Many of us are interested in working in a clinical setting, but not everyone is willing to spend two years to gain rigorous clinical psychology training. Reports show there is a lack of labor, and to fulfill the need for clinical psychologists, RCI started a course named Professional Diploma in Clinical Psychology (PDCP). 

About the Program

The Professional Diploma in Clinical Psychology  is a one year RCI recognized course in Clinical Psychology. After completing PDCP, one can begin to practice as a Clinical Psychology Associate and be registered under RCI. 

They get job opportunities in Hospitals, or they can start their private practice. They are considered competent enough to offer their services to clinical patients.

Difference between PDCP and M.Phil Clinical Psychology

The difference between PDCP and M.Phil Clinical Psychology is, the former is for one year, and the latter is for two years. M.Phil Focuses on both clinical training and research, whereas PDCP focuses only on clinical practice. They study the same clinical papers as M.Phil Students. However, they do not have a paper on Statistics. 

Their work role includes: 

• Interviewing clinical patients and diagnosing them. 
• Providing counseling and therapies
• Administering and interpreting Psychometric Tests. 
• Providing Psychoeducation to their clients and their family about the client’s mental health.
• They are bound to all clinical ethics like a Clinical Psychologist. 

However, they cannot work as an Academician or Professor like M.Phil. degree holders. They cannot train or supervise any student. But they can act as Teaching Assistants if the university deems it fit.

Eligibility for PDCP

The eligibility criteria are M.A./ M.Sc. in Psychology, or Applied Psychology from a UGC recognized university. The applicant must have passed with at least 55% (50% for reserved categories) marks. The admission is through a Written Test and subsequent Interview Round. 

Entrance Exam

Institutes offering the course hold their entrance exams independently. 

The entrance test is MCQ-based. The test focuses on almost all the papers one studies in their Masters, i.e., General Psychology, Abnormal Psychology, History of Psychology, Personality Theories, Cognitive Psychology, and Research Methods. 

Institutes offering PDCP: 

Library at B.M. Institute of Mental Health (Image Source)

Hence, PDCP is a diploma course for a shorter duration and has become a popular choice among students. 

To know more about this course, watch this video.