How do I become a school psychologist?

Would it be feasible to become a school psychologist and than latter on get a doctorate degree in psychology?

• Would that be possible? See, I'm worried I wouldn't be able to make it through 9 years of school financially (I'm leaving home very shortly...and so, school tuition+apartment+living expensive=$$$$ ..and I work at wawa >.<) ...Schooling to be a school psychologist is 6 years, so I would be done at the age of 24...and I could work some and safe up to maybe buy a house...but what I want to do eventually is become a psychologist who works with military families. I think I might need a doctorate to do this (I'm not sure though)...which would take another 5 years... And if I were to get a doctorate, I don't know that I would *quit* my job as a school psychologist, because, really, I would love to work as a school psychologist during the school year and then work with military families in the summer time/ part time. Also, does anyone know of jobs that only require a BA in psychology? That way after 4 years, I can work part-time as something that will bring in a decent income and get some experience. Gah. Can anyone advise me? I don't know what to do.

• Answer:

  Hi, I was in a school psychology program but left because I realized that wasn't what I wanted to do. But I know a lot about the field and opportunities at the doctoral level as I was a psych major and had the research experiences/connects/info to be on track for the Phd in counseling psychology. Like you, I wanted to do both. Im not sure if you're currently an undergrad, so I im not sure what you mean by "it takes 6 yrs to become a school psych". After undergrad it is 2 years coursework plus one year specialist where you go on internship. If school psychology is really what you want to do (work with children, conduct psychological assessments, some counseling, sometimes none depending on where you work), then go for it. If you are having financial issues, its best that after your masters degree you work and get experience in the school psych field. Unfortunately, there are not many jobs right now in this field unless you are willing to be very mobile or learn another language. Some places, sp's who speak Spanish, Chinese, Creole etc. are in high demand and they are mostly assessment based positions. If you want to "eventually work with military families" another option is to set yourself up to enter a fully funded psychology Phd program. What exactly do you want to do with military families? This might help you decide on whether you want to focus on counseling psychology vs. clinical although there is currently much overlap in the two areas. So.. at the masters level in school psychology you have to get into a NASP approved program. Make job contacts through practicum and internship experiences, go to conferences, get good recs and grades in your program, but there is a good chance you will have to take out loans. If you go the doctoral route straight instead of waiting, you can often times go for free or for limited debt. You would just have to make sure to get the research experiences, GRE scores and GPA requirements met to get in. Either or, there will be sacrifices. Of course, sky's the limit to what you can do. You have to decide WHY you want to be a school psychologist first. Don't just do it as a way to make money before you go for the doctorate because you will have to put a lot of effort in the program and to find a job. Once you get it, it remains a very tough job where you will serve many masters (parents, teachers, principal, student, etc) Your passion will drive you to be successful. My advice would be decide what you really want to do, and if it's a Phd to work with the military know there is funding available and don't waste time with the masters. If you really want to do sp in the school year and military in the summers know why and how those two areas will coincide. A bachelors in psychology makes it tough to get an entry level position without prior work experience. Possible jobs would be case aides, therapeutic support staff workers, administrative assessment, youth worker, working as an aide to people with disabilities (they're always hiring), the mall...(no kidding). You must continue for grad school if you want the bachelors to be worth anything. So yes either route, there will be sacrifices to make. Decide which one you're more passionate about and go for it but do it smart. (i.e., if you decide on a masters in psychology go in-state, live at home, get a part time job, etc.) Anything's possible. Let me know if i helped you or you need any more help. PM me if you need more assistance.