According to US News and World Report, one of the most popular career paths in the field of psychology is to become a school psychologist. These important educational professionals act as part of a larger team to coordinate support services for students of all ages.
Some of the responsibilities of school psychologists include:
- Serving on teams that assess cognitive and behavioral functioning of students.
- Identifying and managing academic, social and emotional concerns that affect student learning.
- Counseling school staff, students and parents about ways to lessen school-related stress, such as modifying teaching approaches, finding solutions to problems with others in the classroom or empowering students to express themselves appropriately.
For those individuals who love helping others and wish to work with children, becoming a school psychologist can be a most rewarding profession. A school psychologist is often the first link with families to offer information and assistance for mental health or disability issues that may be affecting their child. As such, school psychologists play an important role in the well being of the community. To become a school psychologist, there are several steps interested candidates must take.
Admission Requirements for Post-Graduate School Psychology Programs
Post-graduate degrees are the minimum educational standards required for entry level positions in the field of school psychology. Eligible candidates must first possess an appropriate bachelor’s degree, usually in psychology or related fields of education or social service. Grade point average (GPA) and graduate record examination (GRE) scores are other admittance factors. Requirements may also vary depending on the type of degree that is offered for a given program. According to the National Association of School Psychologists, various degrees in psychology include: the Master’s (M.Ed.), Specialist’s (ED.S.), or Doctoral (Ph.D), with the specialist degree being the most common one obtained to become a school psychologist.
Educational and Training Requirements
Programs typically involve two to three years of classes and field work, covering a variety of topics pertinent to the study and application of psychology in the school setting. According to the type of degree program, students will complete between 60-90 hours of prescribed coursework. Additional requirements to become a school psychologist include supervised practicum experiences and a one-year academic internship.
Related Resource: Obtaining a Ph.D
Certification and/or Licensure Requirements
Obtaining an appropriate post-graduate degree is not the only requirement for becoming a school psychologist. The majority of states now mandate that school psychologists have national certification and/or state licensure in order to practice in the public school setting. National certification is overseen by the National Association for School Psychologists which is the same group that prescribes post-graduate curricula. In addition, most employers will request that job candidates for school psychology positions pass the appropriate Praxis II tests.
Look for Accredited Programs
To locate reputable schools that offer post-graduate degrees to become a school psychologist, start with organizations like NSAP or the American Psychology Association which provide listings of accredited schools. Once you have identified institutions you are interested in attending, visit their website or call the program director’s office to find out more about how to apply. Making sure the school you attend is accredited means you are on your way to obtaining a quality education for becoming a school psychologist.
Looking Forward to a New Career as a School Psychologist
The Bureau of Labor Statistics says that the demand for school psychologists will rise 12% between 2012-2022. With more special needs children being diagnosed daily and mental health issues becoming increasingly prevalent, the need for these important support personnel in public school settings has never been more critical. Few other professions can make such a profound difference for a community. Take the steps to become a school psychologist and make an impact on the future today.
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