Becoming a licensed psychologist in North Dakota is a rigorous and rewarding process that requires significant education and training. The journey towards becoming a psychologist typically starts with earning a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, with a major in psychology or a related field. After completing a Bachelor’s degree, aspiring psychologists must then earn a Master’s degree, which usually takes two to three years of full-time study and includes a thesis or research project.

To become a licensed psychologist in North Dakota, you will then need to complete a doctoral degree, such as a Ph.D. or Psy.D. program, which takes four to six years of full-time study and includes supervised clinical experience and a dissertation. After completing your doctoral degree, you will need to complete an internship that meets the requirements set by the North Dakota State Board of Psychologist Examiners.

Once you have completed all the educational and experiential requirements, you must pass the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP), which is administered by the Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards (ASPPB). Finally, you can apply for licensure as a psychologist in North Dakota through the North Dakota State Board of Psychologist Examiners.

It’s important to note that the specific requirements for licensure as a psychologist in North Dakota may vary, so you should check with the North Dakota State Board of Psychologist Examiners for the most up-to-date information. The process can be challenging, but the rewarding career of a licensed psychologist is worth the effort.

Steps to Becoming a Licensed Psychologist in North Dakota

To become a licensed psychologist in North Dakota, you generally need to complete the following steps:

Step 1: Earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology or a Related Field

Earning a Bachelor’s degree is the first step toward becoming a psychologist in North Dakota. It’s important to choose a major that aligns with psychology or a related field, such as sociology, biology, or neuroscience. Some colleges and universities offer a Bachelor’s degree in psychology specifically, while others may offer it as a concentration within a larger degree program.

It’s important to choose an accredited college or university, as this ensures that your degree program meets the standards set by recognized accrediting agencies. The Higher Learning Commission is one such agency that accredits colleges and universities in North Dakota. You can check the accreditation status of a college or university by visiting the Higher Learning Commission website.

Step 2: Earn a Master’s Degree in Psychology or a Related Field

After earning a Bachelor’s degree, the next step is to earn a Master’s degree in psychology or a related field. This typically takes two to three years of full-time study and involves completing coursework and a thesis or research project.

There are several accredited universities and colleges in North Dakota that offer Master’s degree programs in psychology or related fields, such as counseling, social work, or marriage and family therapy. It’s important to choose a program that aligns with your interests and career goals.

Some universities and colleges that offer psychology graduate programs in North Dakota include:

• University of North Dakota: Department of Psychology
• North Dakota State University: Department of Psychology
• University of Mary: Graduate Program in Counseling

It’s important to research the admission requirements, curriculum, and faculty of each program to ensure that it aligns with your goals and interests. You may also want to consider factors such as location, cost, and availability of financial aid or scholarships.

References:

• Higher Learning Commission: https://www.hlcommission.org/
• University of North Dakota: https://arts-sciences.und.edu/psychology/
• North Dakota State University: https://www.ndsu.edu/psych/
• University of Mary: https://www.umary.edu/academics/programs/graduate/master-of-science-in-counseling.php

Click here for Masters in Clinical Psychology programs in the state of North Dakota.

Step 3: Complete a Doctoral Degree in Psychology

To become a licensed psychologist in North Dakota, you must earn a doctoral degree in psychology, such as a Ph.D. or Psy.D. program. This typically takes four to six years of full-time study and includes supervised clinical experience and a dissertation.

There are several universities and colleges in North Dakota that offer doctoral programs in psychology, including:

• University of North Dakota: Clinical Psychology Doctoral Program
• North Dakota State University: Clinical Psychology Doctoral Program

It’s important to research each program thoroughly and ensure that it meets the requirements for licensure as a psychologist in North Dakota. Some programs may require previous coursework or experience in psychology or related fields, while others may offer a more generalist approach.

It’s also important to consider the research interests and expertise of the faculty, as this can affect the focus of your studies and research. You may want to contact the program director or faculty members to ask questions and learn more about the program.

Step 4: Complete an Internship

After earning your doctoral degree, you will need to complete an internship that meets the requirements set by the North Dakota State Board of Psychologist Examiners. The internship must be at least 2,000 hours of supervised experience, with at least 1,000 hours of direct client contact.

The internship must be completed at a site that is approved by the American Psychological Association (APA) or the Association of Psychology Postdoctoral and Internship Centers (APPIC). Some examples of approved internship sites in North Dakota include:

• North Dakota State Hospital: Fargo, ND
• VA Medical Center: Fargo, ND
• Anne Carlsen Center: Jamestown, ND

It’s important to research potential internship sites and ensure that they meet the requirements for licensure in North Dakota. You may also want to consider factors such as location, supervision, and the types of clients or populations served.

Step 5: Pass the Licensing Exam

To become a licensed psychologist in North Dakota, you must pass the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP) administered by the Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards (ASPPB). The EPPP is a standardized exam that assesses knowledge and skills in various areas of psychology, such as assessment, diagnosis, treatment, and ethics.

The exam consists of 225 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately four hours to complete. The passing score for the EPPP in North Dakota is 70%. You can register for the EPPP through the ASPPB website and find information about study materials and test-taking strategies.

Step 6: Apply for Licensure

Once you have completed all the educational and experiential requirements, you can apply for licensure as a psychologist in North Dakota through the North Dakota State Board of Psychologist Examiners. The application process includes submitting transcripts, documentation of internship hours, and passing scores for the EPPP and the North Dakota State Jurisprudence Exam.

You will also need to provide documentation of any disciplinary actions or criminal convictions, as well as three letters of recommendation from licensed psychologists or other professionals in the field. The application fee for licensure in North Dakota is $400.

It’s important to note that the specific requirements and procedures for licensure as a psychologist in North Dakota may vary, so you should check with the North Dakota State Board of Psychologist Examiners for the most up-to-date information.

References:

• Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards (ASPPB): https://www.asppb.net/
• North Dakota State Board of Psychologist Examiners: https://www.ndsbpe.org/
• North Dakota State Board of Psychologist Examiners – Application Forms and Instructions: https://www.ndsbpe.org/forms-and-instructions

Further Opportunities for Growth and Professional Development

Here are some further opportunities for growth and professional development as a licensed psychologist in North Dakota:

1. Continuing Education:

As a licensed psychologist in North Dakota, you are required to complete continuing education credits on a regular basis to maintain your licensure. The North Dakota State Board of Psychologist Examiners requires licensed psychologists to complete 40 hours of continuing education every two years, with at least 20 hours in Category A, which includes workshops, seminars, and courses related to psychology. The other 20 hours can be in Category B, which includes activities such as teaching, research, and supervision.

• Professional Organizations:

Joining a professional organization can provide networking opportunities, access to research and resources, and opportunities for leadership and advocacy. Some professional organizations for psychologists in North Dakota include:

• North Dakota Psychological Association (NDPA): https://www.ndpa.org/
• American Psychological Association (APA): https://www.apa.org/
• Specialty Certification:

Becoming certified in a specialty area of psychology can demonstrate expertise and advanced knowledge in a particular area. Some examples of specialty certifications for psychologists include:

• Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA): https://www.bacb.com/
• Certified Eating Disorders Specialist (CEDS): https://www.iaedp.com/
• Research and Publication:

Engaging in research and publication can contribute to the field of psychology and enhance your professional reputation. You can seek out opportunities to collaborate on research projects, present at conferences, and publish articles or books.

• Clinical Supervision and Teaching:

Providing clinical supervision or teaching can enhance your leadership and mentoring skills and contribute to the development of future psychologists. You can seek out opportunities to supervise interns or teach courses at a university or college.

• Volunteering and Advocacy:

Engaging in volunteering and advocacy can contribute to the community and promote social justice and mental health awareness. You can seek out volunteer opportunities with organizations that provide mental health services or advocate for mental health policy and reform.

Conclusion

To become a licensed psychologist in North Dakota, you must complete several steps that involve significant education and training. The journey typically starts with earning a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in psychology or a related field, followed by earning a Master’s degree. After that, you must complete a doctoral degree, such as a Ph.D. or Psy.D. program, which includes supervised clinical experience and a dissertation.

Once you have earned your doctoral degree, you must complete an internship that meets the requirements set by the North Dakota State Board of Psychologist Examiners. You will then need to pass the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP), which is administered by the Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards (ASPPB). Finally, you can apply for licensure as a psychologist in North Dakota through the North Dakota State Board of Psychologist Examiners.

After becoming licensed, there are many opportunities for growth and professional development. Continuing education is required to maintain licensure, and there are many professional organizations, such as the North Dakota Psychological Association (NDPA) and the American Psychological Association (APA), that offer resources, networking, and advocacy opportunities. Specialty certifications, such as the Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) or the Certified Eating Disorders Specialist (CEDS), can demonstrate expertise in a particular area. Engaging in research, publication, clinical supervision, teaching, volunteering, and advocacy can all contribute to professional growth and development.

It’s important to note that the specific requirements and procedures for licensure as a psychologist in North Dakota may vary, so you should check with the North Dakota State Board of Psychologist Examiners for the most up-to-date information. Becoming a licensed psychologist is a challenging but rewarding journey that can lead to a fulfilling career of helping others and contributing to the field of psychology.

Helpful Links

Here are some helpful links with details to aid in the process of becoming a licensed psychologist in North Dakota:

Accredited Colleges and Universities:

Higher Learning Commission: https://www.hlcommission.org/ – This website provides a list of colleges and universities in North Dakota that are accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Doctoral Programs:

University of North Dakota: Clinical Psychology Doctoral Program – https://arts-sciences.und.edu/psychology/clinical-psychology-doctoral-program/ – This program is accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA) and provides training in clinical psychology.

North Dakota State University: Clinical Psychology Doctoral Program – https://www.ndsu.edu/psych/graduate_programs/clinical_psychology/clinical_psychology_program_overview/ – This program is also accredited by the APA and provides training in clinical psychology.

Internship Sites:

North Dakota State Hospital: Fargo, ND – https://www.nd.gov/dhs/locations/statehospital/

VA Medical Center: Fargo, ND – https://www.fargo.va.gov/

Anne Carlsen Center: Jamestown, ND – https://www.annecarlsen.org/

Professional Organizations:

North Dakota Psychological Association (NDPA): https://www.ndpa.org/ – NDPA is a professional organization for psychologists in North Dakota that provides resources, networking opportunities, and advocacy for the profession.

American Psychological Association (APA): https://www.apa.org/ – APA is the largest professional organization for psychologists in the United States and provides resources, advocacy, and networking opportunities.

Certification Programs:

Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA): https://www.bacb.com/ – The BCBA certification is for psychologists who specialize in behavior analysis and provides advanced training and expertise in this area.

International Association of Eating Disorders Professionals (IAEDP): https://www.iaedp.com/ – The CEDS certification is for psychologists who specialize in treating eating disorders and provides advanced training and expertise in this area.

Continuing Education:

North Dakota State Board of Psychologist Examiners – Continuing Education: https://www.ndsbpe.org/continuing-education – This website provides information on the continuing education requirements for licensed psychologists in North Dakota.

Licensure:

North Dakota State Board of Psychologist Examiners: https://www.ndsbpe.org/ – This website provides information on the licensure process for psychologists in North Dakota, including the application process and requirements.

These resources can help guide and support aspiring psychologists throughout their educational and professional journey toward licensure in North Dakota.