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Hello everyone,
I am a 53-year-old recent Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.) graduate from California Southern University, transitioning from over 15 years in IT, where I served as a Business Analyst, Project Manager, and Product Manager for Fortune 100 companies. I also hold an MBA, which has enhanced my management and strategic skills. Currently based in the San Francisco North Bay Area, I am keen on entering the field of psychology.
Although my Psy.D. program is non-APA accredited, it meets the requirements of the California Board of Psychology, which includes completing 3000 hours of Supervised Professional Experience (SPE); 1500 hours to be eligible to sit for the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP) and another 1500 for the California Psychology Law and Ethics Examination (CPLE) to obtain licensure.
My decision to pursue an online Psy.D. was strategic, as it allowed me to continue full-time employment during significant industry layoffs. This program included additional coursework to ensure I was well-prepared to get into a Psychology program as I came from a non-traditional (i.e., without a Master's degree in Psychology) background.
Given my diverse background, which includes a decade living in Europe, fluency in multiple languages, and a wealth of transferable skills, I am now seeking:
Thank you all in advance for your support and advice!
I am a 53-year-old recent Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.) graduate from California Southern University, transitioning from over 15 years in IT, where I served as a Business Analyst, Project Manager, and Product Manager for Fortune 100 companies. I also hold an MBA, which has enhanced my management and strategic skills. Currently based in the San Francisco North Bay Area, I am keen on entering the field of psychology.
Although my Psy.D. program is non-APA accredited, it meets the requirements of the California Board of Psychology, which includes completing 3000 hours of Supervised Professional Experience (SPE); 1500 hours to be eligible to sit for the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP) and another 1500 for the California Psychology Law and Ethics Examination (CPLE) to obtain licensure.
My decision to pursue an online Psy.D. was strategic, as it allowed me to continue full-time employment during significant industry layoffs. This program included additional coursework to ensure I was well-prepared to get into a Psychology program as I came from a non-traditional (i.e., without a Master's degree in Psychology) background.
Given my diverse background, which includes a decade living in Europe, fluency in multiple languages, and a wealth of transferable skills, I am now seeking:
- Temporary License: Insights on states with streamlined processes for issuing temporary psychology licenses, which would allow me to begin accumulating SPE.
- EPPP Eligibility: Advice on states that allow candidates to sit for the EPPP prior to completing all SPE requirements, particularly those open to non-residents.
- Employment Opportunities: Recommendations for job openings that would facilitate my entry into psychology, aiding in the accumulation of necessary SPE hours.
- International Practice: Information on European countries that would recognize my American Psy.D. and allow me to register and practice as a psychologist. I am particularly interested in countries where I previously lived, but open to opportunities across Europe.
Thank you all in advance for your support and advice!