If you are looking forward to obtaining your respiratory therapist license verification in the state of Arkansas, you will need to meet a lot of requirements to get licensed. This guide looks at things that you as a future therapist must do to become eligible for offering counseling services in Arkansas.
First of all, you should know that there are two types/levels of a therapist license:
The first one is considered to be a “temporary” license. You need it to carry out your duties as a therapist and gain experience before you get to have your professional counselor license.
Here you can see the prerequisites and requirements to become a licensed therapist in Arkansas.
You should choose a field of counseling to specialize in. Then you must take a mental health counseling program to get your Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree. The counseling program ought to involve at least 60 hours on the following professional content:
You should also practice the obtained knowledge in internships. The internship hours must total at least 100 hours.
If you complete the required education, you can now apply for your LAC license. You can apply online here.
You must also take and pass the National Counselor Examination (NCE). There is an oral examination.
In case you fail, you have the opportunity to retake it in three months. If you fail again, you will need to wait for two years.
Now it is time for supervised experience. You must complete 3000 hours of practice in a mental health institution. Each therapist must complete at least 1000 hours of this work.
The final step to become an LPC is to prepare and pass the exam. It is administered by the NBCC. There is also an oral exam administered and scheduled by ABEC.
Once you have passed the above-mentioned exams, you can finally apply for your license. Learn more information on the official website of the Arkansas Board of Examiners in Counseling and Marriage & Family Therapy.
When you have your license, you should not forget about continuing education. Each license renewal requires at least 24 hours of re-mastery courses. They will ensure you are improving yourself.
It actually varies from person to person. However, in general, it takes from 5 to 6 years.
The average LPC makes about $42k a year. How much you earn depends on your professionalism and expertise. The more you specialize in your job, the higher your salary would be.
You may work as an LAC without studying and applying for an LPC license. In this case, you must be supervised and directed by an LPC.