oh wow... sounds like a lot less financial assistance than people have been telling me! my professors have said that as long as you're going for a PhD in a social science, you most likely will get everything paid off... hmm.. that gets me worrying. do you think a PhD is worth pursuing for a school psychologist who will be working in the public school system?
others have also hinted that following the school psychologist career path may not be a good choice as their training is very limited to the field of school psychology... meaning a career change would be very difficult. however, it sounds like a school psychologist gets to do all sorts of things, so i might not even have to worry about being burned out/getting bored with a job as a school psychologist... what are your views on that?
do you also happen to know what the differences are between a school counselor and a school psychologist? what are some differences in their training/job duties/etc? could someone with a counseling degree become a school psychologist? or something with a social work degree? or is being a school psychologist limited to someone with a school psych degree?
once again, thanks for all your thoughtful input!! i really do appreciate it!!
No problem, lammie. First of all, I get the question about the difference between a school counselor and a psychologist so often that this may probably sound rehearsed. Anyhow, there is a huge difference in graduate programs, level of education, duties, and credentialing. I do, however, work with guidance counselors almost everyday since we sit on a lot of the same committees and team meetings together.
From what I see, a school counselor today tends to deal more with social skills training and group sessions with students who are misbehaving. They are very hard working individuals that also have to mess with statewide achievement testing for 2 months out of the year (Thanks, Bush! and sorry if you're a w fan!) There's a reason why I don't capitalize his moniker, but I won't get into politics right now. Typically, I see their duties as preventative and generally counseling oriented involving many cases where a student didn't meet teacher demands. They sometimes get caught up being the middle person between student and administrator.
A school psychologist, however, tends more to academic, psycho-social, and emotional disabling issues involving everything from autism to pervasive developmental problems and behavioral issues. As I said before, no two days are alike and, although I'm not clear about "burnout" rate, I know that the field is forever growing, expanding, and open. I typically do more psychological testing and assessment than anyone else in the building. Also, you have to look at level of education. The other day, I reviewed my schools and realized that I had more education than 95% of the employees in my district and I'm just starting out. This can only lead to a good thing (monetarily) and most everyone gives my position and opinion a good amount of respect and weight (if that's something that's important to your job prospects). Also, a school counselor can only become a school psychologist if the training is completed and certification gained (and vice versa).
Also, if your goal is to work in the school system, I would certainly investigate PsyD programs as well (unless, of course, you're into a lot more research). My reason for pursuing the PsyD are time-based ones since I've already been in graduate school for 6 years. I think my program is about a year less (3 to 4 as opposed to 4 to 5 years). The truth is that you should look to whichever schools offer you better training with the least amount of debt. If it happens to be in a crappy area, take it anyway. Student doctoral positions are typically hard to attain.
Lastly, whomever says that a school psychologist's career and/or credentials are limited is misinformed and I want to make clear that I'm not simply saying this because it's MY field of choice. I know plenty of school psychologists with private practices who have gone into areas of specializing in neuropsychology, counseling, and even clinical psychology (with additional post doctorate studies). There have been some discussion on this board whether a clinical psych can be a school psychologist and vice versa. The answer is that recertification and further schooling will typically allow a candidate to do both. It doesn't just work one way and not the other. According to national certification, clinical psychs also have to respecialize and go back for courses to become school psychs.
But, I've ranted enough. Be glad to answer any more questions or concerns. Good Luck!
