How to Become a School Psychologist?
Explore the path to becoming a School Psychologist: eligibility, essential steps, tasks, and career opportunities explained in an engaging and easy-to-follow guide
In this Career Outline
Introduction to School Psychologist
"School psychologists guide students through challenges, turning obstacles into opportunities for growth."
School Psychologists help students overcome intellectual, psychological, or behavioral challenges. They conduct disability screenings, offer counseling, and assist in creating Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) with teachers and families. They may also refer students to counselors, therapists, or psychiatrists. School psychologists support students from preschool through high school, collaborating closely with counselors, social workers, administrators, and teachers.
Steps to Become a School Psychologist:
Step-1
Begin by earning an undergraduate degree in psychology, education, or a related discipline.
Step-2
Obtain a Master’s degree in School Psychology or a closely related field.
Step-3
Acquire hands-on experience through a supervised internship in a school environment.
Step-4
Pass the necessary state licensure exams to practice as a School Psychologist.
Step-5
Acquire certification from recognized professional bodies, such as the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP), if required.
Step-6
Start working in educational settings to build your experience and expertise.
Step-7
Engage in ongoing professional development to stay updated with the latest practices and research in school psychology.
Eligibility Criteria
| Eligibility Criteria | Description |
|---|---|
| Eligibility | Must possess at least 50% aggregate marks in 12th grade from a recognized board (PUC/CBSE/ICSE/ISC, etc.). |
| Educational Background | High school diploma or equivalent. |
| Undergraduate Degree | A B.A. in Psychology, diploma, or certification from a recognized institution is required to become a School Psychologist. |
| Postgraduate Degree | An M.Sc. in Counseling Psychology is beneficial for advanced learning and career growth. |
| Entrance Exams | No standardized entrance exams for Psychology; entrance criteria depend on the university. |
- Must possess at least 50% aggregate from a recognized institution in 12th, from any board PUC/CBSE/ICSE/ISC, etc.
- There are no standardized entrance exams after 12th for enrolling in Psychology. The availability of these assessments is solely based on the prospects of the University.
- One must acquire a B. A in Psychology, diploma or certification in a recognized establishment to become a School Psychologist.
- An M.Sc in Counselling Psychology can also prove to be helpful while looking for a higher degree and extensive learning.
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Tasks to perform as a School Psychologist:
Knowledge & Skills Required
School Psychologists must possess a wide array of skills to succeed in their careers. Here are the key knowledge areas and skills needed to excel in this field:
| Knowledge Required | |
|---|---|
| Understanding child and adolescent development. | Insight into learning processes and teaching methods. |
| Skills in providing effective therapy and support. | Techniques for evaluating and understanding student behavior. |
| Methods for managing emergencies and critical situations. | Knowledge of regulations and ethical guidelines in education and psychology. |
| Skills Required | |
|---|---|
| Problem-Solving | Empathy |
| Analytical Skills | Interpersonal Skills |
| Organizational Skills | Attention to Detail |
Understanding What are soft skills? and why is it important,as they complement technical abilities and enhance overall performance in the field of School Psychologist.
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Job roles offered for a School Psychologist:
Once you obtain the necessary qualifications to become a School Psychologist, numerous career options open up:
Works for academic organizations or businesses, designing exams to evaluate students’ or job applicants' performance and qualifications. They ensure the content is engaging and monitor results to make revisions as needed.
Helps patients improve their mental well-being, focusing on personal development. They also provide psychotherapy, teach, consult, and contribute to vocational development and research.
Assesses and creates treatment plans for individuals with harmful behaviors, often working with those struggling with substance abuse, trauma, or developmental issues.
Works with children and adolescents to manage developmental or psychological challenges like ADHD, autism, or emotional issues, helping them cope with stressors like illness or family transitions.
Supports students' educational, personal, and emotional development, offering compassionate, nonjudgmental guidance in schools, from elementary to high school. They help students navigate challenges and achieve their goals.
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With countless career options, choosing the right path can be tough. Analysis and guidance sessions help clarify what to study, pursue, and achieve.
Career Opportunities for a School Psychologist:
School Psychologists can opt for various fields of work in the companies listed below:
| Insighte | Arya Gurukul School | Niraj International School |
| WhiteHat Jr | Extramarks | iNurture Education Solutions |
| NIIT | Schiller School | Kodaikanal International School |
| HDFnk |
Colleges offering courses for School Psychologist:
Here is the list of colleges offering the Best courses after 12th:
| Fergusson College, Pune | Indraprastha College for Women, New Delhi |
| Modern College of Arts Science and Commerce, Pune | Sam Higginbottom Institute of Agriculture, Technology & Sciences (SHIATS), Allahabad |
| National Post Graduate College, Lucknow | Mithibai College of Arts, Mumbai |
| Shri HK Arts College, Ahmedabad | Banasthali University, Jaipur |
| Amity University (AUUP), Lucknow | VMOU Kota (VMOU Kota), Kota |
End Note
Starting a career as a School Psychologist can be a fulfilling journey, filled with opportunities to make a meaningful impact on students' lives. From earning the right degrees to gaining hands-on experience, each step brings you closer to helping students thrive. For guidance and Career counselling after graduation along your career path, connect with our experts at SetMyCareer. We're here to guide you in reaching your professional aspirations!
In this Career Outline
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