School Psychology Programs Receive National Recognition

July 20, 2016

The MS/EdS and PsyD programs in school psychology were recently nationally recognized by the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) as meeting national standards for graduate preparation in school psychology.

In 2015-2016, more PCOM graduates were newly credentialed as Nationally Certified School Psychologists (NCSP) than any other training program in the U.S.

The NCSP credential recognizes school psychologists who meet rigorous national standards for graduate preparation and continuing professional development. Many states and school districts accept or align their credentialing requirements with the NCSP, and some offer additional employment benefits for achieving highly qualified professional status.

School psychologists seeking this certification must meet the established standards of the NASP; complete a graduate program in school psychology, ideally from a NASP-approved program (PCOM received its initial NASP approval in 2009 and maintains full approval for the MS/EdS program through 2020, and for the PsyD program through 2022); complete a 1,200-hour supervised internship; and achieve a passing score on The Praxis II® School Psychologist examination.

“We encourage all of our school psychology students to obtain the NCSP upon graduation, because it demonstrates their commitment to a high level of professionalism, ethical practice, and continuing professional development,” said Diane Smallwood, PsyD, NASP, professor, and director, professional education in School Psychology. “These are values that we emphasize throughout our programs, and it is gratifying to see so many of our graduates showing this commitment to excellence."

The National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) is a professional association that represents more than 25,000 school psychologists, graduate students, and related professionals throughout the United States and 25 other countries. The world's largest organization of school psychologists, NASP works to advance effective practices to improve students' learning, behavior, and mental health. Our vision is that all children and youth thrive in school, at home, and throughout life.

About Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine

Founded in 1899, Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine has trained thousands of highly competent, caring physicians, health practitioners and behavioral scientists who practice a “whole person” approach to care—treating people, not just symptoms. PCOM offers doctoral degrees in clinical psychology, osteopathic medicine, pharmacy, physical therapy and school psychology, and graduate degrees in biomedical sciences, forensic medicine, mental health counseling, organizational development and leadership, physician assistant studies, school psychology, and public health management and administration. Our students learn the importance of health promotion, research, education and service to the community. Through its community-based Healthcare Centers, PCOM provides care to medically underserved populations in inner city and rural locations. For more information, visit pcom.edu.