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 (PCOM) 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 operates three campuses (PCOM, PCOM Georgia and PCOM South Georgia) and offers doctoral degrees in clinical psychology, educational psychology, osteopathic
medicine, pharmacy, physical therapy and school psychology, and graduate degrees in
applied behavior analysis, applied positive psychology, biomedical sciences, forensic
medicine, medical laboratory science, mental health counseling, non profit leadership
and population health management, organizational development and leadership, physician
assistant studies, school psychology, and public health management and administration.
PCOM 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. For more information, visit pcom.edu or call 215-871-6100.
For more information, contact:
Daniel McCunney
Associate Director, News and Media Relations
Email: danielmc1@pcom.edu
Office: 215-871-6304 | Cell:
267-449-1360