Working Life

One-to-one and group client work with physically unwell patients in clinical settings.  

Development of healthcare policy at local, regional, national, and international levels.

Health promotion in the community and in organisations.

Training in psychology for health professionals and the education of trainee health psychologists.

Development of effective interventions through research.

This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:

 Investigative

The Investigative person will usually find a particular area of science to be of interest. They are inclined toward intellectual and analytical activities and enjoy observation and theory. They may prefer thought to action, and enjoy the challenge of solving problems with sophiscticated technology. These types prefer mentally stimulating environments and often pay close attention to developments in their chosen field.

 Social

The Social person's interests focus on interacting with the people in their environment. In all cases, the Social person enjoys the personal contact with other people in preference to the impersonal dealings with things, data and ideas found in other groups.

Many will seek out positions where there is direct contact with the public in some advisory role, whether a receptionist or a counsellor. Social people are motivated by an interest in different types of people and like diversity in their work environments. Many are drawn towards careers in the caring professions and social welfare area, whilst others prefer teaching and other 'informing' roles.

In order to become a Health Psychologist, an accredited honours undergraduate degree where psychology is the major subject is required. Completion of a recognised accredited postgraduate training programme in Health Psychology is then necessary. Recognition with the The Psychological Society of Ireland (PSI), is the learned and professional body for psychology and psychologists in the Republic of Ireland.

• Must complete a period of postgraduate training of at least 3 years

• Health Psychologists in the UK are regulated by the Health and Care Professions Council

• Professional representation via Division of Health Psychology, BPS/PSI

Stage 1 - MSc - certifies academic knowledge base.

Stage 2 - at least 2 years supervised practice - professional competence, research, consultancy, teaching and training and delivery of psychological interventions.

Sample Education and Training Pathways
A number of courses are available throughout the country that focus on learning and skills that may be useful for this career. The examples and links below may guide you in your research. 

Further Education (FET)
Further Education & Training (FET) Courses are delivered by local ETBs, ranging in duration from several weeks up to 20 months. Courses are designed to meet the labour market needs and often include a large element of work experience.

Example search terms include:Healthcare Support, Health Service Skills, Social and Community Care, Youthwork. 

Search for FET Courses

PLC Courses (FET)
PLC courses are full-time courses, one or two years duration, with awards at Level 5 and 6 on the NFQ. They are offered nationally in Schools and Colleges of Further Education.

Example search terms include: Psychology, Applied Social Studies, Community Health Services with Psychology, Social Care with Psychology.  

Search for PLC Courses

Apprenticeships: 
Apprenticeships are structured work-based training programs that combine on-the-job training with classroom instruction. They run from 2 – 4 years and are open to individuals of all ages, including school leavers, those seeking a career change, and existing employees who wish to upskill.

Examples: Healthcare, Youthwork. 

Search for Apprenticeships

Higher Education CAO (Undergraduate) 
Higher Education courses at Levels 6 to 8 on the NFQ, delivered in Universities and Technological Universities & Institutes. Courses run from 2 – 5 years and places are allocated on a points-based system, processed by the Central Application Office.

Example search terms include: Arts - Psychology, Psychology,  

Search for CAO Courses

Higher Education (Postgraduate)
Postgraduate courses are courses at Levels 9 and 10 on the NFQ and usually last 1 – 2 years full time, or longer if a PhD or part time. Entrants typically require an undergraduate award (Level 8).

Example search terms include: Health Psychology , Psychology 

Search for Postgraduate Courses

Professional Development 

Professional development (CPD) courses are specialised training, formal education, or advanced professional learning that improves skills, professional knowledge, competency, and overall effectiveness in the professional world.

Check the Useful Contacts tab on this page to see if there are any professional bodies listed who may provide training related to this career.

Salary Range (thousands per year)* €40k - €90k

Salaries vary by employer, role, duties, grade, location, and experience. 

Data Source(s):
HSE/ Jooble/ Irishjobs/ Forsa/Glassdoor/ Jobted

Last Updated: April, 2024

Note: The following information relates to occupations that include: Psychologists, Pharmacists, Opticians (including dispensing opticians), Dental practitioners, Medical radiographers, Podiatrists, Health professionals n.e.c., Health services and public health managers and directors, Social services managers and directors, Health care practice managers.

This information has been derived from the Solas National Skills Bulletin (2025).

Employment levels have fluctuated over the five-year period, with numbers employed in 2024 broadly in line with that of 2021. Three-quarters of persons employed were women, with a lower than average share who were non-Irish citizens.

New employment permits were issued across a range of job titles including radiographers, cardiac physiologists, dieticians, audiologists, pharmacists, dentists, optometrists, and psychologists.

There was a fall in the share of OJAs for this occupation between 2023 and 2024, mostly related to a fall in health services and public health managers and directors.

Although demand is evident and the Government is committed to increase training places and recruitment for many of these roles, the extent to which shortages are occurring is difficult to determine due to the relatively small number of persons employed in each speciality. A workforce plan for the healthcare sector should assist in shedding further light on the issues facing this occupation.

Shortage:

Inconclusive

• Psychological Society of Ireland (PSI)

  • Digital Office Centre Camden, 12 Camden Row, Saint Kevin’s, Dublin 8, D08 R9CN, Ireland
  • (0)87 387 7179
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here

• European Health Psychology Society (EHPS)

  • [email protected]
  • Click Here