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Alexis
Student
Baltimore, Maryland
1
Question
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What courses should I focus on?
I am a high school student going into sophomore year. There are three jobs that I was thinking about perusing in my future, either a radiology technician, a forensic psychologist, or a clinical psychologist. I’ve tried weighing out all the aspects of each job, including the courses I would have to take, the amount of time, the salary, etc. I don’t know which is a better option because even if I’m looking at the same location for say just clinical psychology, each website is saying different things. I was wondering if I could have just a bit of insight on either of them?
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5 answers
Dr H
Dr. H's Research
1464
Answers
Australia
Updated
Dr’s Answer
Hey Alexis, first off—love that you’re thinking ahead about your future career options. That’s already putting you ahead of a lot of people. You’ve got three very different career paths in mind, and I get why it’s tough to choose. The internet throws a million different answers at you, and each one seems to say something different. So let’s clear that up and break this down in a way that actually makes sense.
Both Lead Academy and Ellie made great points, and I completely agree with them.
Radiology Technician: If you want a shorter education path with solid job security, this is a great choice. The two-year associate degree is a big plus if you’re looking to start working faster. But don’t mistake "shorter" for "easier"—this field still requires a strong grasp of anatomy, physics, and technology. You’ll also be on your feet a lot, working in a hospital setting with imaging equipment.
Forensic Psychology: This field is super niche and highly competitive. As Ellie said, a bachelor’s degree alone won’t take you far, and forensic psychology jobs are not as common as TV shows make them seem. You’d need at least a master’s or even a doctorate. The work can be fascinating, but also mentally draining, since you’ll deal with criminal behavior, trauma, and the legal system.
Clinical Psychology: This is the longest road—8+ years of schooling—but also offers the most flexibility. Unlike forensic psychology, which is more limited in job options, clinical psychologists can work in hospitals, private practice, research, education, mental health centers, and even corporate settings. The demand is high, but the commitment has to be there.
Right now, you’re probably thinking: 🤔 Okay, I get the education paths, but which one is the best choice for me? 👀
1. Think About the Work Environment – Do you see yourself working with patients in a hospital (radiology tech, clinical psych), criminals in a legal setting (forensic psych), or doing a mix of therapy and research (clinical psych)? Your future day-to-day life matters just as much as salary and job stability.
2. Consider How Much Time You’re Willing to Invest – Radiology tech is the quickest route, forensic psychology requires at least 6-8 years, and clinical psychology can be 10+ years. If you’re passionate about psychology, are you okay with a long educational path and student loans?
3. Ask Yourself What Kind of Impact You Want to Make – If you love helping people with mental health struggles, clinical psychology is the way to go. If you love the idea of working in the justice system and understanding criminal minds, forensic psychology could be worth the effort. If you prefer something more technical and medical with a steady, well-paying job, radiology tech is a strong contender.
Here is a little extra sauce for your journey Alexis. You Don’t Have to Lock Yourself Into One Path Yet – You’re only a sophomore, so take high school psychology, biology, and math courses to see what excites you most.
Look at Alternative Careers – Ever heard of neuropsychology? It’s a blend of clinical psych and brain science. Or psychiatric nursing, which combines healthcare with psychology but requires less school than a full doctorate.
Intern, Shadow, or Volunteer – If you can, get hands-on experience! Volunteering at a hospital, shadowing a radiology tech, or interning with a therapist can help you figure out what feels right.
Alexix man, There’s no single “better” option—it’s about which one fits your interests, strengths, and long-term goals. If you want a stable, fast-track medical career, go for radiology tech. If you're drawn to criminal minds and legal systems, forensic psychology is intriguing (but niche). If you truly love mental health and want to help people long-term, clinical psychology is an amazing but long journey.
You’re asking the right questions, and that’s a great sign you’ll make the best decision for yourself. Keep exploring, and don’t stress too much—your path will become clearer as you go! And remember you cna always reach out when you got a wire in the head needs untangling, all the best and good luck mate! 😎
Both Lead Academy and Ellie made great points, and I completely agree with them.
Radiology Technician: If you want a shorter education path with solid job security, this is a great choice. The two-year associate degree is a big plus if you’re looking to start working faster. But don’t mistake "shorter" for "easier"—this field still requires a strong grasp of anatomy, physics, and technology. You’ll also be on your feet a lot, working in a hospital setting with imaging equipment.
Forensic Psychology: This field is super niche and highly competitive. As Ellie said, a bachelor’s degree alone won’t take you far, and forensic psychology jobs are not as common as TV shows make them seem. You’d need at least a master’s or even a doctorate. The work can be fascinating, but also mentally draining, since you’ll deal with criminal behavior, trauma, and the legal system.
Clinical Psychology: This is the longest road—8+ years of schooling—but also offers the most flexibility. Unlike forensic psychology, which is more limited in job options, clinical psychologists can work in hospitals, private practice, research, education, mental health centers, and even corporate settings. The demand is high, but the commitment has to be there.
Right now, you’re probably thinking: 🤔 Okay, I get the education paths, but which one is the best choice for me? 👀
1. Think About the Work Environment – Do you see yourself working with patients in a hospital (radiology tech, clinical psych), criminals in a legal setting (forensic psych), or doing a mix of therapy and research (clinical psych)? Your future day-to-day life matters just as much as salary and job stability.
2. Consider How Much Time You’re Willing to Invest – Radiology tech is the quickest route, forensic psychology requires at least 6-8 years, and clinical psychology can be 10+ years. If you’re passionate about psychology, are you okay with a long educational path and student loans?
3. Ask Yourself What Kind of Impact You Want to Make – If you love helping people with mental health struggles, clinical psychology is the way to go. If you love the idea of working in the justice system and understanding criminal minds, forensic psychology could be worth the effort. If you prefer something more technical and medical with a steady, well-paying job, radiology tech is a strong contender.
Here is a little extra sauce for your journey Alexis. You Don’t Have to Lock Yourself Into One Path Yet – You’re only a sophomore, so take high school psychology, biology, and math courses to see what excites you most.
Look at Alternative Careers – Ever heard of neuropsychology? It’s a blend of clinical psych and brain science. Or psychiatric nursing, which combines healthcare with psychology but requires less school than a full doctorate.
Intern, Shadow, or Volunteer – If you can, get hands-on experience! Volunteering at a hospital, shadowing a radiology tech, or interning with a therapist can help you figure out what feels right.
Alexix man, There’s no single “better” option—it’s about which one fits your interests, strengths, and long-term goals. If you want a stable, fast-track medical career, go for radiology tech. If you're drawn to criminal minds and legal systems, forensic psychology is intriguing (but niche). If you truly love mental health and want to help people long-term, clinical psychology is an amazing but long journey.
You’re asking the right questions, and that’s a great sign you’ll make the best decision for yourself. Keep exploring, and don’t stress too much—your path will become clearer as you go! And remember you cna always reach out when you got a wire in the head needs untangling, all the best and good luck mate! 😎
Dr. H, thank you so much! This helps tremendously, you seriously have no idea. Next year I am actually taking psychology and law so we will see how that turns out!
Alexis
Alexis, your words just made my day! 🤗 You’re already on fire with your game plan, and I love that you’re diving into psych and law next year that's a really good move!
I am just gonna tell you to Stay curious, Ask tons of questions, and Get hands-on experience whenever you can. Real-world exposure beats Google searches any day!😎
You’re gonna crush it, and I’m always here if you need a hype squad. Keep me posted because I’m cheering for you mate!
Dr H
Ellie Stevely
3
Answers
Houston, Texas
Updated
Ellie’s Answer
I am a Forensic psychology major and in my own experience I find the subject to be very interesting, however, it is a very niche career path with not many options for advancement. If you want to continue into any psychology career you need to understand that most jobs require a Master's degree at minimum. To employers, a Bachelor's degree might as well be a high school diploma and due to this a psychology career is a very competitive market. So when you want to go down a psychology path, you need to really think about which path is most benefited for you and your interests in the long run.
A Radiology Technician may seem like an easy path at first but it can be very difficult. You will need a good understanding of math and technology. However, unlike other psychology careers you do not need a higher education to be a Radiology Technician, with an associate's degree being it's minimum.
A Forensic Psychologist is a difficult career path to do. Not only do you need a good understanding of the law system in your state but other states as well, you will also need to be prepared to understand the complexities and darkest aspects of the human mind. To get anywhere in this career you will have to get a masters or higher, so you need to be committed to a very niche and competitive field.
A Clinical Psychologist will require a doctorate but that is due to the sensitive nature of their work. Clinical Psychologists work with people who have mental illnesses and help those people get better, it is very important in this career path to not make mistakes as a mistake could do a lot of harm to a client. The pay is very high but you will have to understand how multiple mental illnesses work and how to manage them. So you must be incredibly dedicated if you want to choose this career path.
A Radiology Technician may seem like an easy path at first but it can be very difficult. You will need a good understanding of math and technology. However, unlike other psychology careers you do not need a higher education to be a Radiology Technician, with an associate's degree being it's minimum.
A Forensic Psychologist is a difficult career path to do. Not only do you need a good understanding of the law system in your state but other states as well, you will also need to be prepared to understand the complexities and darkest aspects of the human mind. To get anywhere in this career you will have to get a masters or higher, so you need to be committed to a very niche and competitive field.
A Clinical Psychologist will require a doctorate but that is due to the sensitive nature of their work. Clinical Psychologists work with people who have mental illnesses and help those people get better, it is very important in this career path to not make mistakes as a mistake could do a lot of harm to a client. The pay is very high but you will have to understand how multiple mental illnesses work and how to manage them. So you must be incredibly dedicated if you want to choose this career path.
Thank you for your feedback, I appreciate it!
Alexis
Lead Academy
17
Answers
Swindon, England, United Kingdom
Updated
Lead’s Answer
As you enter your sophomore year, it's great that you're thinking ahead about your future career options, especially when considering fields like radiology, forensic psychology, and clinical psychology. Each career path requires a unique set of courses and skill development, so it's important to align your academic interests and long-term goals with the right choice.
1. Radiology Technician: This field often requires less schooling compared to psychology careers, with many programs offering certification or an associate degree in just 2-3 years. You’d focus on courses related to medical imaging, anatomy, and patient care. While the salary is competitive, radiology is more hands-on and technical, which could be a great fit if you’re interested in the medical field. As you progress, you might also explore additional certifications in areas like phlebotomy or even a Vitamin B12 injection course to expand your expertise.
2. Forensic Psychologist: Forensic psychology combines psychology and law, requiring a strong foundation in both fields. You would typically need a bachelor's degree in psychology, followed by a master's and even a doctorate. It's a lengthy journey, and while the salary can be lucrative, especially in law enforcement or government roles, the process of becoming a forensic psychologist is longer compared to some other professions.
3. Clinical Psychologist: Clinical psychology focuses on diagnosing and treating mental health issues, requiring a doctoral degree, which can take upwards of 8 years to complete. The demand for clinical psychologists is high, and the salary is generally higher than that of radiology technicians, but the commitment to education is significant. You'll need to be prepared for rigorous coursework in areas such as abnormal psychology, therapeutic techniques, and research.
In all three fields, consider your personal interests—whether you enjoy patient interaction, research, or a mix of both. If you’re interested in working in a healthcare setting but with a focus on physical wellness and medical treatments, exploring certifications like phlebotomy or even a fitness-related course https://lead-academy.org/course/fitness-trainer-courses-online-complete-bundle in Vitamin B12 injections could offer flexibility in your future roles. Ultimately, each career path offers rewarding opportunities depending on your personal strengths and interests.
1. Radiology Technician: This field often requires less schooling compared to psychology careers, with many programs offering certification or an associate degree in just 2-3 years. You’d focus on courses related to medical imaging, anatomy, and patient care. While the salary is competitive, radiology is more hands-on and technical, which could be a great fit if you’re interested in the medical field. As you progress, you might also explore additional certifications in areas like phlebotomy or even a Vitamin B12 injection course to expand your expertise.
2. Forensic Psychologist: Forensic psychology combines psychology and law, requiring a strong foundation in both fields. You would typically need a bachelor's degree in psychology, followed by a master's and even a doctorate. It's a lengthy journey, and while the salary can be lucrative, especially in law enforcement or government roles, the process of becoming a forensic psychologist is longer compared to some other professions.
3. Clinical Psychologist: Clinical psychology focuses on diagnosing and treating mental health issues, requiring a doctoral degree, which can take upwards of 8 years to complete. The demand for clinical psychologists is high, and the salary is generally higher than that of radiology technicians, but the commitment to education is significant. You'll need to be prepared for rigorous coursework in areas such as abnormal psychology, therapeutic techniques, and research.
In all three fields, consider your personal interests—whether you enjoy patient interaction, research, or a mix of both. If you’re interested in working in a healthcare setting but with a focus on physical wellness and medical treatments, exploring certifications like phlebotomy or even a fitness-related course https://lead-academy.org/course/fitness-trainer-courses-online-complete-bundle in Vitamin B12 injections could offer flexibility in your future roles. Ultimately, each career path offers rewarding opportunities depending on your personal strengths and interests.
Thank you so much! This really helps, I appreciate your response.
Alexis
Lead Academy
17
Answers
Swindon, England, United Kingdom
Updated
Lead’s Answer
As you enter your sophomore year, it's great that you're thinking ahead about your future career options, especially when considering fields like radiology, forensic psychology, and clinical psychology. Each career path requires a unique set of courses and skill development, so it's important to align your academic interests and long-term goals with the right choice.
1. Radiology Technician: This field often requires less schooling compared to psychology careers, with many programs offering certification or an associate degree in just 2-3 years. You’d focus on courses related to medical imaging, anatomy, and patient care. While the salary is competitive, radiology is more hands-on and technical, which could be a great fit if you’re interested in the medical field. As you progress, you might also explore additional certifications in areas like phlebotomy or even a Vitamin B12 injection course to expand your expertise.
2. Forensic Psychologist: Forensic psychology combines psychology and law, requiring a strong foundation in both fields. You would typically need a bachelor's degree in psychology, followed by a master's and even a doctorate. It's a lengthy journey, and while the salary can be lucrative, especially in law enforcement or government roles, the process of becoming a forensic psychologist is longer compared to some other professions.
3. Clinical Psychologist: Clinical psychology focuses on diagnosing and treating mental health issues, requiring a doctoral degree, which can take upwards of 8 years to complete. The demand for clinical psychologists is high, and the salary is generally higher than that of radiology technicians, but the commitment to education is significant. You'll need to be prepared for rigorous coursework in areas such as abnormal psychology, therapeutic techniques, and research.
In all three fields, consider your personal interests—whether you enjoy patient interaction, research, or a mix of both. If you’re interested in working in a healthcare setting but with a focus on physical wellness and medical treatments, exploring certifications like phlebotomy or even a fitness-related course
in Vitamin B12 injections could offer flexibility in your future roles. Ultimately, each career path offers rewarding opportunities depending on your personal strengths and interests.
1. Radiology Technician: This field often requires less schooling compared to psychology careers, with many programs offering certification or an associate degree in just 2-3 years. You’d focus on courses related to medical imaging, anatomy, and patient care. While the salary is competitive, radiology is more hands-on and technical, which could be a great fit if you’re interested in the medical field. As you progress, you might also explore additional certifications in areas like phlebotomy or even a Vitamin B12 injection course to expand your expertise.
2. Forensic Psychologist: Forensic psychology combines psychology and law, requiring a strong foundation in both fields. You would typically need a bachelor's degree in psychology, followed by a master's and even a doctorate. It's a lengthy journey, and while the salary can be lucrative, especially in law enforcement or government roles, the process of becoming a forensic psychologist is longer compared to some other professions.
3. Clinical Psychologist: Clinical psychology focuses on diagnosing and treating mental health issues, requiring a doctoral degree, which can take upwards of 8 years to complete. The demand for clinical psychologists is high, and the salary is generally higher than that of radiology technicians, but the commitment to education is significant. You'll need to be prepared for rigorous coursework in areas such as abnormal psychology, therapeutic techniques, and research.
In all three fields, consider your personal interests—whether you enjoy patient interaction, research, or a mix of both. If you’re interested in working in a healthcare setting but with a focus on physical wellness and medical treatments, exploring certifications like phlebotomy or even a fitness-related course
in Vitamin B12 injections could offer flexibility in your future roles. Ultimately, each career path offers rewarding opportunities depending on your personal strengths and interests.
Gerald J Olseski Jr
Certified Peer Support Specialist
47
Answers
Riverview, Michigan
Updated
Gerald J’s Answer
Since you are interested in psychology, I would see if you could take a psychology class, while you are still in high school.