How Do I Become a Master Clinician?

There are four steps necessary to become a master clinician: choose a field that you wish to work in, complete post-secondary education, gain experience in the field, and apply for jobs. Master clinicians work mainly in healthcare, psychology, and social work fields in a supervisory role. A master's degree is necessary for most positions unless you have an abundance of experience working professionally in the field.

Master clinicians work in various fields to provide clinical services to clients including speech therapy, art therapy, and counseling. Examples of master clinician jobs in the medical field includes nurses with specialized degrees and physical therapists. Due to the fact that there are so many different job descriptions for master clinicians, there is not one set path to become a master clinician. This is why the first step to become a master clinician is to decide which field you wish to work in.

Once you've decided on a career, it is necessary to obtain an undergraduate degree. A degree in the field you are entering, such as nursing, is most helpful to meet your goal to become a master clinician. In certain cases, undergraduate degrees in related fields will allow you to go on to get a master's degree in the field of your choice. Most positions will not hire you as a master clinician without specialized training, which requires at least a master's degree in the field.

Experience is obtained through on-the-job training and through clinical time during your education. Most master's degree programs require a certain number of hours spent working in the field under supervision in order to graduate. This is an internship that allows you to learn how to do the job effectively while you are also engaged in classroom learning. After graduation, licensure is required in many fields, which often means passing an examination.

The final step to become a master clinician is to apply for jobs in the field. You might have to start work in an entry-level position before being classified as a master clinician, but this depends on your level of experience and the specific requirements of the field you are entering. For the application process, you need a current copy of your resume, a cover letter, and references from previous employers or instructors. You'll get an interview if you meet the qualifications for the position, and you should attempt to present yourself in the best light possible in order to be hired for a position.