CAREERS ENCYCLOPEDIA

Psychologist, School

A professional who evaluates and manages students' emotional, behavioral, and academic needs within the school setting.

Career Cluster Tag:
On The Job You Would:

Conducts assessments to determine their psychological and learning needs, implements interventions to support their academic and emotional growth. Work with teachers, parents, and school administrators to create strategies and programs aimed at improving student’s overall well-being.

Knowledge
Child development, educational psychology, counseling, assessment and therapeutic techniques.
Skills
Assessment Skills:

Ability to administer and interpret psychological tests to identify students' needs and challenges.

Counseling Skills:

Providing individual and group therapy to support students' emotional and behavioral well-being.

Collaboration Skills:

Work effectively with teachers, parents, and school staff to develop and implement strategies that address students' needs.

Abilities
Analytical Ability:

Interpreting assessment results to identify issues and formulate effective treatments.

Communication:

Clearly conveying information to students, parents, and school staff to resolve educational and emotional challenges.

Problem-Solving:

Develop and implement effective strategies to address complex academic and behavioral issues faced by students.

Personality
Patience:

Remain calm and supportive while working with students who may be facing various challenges or delays in progress.

Compassion:

Genuine concern for students' well-being and a desire to help them overcome difficulties.

Open-Mindedness:

Willingness to consider diverse perspectives and approaches, ensuring an understanding approach to each student's unique needs.

Technology
Teletherapy platforms like Zoom, Microsoft Teams for virtual counseling sessions, SPSS software for data analysis and online assessment tools to evaluate students' psychological and behavioral needs.
Entry Requirements
Master's degree, supervised clinical training and certification.
Job Outlook
Increasing Demand:

Growing awareness of mental health issues in schools is leading to higher demand for School Psychologists.

Expansion of Services:

As educational institutions recognize the importance of mental health, opportunities are expanding in schools.

Career Growth:

As schools add more support programs, there are more chances to advance and specialize in this field.

Where can you work?
In public, private schools, educational consultancies, and special education centers.
Education
Bachelor's Degree:

Complete a degree in Psychology or a related field to build foundational knowledge in human behavior and mental processes.

Master's Degree:

Earn a Master's in Clinical or Educational Psychology to gain specialized skills and knowledge.

Supervised Training:

Gain practical experience through internships or supervised clinical practice to meet certification requirements.

Where can you study?
University of the Punjab, Lahore:

Offers a Master’s in Clinical Psychology with comprehensive training in psychological assessment and intervention.

Liaquat University of Medical and Health Sciences, Karachi:

Offers a Master’s in Clinical Psychology focusing on practical training and psychological assessment techniques.

National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST), Islamabad:

Features a Master's in Psychology with courses and practical experience related to educational and clinical setting.

Expenses & Scholarships
Cost for Master’s degree ranges between PKR 100,000 and 300,000 per year approximately, depending on the institution/program. Scholarships and financial aid are available from universities and various organizations, which can help reduce these expenses.

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