathway
• Psychologist Principal (Manager)
• Director of Psychology

 

Further training and development

Psychology trainees attend university lectures and complete academic and research assignments to upskill in their chosen psychology specialisation. They also complete a series of learning placements in HSE services throughout their three-year training to consolidate and apply their learning.

The HSCP Office is responsible for Leadership, Education and Continuing Professional Development of HSCPs working in the HSE.

HSeLanD is the HSE portal which offers an array of training & development opportunities delivered either online or in a classroom style setting. Information on Education and Development can be accessed by visiting the HSCP Hub on www.hseland.ie.

Other examples of professional development activities include access to excellent HSE library services, further training and educational opportunities, attendance at conferences, webinars and workshops, engaging in mentoring and supervision, keeping up with the latest information about the profession through specialised newsletters, blogs, and podcasts.

Staff Benefits and Testimonials

Working in a rewarding and challenging career is just one of the many benefits you’ll enjoy as a HSE employee. We offer attractive pay and benefits, professional supervision, career support and development opportunities, friendly colleagues, and an excellent quality of life.

See Pay scales – HSE Staff

Staff Testimonials coming soon.