Become a School Psychologist

School psychologists provide many critical psychological services:

• Addressing learning issues, behavioral problems and substance abuse situations
• Providing student and family counseling in areas that affect school performance
• Assessing gifted students or students with learning disabilities to best maximize their learning potential
• Identifying ways to improve teaching, learning and socialization
• Consulting with other faculty to provide the best learning environment for students
• Working with government and district-level employees to secure resources that help students succeed in school and beyond

School psychologists can work in a variety of environments. The majority work in public elementary and secondary schools, but others may work in private schools, community agencies, universities, hospitals or clinics. Today, more and more school psychologists are working in the challenging and rewarding field of inner-city and alternative schools, often providing the single most consistent and nurturing voice in many students' lives.

School psychologists earn all of the perks that other public school employees enjoy, such as excellent medical and dental benefits, pension plans and extensive paid vacation time. However, they make significantly more than most starting teachers. Indeed, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, their average yearly salary in 2009 compared favorably in the following list of psychology salary statistics:

• elementary and secondary school psychologists: $69,870
• psychologists in state government: $68,700
• psychologists with individual or family services: $70,490
• psychologists in outpatient care centers: $69,620

To become a school psychologist, many states require the completion of at least two years of graduate school training or a post-master's degree program. This often includes a year-long internship and emphasizes full preparation for effective child learning psychology:

• mental health
• child development
• school organization
• learning styles and processes
• behavior
• motivation
• effective teaching

Many school psychology programs also offer a doctorate degree, which generally requires at least four years of training, field experience and a culminating doctoral dissertation based on original research.

National school psychologist certification, which is required in a growing number of states, also requires an internship, which is generally completed toward the end of graduate school. National certification is granted by the National School Psychology Certification Board (NSPCB). To obtain employment, school psychologists must be certified by the state in which they work.

Online school psychology programs are becoming more and more popular as working professionals decide to return to school for the degree and certification requirements they need. In today's technological world, receiving your education online can give you an important leg up with the online experience and confidence you need to succeed. The website AdvanceInPsychology.com reminds us to look for the following qualities in potential online psychology degree programs:

• accreditation
• admission prerequisites
• course credit transfer
• financial assistance
• student benefits
• software and technical requirements
• tuition and fees

The benefits of school psychology work are far reaching. As a school psychologist, you will have a rare opportunity to speak into the lives of children and teenagers who might not listen to the other adults in their lives.

As an advocate for successful learning and socialization, you will get to utilize your influence to benefit your students by improving school policies and offering teaching ideas. If you care deeply about providing students with the best atmosphere for learning, school psychology may be the rewarding career you've been looking for.