UNLV School Psychology

[rachel54]

Hi everyone,

Just wondering if anyone has any experience or opinions about unlv's school psych phd? Does the training have a balanced focus on both school and clinical topics, or is it very heavily focused on the school aspect? I've learned from reading posts here that some programs have a bit of both, and their graduates are more flexible. I noticed it isn't APA accredited, only NASP, so am I correct in thinking licensure for clinical purposes is out of the question? Is it a very competitive program? Thanks in advance.


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[psych.meout]

Regardless of whether it's a combined program, if it's not APA accredited, you are going to be limiting your career options even if you can get licensed. VAs, academic medical centers, and all the other good employers won't touch you. The employers who will know that your employment options are limited and will have you over a barrel.

What exactly do you want to do for a career? If your goal is actually to get licensed and provide clinical services outside of a school setting, you probably shouldn't go to a school psych program. Whether you should get a mid-level degree or a doctorate in clinical or counseling psychology depends on what your professional goals and interests are.

 

[biscuitsbiscuits]

Here's the way I look at it. If you want to be a school psychologist and practice only in schools and are comfortable with the limitations therein, get the specialist/master's degree. If you want to have a broader scope of practice (but still specialize in psychoed areas), possibly teach or do research, etc., then go for a doctoral degree... but ONLY if it is APA-accredited. With a non-APA-accredited doctoral degree in school psych, you will basically have the same job opportunities as the specialist-level practitioner but with the time/debt investment of a psychologist. Not worth it.

If you're looking for a program with more of a school-clinical balance, look for APA-accredited combined school-clinical psych doctoral programs.

You can use this page to search:
APA-Accredited Programs

 

[SchoolPsycho]

I do not know this program specifically. For a school psych PHD/PsyD, I recommend picking a program that is both NASP and APA approved. If you find yourself having to pick only one of those, APA is probably more important, as long as the program will set you up for state level school psychologist licensure (check every state you might practice in - they are all different). A NASP approved program should meet every state's requirements.

What are your career goals? Doctoral level school psychologists absolutely can and do work outside of schools. Coming from a non-APA program will close most of those doors though. If you aren't specifically interested in the school psych element of the program, I'd recommend doing a pure clinical program.