How do I become a school psychologist in Massachusetts?

Initial License: Requires completion of a master’s degree or higher in school psychology approved by NASP, including an advanced practicum of 1,200 hours, 600 of which must be in a school setting.

Is there a shortage of school psychologists?

There is an estimated shortage of nearly 15,000 school psychologists, reports the National Coalition on Personnel Shortages in Special Education and Related Services.

Why is there a shortage of school psychologists?

Shortages can include both an insufficient supply of qualified school psychologists and school psychologists from diverse backgrounds, graduate faculty, and qualified practica and internship supervisors as well as an insufficient number of positions within districts to meet the needs of students.

What states pay school psychologists the most?

The states and districts that pay School Psychologists the highest mean salary are Oregon ($112,010), California ($111,750), District of Columbia ($106,900), New York ($96,170), and Louisiana ($96,040).

What do school Psychs do?

School psychologists are uniquely qualified members of school teams that support students’ ability to learn and teachers’ ability to teach. They apply expertise in mental health, learning, and behavior, to help children and youth succeed academically, socially, behaviorally, and emotionally.

Is it hard to be a school psychologist?

Being a School Psychologist is not an easy career, but it IS a worthwhile career. To be honest, there are intense days, when the needs of so many children pile up, with solid timelines looming, reports to write, children to evaluate, behavior plans to tweak, etc.

Where can I get a psychology license in Massachusetts?

Find information on applying for, renewing, checking, and learning about a license in psychology.

How often do you need to renew your school psychology degree?

In some states, school psychologists must meet these requirements every 2-5 years to maintain their credentials. Other states do not set specific continuing education requirements but still require school psychologists to renew their credentials. Many colleges and universities offer school psychology programs at the bachelor’s and graduate levels.

Can a school psychologist get a master’s degree?

The National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) maintains rigorous standards for approving school psychology master’s programs. The nation’s best programs maintain this designation. However, individuals may seek a degree from a program not NASP approved and still receive a license to practice in their state.

How to become a nationally certified school psychologist?

The Nationally Certified School Psychologist (NCSP) credential is offered by NASP. To earn this credential, school psychologists must have completed a graduate program and internship in school psychology, preferably from an NASP-approved school, and achieve a passing score on the Praxis II school psychology exam.

Find information on applying for, renewing, checking, and learning about a license in psychology.

Do you need a license to be a psychologist?

Official transcripts demonstrating the conferral of a Master’s Degree, Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies (CAGS,) or Doctoral Degree in School Psychology from an educational institution licensed or accredited by the state in which it is located is required.

How to apply for a mental health license in Massachusetts?

Please include a check or money order payable to the “Commonwealth of Massachusetts” with your application. If all licensure requirements have been met, a notification will be sent by the Board to the applicant. If it is determined that your application does not meet the requirements, you will be notified in writing of this determination.

Can a school psychologist work with a student?

Psychological counseling is a crucial element of school psychology, therefore school psychologists should be well-versed in this aspect of the field. Professionals may offer group and individual counseling services to students at their schools, depending on the number of students in-need and the type of therapy required. 4. Student Intervention