Psychologist Degrees in Iowa - IA

By an allied health world contributing writer
Published: February, 5 2010

Once you’ve received your license (which lets you work under supervision), to become a certified Health Service Provider in Psychology (HSPP) after earning your psychology degree in Iowa, you must spend at least another year in supervised clinical service or otherwise meet standards set by the National Register of Health Service Providers in Psychology. Once you are an HSPP, you can practice without further supervision.

Professional Organizations for Psychologists in Iowa

American Psychological Association (APA)

This is the umbrella group of over 150,000 psychologists nationwide. APA publishes professional journals and books, provides research and helps educate both its members and the public on mental health and behavioral issues.

American Psychological Association
750 First Street, NE
Washington, DC 20002-4242
(800) 374-2721
www.apa.org

Iowa Psychological Association (IPA) and Iowa Psychological Foundation (IPF)

Affiliates of APA, the IPA and IPF educate the public, helps link Psychologists up with groups that need speakers at events, publishes reports, and offers a directory of the state’s practitioners. The IPF also grants awards, such as the Iowa Psychologically Healthy Workplace Award.

Iowa Psychological Association
48428 290th Avenue, Rolfe, IA 50581
712-848-3595

Iowa Students Psychology Association

Founded in 1983 to advance the study of psychology, this is a group of psychology majors at the University of Iowa that offers workshops, activities and advice on pursuing careers in the field.

Iowa School Psychologists Association

Founded in 1969, this group works with a national association to focus on students’ needs.

Continuing Education and License Renewal for Psychologists in Iowa

The first time you renew your psychology license, you do not have to take continuing education classes. After that, 40 hours of approved continued education credits every two years is required for all those who hold a psychology degree in Iowa in order to maintain a professional license to practice psychology. Six of the 40 hours must relate to ethical issues, U.S. or Iowa mental health laws or risk management.

You may also participate in APA or IPA- sponsored programs, conduct scholarly research in psychology and publish them in a journal, prepare a course approved by the board, take a home study or Internet-based course that gives a certificate of completion, or take a workshop, attend a conference or symposium that meets the Boards requirements.

An academic semester hour counts as 15 continuing education hours and an academic quarter hour counts as 10 hours.

For those interested in a psychology degree in Iowa specific to school psychology, the Iowa Association of School Psychologists offers useful local information and professional workshops and conferences. Check them out at www.hasp.org.

Psychologist, State of Iowa

For the same reasons that lure other professionals to this island paradise, many Psychologists have made Iowa their home. As reported in a U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics report, more than 600 Psychologists worked in the “Aloha State” in 2008.

Whether you decide to embark on a career as a School Psychologist or as a Clinical Psychologist in private practice, this state’s growing population and steady stream of visitors each year – nearly 7 million in 2008, according to the Iowa Department of Economic Development and Tourism – provide more than ample opportunity for psychology practices to grow and prosper there.

Continuing Education

License renewal in Iowa is required every two years and does not require continuing education units. However, you should be sure you are meeting all continuing education requirements to maintain your professional certifications.