School psychologists work with students, their families and education professionals to promote optimal learning for children. They work to implement strategies in order to address issues that adversely impact a student’s performance in school. This may include behavioral, developmental or academic issues.
According to Richard Allen, PsyD, NCSP, BCBA-D, director of PCOM’s Educational Specialist program, the most important thing a school psychologist does is bring a unique level of expertise in the areas of education and social-emotional health to support student success at home and in the classroom.
“The most rewarding part of being a school psychologist is watching students overcome challenges and make life-changing gains for themselves and their families,” he said.
While most school psychologists are employed in educational settings, other career opportunities exist. School psychologists may work in hospitals, clinics or with community agencies. You may also find school psychologists in private practice.
Dr. Allen described the profession as one that is as challenging as it is rewarding.
“Given the national shortage of school psychologists, now more than ever we need passionate and innovative individuals to join our ranks and help provide high-quality care to address the ever-changing needs of our students,” he added.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the demand for school psychologists is projected to grow due to an increased awareness of the connection between mental health and learning. The majority of these jobs will be in elementary and secondary schools, but other jobs for school psychologists exist:
Educational consultants work to improve student learning by providing expert advice to teachers, students and parents. They may focus on teaching styles and educational strategies or they may help identify schools that best fit the student’s needs.
Researchers in the field of school psychology conduct studies and literature reviews focused on better understanding student development, behavior, learning and mental health. Research topics may include intervention strategies, special education, early intervention, policy and more.
With demand for school psychologists growing, there is also a need for experienced professionals to teach future school psychologists. School psychology professors may also conduct research.
Requirements for entering private practice vary by state. Offering assessment and counseling services through a private practice can provide greater autonomy but also requires business and marketing acumen. Those wishing to enter private practice should be aware of the various legal, financial and ethical considerations inherent with operating a private practice.
At PCOM, school psychology students complete coursework approved by the Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI) to pursue certification as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst® (BCBA®). A Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) is trained to provide and supervise behavior analysis services including comprehensive behavior assessment, intervention and consultation skills. Once certified, school psychologists may work as behavior analysts or behavior consultants.
The primary role of a special education coordinator is to ensure students with disabilities receive the support they need to succeed academically and socially. They are often involved in the management of special education programs including designing curriculum, assessing students, managing staff and implementing educational strategies.
A program evaluator uses data to assess the efficacy of educational programs and services. Their job is to make recommendations for improving student outcomes.
Sometimes traumatic events occur at schools that impact students, faculty and staff. These events could be tragic accidents, natural disasters or violent acts. A crisis intervention specialist provides mental health support to those dealing with a challenging situation.
A legislative advocate works to ensure that policy issues important to school psychologists are effectively communicated to politicians and decision-makers at the local, state and federal levels.
Social workers support children and families by working in government agencies tasked with providing services and resources to deal with various challenges including mental health problems, substance abuse, domestic violence and child welfare issues.
School psychologists support students, teachers and families. Their role is to help students learn by identifying obstacles to academic, social and emotional development and applying interventions to help address those obstacles.
While educational diagnosticians and school psychologists have similar roles, educational diagnosticians focus on evaluating students to uncover the underlying causes of any academic or behavioral difficulties.
Becoming a school psychologist requires considerable time, effort and expense, but the rewards are significant. While the time and effort are mandatory, costs may be mitigated for some school psychology program graduates through the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program. This program is available for qualified employees of government or not-for-profit organizations. For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid website.
PCOM prepares graduates to pursue careers as school psychologists in a variety of settings. The Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) in School Psychology includes coursework, practicum, internship and dissertation requirements, and can be completed in as few as five years. The NASP-accredited Educational Specialist (EdS) program in School Psychology can be completed in three years and is designed for those seeking certification in school psychology.
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