Getting Licensed Without a Postdoc Year

[Huxwell]

Someone from the state psychology board recently gave a presentation to my class on licensure procedures, and I was surprised to find out that some states do not require a postdoc year to get licensed. They basically just go off of your internship plus predoctoral practicum hours. I don't remember all of the states, but I know that MD, UT, and WA were on the list.

I'm curious to know if: a) anyone has tried to do this, and b) how difficult is it to meet the requirements.

This seems like it would be a big incentive to attend internships and seek jobs in states that do not require the postdoc year. As an older student, I'd rather get licensed as soon as possible.

---

Members don't see this ad.

 

[CharmedDiamond]

Especially nice for those who would like to combine practice and research, to minimize the amount of postdoc!

 

[Therapist4Chnge]

I believe this was brought up awhile back on the post-doc listserv through APPIC....though I can't seem to find it after a quick search. I do know a few of the more experienced folks that post on that listserv have shared their experiences, and it seemed like most/all did a post-doc.

I have seen multiple cases where hours needed to be re-done because they didn't meet the same requirements as the original state in which they were collected. If at all possible, it is probably safest to do a post-doc, though obviously that isn't ideal for some people. I'm glad I did.

 

[edieb]

Someone from the state psychology board recently gave a presentation to my class on licensure procedures, and I was surprised to find out that some states do not require a postdoc year to get licensed. They basically just go off of your internship plus predoctoral practicum hours. I don't remember all of the states, but I know that MD, UT, and WA were on the list.

I'm curious to know if: a) anyone has tried to do this, and b) how difficult is it to meet the requirements.

This seems like it would be a big incentive to attend internships and seek jobs in states that do not require the postdoc year. As an older student, I'd rather get licensed as soon as possible.

I think AZ is another state that allows it. I got licensed in Washington w/o the post-doc year. It is very, very easy to do. However, start studying for the EPPP early

 

[psychgeek]

Even if you are able to get licensed without a post-doc initially, you should still pay for supervision during your first year of practice post-internship. You have a limited amount of time to get post-doc hours after graduation in some states, and if you fail to get the hours by the end of that window, you may not be able to be licensed in those jurisdictions.

 

[stigmata]

They do not require a formal post-doctoral year prior to licensure, but still require approximately 3000hrs of supervised experience. This move is in line with how physicians are trained.

 

[LovesToRead]

I believe this was brought up awhile back on the post-doc listserv through APPIC....though I can't seem to find it after a quick search.

I saw this post and also recalled seeing the list on the post-doc listserv, so I thought I'd share it. I cannot vouch for its accuracy, but it is a place to start.


A. Alabama
Never had a post-doctoral requirement

B. Arizona
BILL passed and signed by the governor – 7/13/09
http://www.azleg.gov/FormatDocument.asp?inDoc=/legtext/49leg/1R/laws/0160.htm

C. Connecticut
REGULATIONS approved; effective 8/17/09
http://www.ct.gov/dph/lib/dph/public_health_code/sections/psychology_regulation_phc_web.pdf

D. Indiana
BILL passed and signed by the governor – 5/13/09
http://www.in.gov/apps/lsa/session/billwatch/billinfo?year=2009&session=1&request=getBill&doctype=HB&docno=1573

E. Kentucky
Bill passed and signed by the governor – 3/30/10
http://www.lrc.ky.gov/record/10RS/SB12.htm

F. Maryland
BILL passed and signed by the governor– 5/7/09
http://mlis.state.md.us/2009rs/billfile/SB0951.htm

G. North Dakota
BILL passed and signed by the governor – 4/24/09
http://www.legis.nd.gov/assembly/61-2009/bill-index/bi1145.html

H. Ohio
BILL passed and signed by the governor – 1/6/09
http://www.legislature.state.oh.us/bills.cfm?ID=127_HB_503
RULES effective 8 January 2010
http://www.psychology.ohio.gov/pdfs/OAC%204732-9-01%20REQ%20ADM%20EXAM%20TO%20BE%20EFF%20JANUARY%202010.pdf

I. Utah
RULES effective 8 May 2008

J. Washington State
BILL passed in 2004, Effective July 1, 2004; RULES effective September 1, 2009
http://apps.leg.wa.gov/documents/laws/wsr/2007/24/07-24-093.htm

K. Wyoming
BILL passed and signed by governor – 3/5/09; BILL effective since July 1, 2009.
http://legisweb.state.wy.us/2009/Engross/SF0049.pdf
RULES effective 2 February 2010
http://plboards.state.wy.us/psychology/pdf/Final%20Rules%20of%20December%2011%202009%20meeting.pdf

 

[Raising Cain]

Even if you are able to get licensed without a post-doc initially, you should still pay for supervision during your first year of practice post-internship. You have a limited amount of time to get post-doc hours after graduation in some states, and if you fail to get the hours by the end of that window, you may not be able to be licensed in those jurisdictions.

I am looking at this route. I'm planning to take the EPPP before internship is over and get licensed in AZ and then work as a psychologist while still collecting a year of postdoc sup. psychgeek, do you know which states have a time limit on getting postdoc hours?

I have also heard that some states (that require postdoc hours) do not accept postdoc hours if you were working as a licensed psychologist and the postdoc supervisor was not technically responsible for your professional work. I haven't actually found this spelled out on any board rules yet. I checked with NM board (requires postdoc) and they said that they would accept the postdoc hours even if I received the hours while licensed in another state (e.g. AZ). I will definitely verify again when it comes time and share.

 

[haner2]

I have also heard that some states (that require postdoc hours) do not accept postdoc hours if you were working as a licensed psychologist and the postdoc supervisor was not technically responsible for your professional work.

I have lived in a few states now where I have met psychologists that had been licensed for several years, but needed more postdoc hours. It definitely varies from state to state, so if you happen to know the states you want to live in, you could probably just do some research. Otherwise, it's definitely a gamble because some states are incredibly strict and will force you to redo hours.

 

[docma]

If you expect to be moving it is probably worth looking into the Certificate of Professional Qualification (CPQ) that ASPPB sponsors (http://www.asppb.net/i4a/pages/index.cfm?pageid=3408) or becoming certified as a Health Service Provider in Psychology through the National Register (http://www.nationalregister.org) as they provide a credential bank and states are sometimes willing to accept these national level qualifications and make some exceptions regarding fine points of their requirements when they differ from other states. No matter what, keep careful copies of your paperwork from any site and setting and be patient with the differences in documentation required by each jurisdiction. It is ridiculous but it is real and we do not have national health care or national licensing because we are a "states rights" culture.