Career in the VA and state licensure

[Anxiety]

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I live in CA where a postdoc is required before I can get licensed in the state. I understand in order to work at the VA, you can be licensed in any state. I also know in certain states like Alabama, there is no postdoc required for licensure. I don't think there's even a state exam you have to take, you just take the EPPP after you finish internship.

So in theory, if I want to save some time, after I finish my internship, can I get get licensed in Alabama and then apply for VA jobs in California? I understand of course I would start at a lower grade (I think GS 11 instead of GS 12) because I lack that one year postdoc experience. But technically, can I do that? And what would be the pros and cons of that? Thank you.


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[WisNeuro]

The biggest con is probably that most people with postdocs will have a leg up on you in terms of application strength with a postdoc. They're just viewed as much more seasoned. I honestly can't think of a single, under age 50 colleague I've had in the VA who did not have a postdoc. Also, I'd be wary of that route as well. Imagine you do not like your job and want to take a job outside of the VA. Now you don't qualify for licensure in many states.

 

[erg923]

I live in CA where a postdoc is required before I can get licensed in the state. I understand in order to work at the VA, you can be licensed in any state. I also know in certain states like Alabama, there is no postdoc required for licensure. I don't think there's even a state exam you have to take, you just take the EPPP after you finish internship.

So in theory, if I want to save some time, after I finish my internship, can I get get licensed in Alabama and then apply for VA jobs in California? I understand of course I would start at a lower grade (I think GS 11 instead of GS 12) because I lack that one year postdoc experience. But technically, can I do that? And what would be the pros and cons of that? Thank you.


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Yes but then you will have no post doc and your license will only be transferable to other states that don't require postdoc. In other words, it's a great way to geographically restrict your career and/or handcuff yourself to the VA system. But, if that's what you want?

Also, GS 11 positions are highly, highly competitive especially in saturated markets like California

 

[Therapist4Chnge]

That would be a horrible idea. Licensure is annoying enough without adding road blocks. Post-Doc may not matter 10+ yrs out, but it is definitely looked at when you are early career.

 

[PsychPhDone]

I live in CA where a postdoc is required before I can get licensed in the state. I understand in order to work at the VA, you can be licensed in any state. I also know in certain states like Alabama, there is no postdoc required for licensure. I don't think there's even a state exam you have to take, you just take the EPPP after you finish internship.

So in theory, if I want to save some time, after I finish my internship, can I get get licensed in Alabama and then apply for VA jobs in California? I understand of course I would start at a lower grade (I think GS 11 instead of GS 12) because I lack that one year postdoc experience. But technically, can I do that? And what would be the pros and cons of that? Thank you.


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I could be wrong, but to be a primary clinical supervisor in California, you have to be licensed in California. So, if you apply to vas that have internships/postdocs, they'll want you to get ca licensure anyway so you can supervise.

 

[erg923]

I could be wrong, but to be a primary clinical supervisor in California, you have to be licensed in California. So, if you apply to vas that have internships/postdocs, they'll want you to get ca licensure anyway do you can supervise.

Stare regs don't apply in the VA system.

 

[WisNeuro]

Stare regs don't apply in the VA system.

Local VAs will still go by state requirements. I know several who abide by a state requirement that their supervisors need to have been licensed for two full years before being able to supervise and have it count.

 

[notfullyfathomd]

Local VAs will still go by state requirements. I know several who abide by a state requirement that their supervisors need to have been licensed for two full years before being able to supervise and have it count.

My experience has been that VA supervisors who aren't licensed in CA can supervise but those hours can't count towards their supervisees' CA licensure requirements (1500 predoctoral hours and 1500 postdoctoral hours). By extension this limits them to non-primary supervisor roles. I'm sure this varies by VA and some probably have formal policies.

I agree with what others have said -- you'd limit yourself in the future and would be less competitive in a pretty saturated CA job market. There seem to be some CBOCs in more remote CA locations that struggle to fill positions, but many of the more urban VAs like to pull from their previous trainees for staff psychologist positions.

 

[arsesta]

Typically, the post-doc licensure paperwork isn't signed by individual supervisors and instead it's done by the training director so ultimately I don't think it would work against you if you're licensed in Alabama and trying to supervise someone in a California VA.

I actually think that's a really smart way to get into the VA much faster. Once you're there, find a nice and generous colleague who supervises you so you can count those hours toward licensure for the state. My friend did something similar with the DoD; she got licensed via Washington State and then got hired on at DoD as a contractor, made double the salary I did on post-doc, and then had someone "supervise" her so she was able to count those toward "post-doc" hours. I agree with WisNeuro that you would not be as competitive as those who had a formal post-doc or other professional experiences. However, there are some VAs out there (probably not in CA though...) who are in high need and would consider you. Good luck !