Psychologist Licensure Procedures in Iowa

How to become a Psychologist in Iowa...

Click on the link that best describes your current situation.

Explore the information below and begin your journey toward becoming a licensed psychologist in Iowa. The following procedures have been the same for many years; however, they are subject to change and it would be wise to contact the Iowa Board of Psychology at (515) 281-4401 if you have any concerns or questions regarding requirements for earning your Iowa psychologist license.

I'm a High School Graduate...

Learning about Iowa psychologist licensure procedures as a high school graduate shows strong character and motivation. Doing career research at an early stage will help you in many ways. You will learn education is the most important attribute you will ever add to your resume. You will learn which types of career environments suit your personality. And you will learn what types of career goals will give you satisfaction.

The following are steps that will help you take the next step toward a higher education and learn more about psychology career environments.

Step One:

As said earlier, advancing your level of education is the most important step you will take at this point in your life. Whether you end up becoming an Iowa psychologist or a Clinical counselor in Iowa, a higher education is the gateway to all professional careers.

However, goals in education should not be daunting. There are virtually limitless resources in good universities to help you understand how your college education pertains to your future professional life. So, learn how you can enroll in an associate's degree program or a bachelor's degree program and take advantage of all your university has to offer.

Click on the links below to browse schools offering psychology programs!

Step Two:

The next step is to look deeper into career environments. You will want to immerse yourself in organizations' cultures that provide similar experiences to careers in psychology. One great way to learn more about what it is like to help others emotionally is to volunteer.

Below are a few links to volunteering organizations in Iowa:

If volunteering is out of the question, look to find paid work or speak with professors about career options as soon as possible in your academic career.

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I've already received my Bachelor's or Master's degree...

Once you have your undergraduate or Master's degree you will need to continue on and earn your doctorate degree in psychology, educational psychology or an education degree that specializes in counseling psychology or educational psychology from an accredited college or university.

Step One:

Contact schools offering Master's, PhD or PsyD programs you are interested in.

Step Two:

When choosing a Master's or Doctoral program, you will be narrowing your career focus. Since there are a large variety of areas where you can go within the field of psychology, it would be wise to speak with the career services personnel at your school to learn more about various opportunities you may participate in to boost yourself higher on the list of possible applicants for school and/or for a professional position once you have completed your schooling.

Step Three:

Once you have completed your PhD or PsyD program, you may continue down to:

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I have finished my PhD or PsyD...

Follow the steps to learn how to acquire your Psychologist license in Iowa.

Step One:

Once you have completed your degree, the Iowa Board of Psychology can give you a Psychology Associate title while you complete the work experience for Iowa psychologist licensure.

During this time, you will need 1500 hours of supervised professional experience completed in no less than one year. Your supervisor needs to be qualified and approved by the Iowa Board and provide one hour of direct supervision per week.

You will find more details by clicking on the Licensure Rules link off the following Iowa Department of Public Health webpage.

Step Two:

Once you have completed the required work experience, you can download the Iowa psychologist licensure application and submit that along with other necessary forms and fees to the Iowa Board of Psychology.

You may download the application off the following Iowa Department of Public Health webpage.

Step Three:

After the Iowa Board has approved your application, they will notify you of your eligibility to take the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP).

The ASPPB website has more information about the exam and other helpful resources.

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