Anyone a counselor or PA-C???

[Trinity721]

Right now I am determined to go to graduate school and get a masters. The problem is, a masters in what??? My background is in psychology and I wanted to be a counseling psychologist or school counselor. Masters programs take about 2 - 2.5 yrs, and if I wanted to do a PhD that would take about 6 years. A long time, not to mention money. My other option is physician assistant school (masters in medical science). I was a pre-med psych major so I have most of the prerequisites. I decided long before I finished undergrad that being a doctor wasn't for me because it's a long difficult road. If I chose physician assistant school, that would be 27 months and I'd be done. My only concern is that PA's are not as widely sought after in the midwest (where I eventually want to live, raise my family, etc.) as they are here in the south, in the east coast, and west coast. Money is not the most important thing to me, but I want to be able to comfortably support my family alone while DH finishes school after I finish school.

I'm just really torn and if I'm going to pick one or the other, I need to start the motion to move forward with my plans soon before DH exits the Navy (2-3yrs). Psychology comes easy to me and I enjoy it. At the same time I've always been drawn to health care and though it is more challenging for me, I know I can succeed and I've always loved working with patients. Does anyone have experience in either field to give me more insight???

 

[Dan Murphy]

No insight from me, Jenny, but both wish you well in whatever direction you go and know you will succeed. And when you do settle back in the Midwest, make sure it is 'back home'.

 

[WDWAurora]

I'm a Master's (technically an EdS, the step between MA and PhD.) candidate in School Psychology. I'm in my 2nd year of a 3 yr program. I'm also very familiar with Clinical Psych and various counseling programs. I'd be happy to answer any questions for you in those fields...PM me or post, either way.

 

[Trinity721]

Thanks Dan! I definitely want to move back to sweet home Chicago (suburbs). Bought our tickets for Dec by the way!

Aurora, I do have a few (ok maybe more than a few) questions for you if you don't mind! How do doctoral programs view un-accredited programs from regionally accredited universities? I began looking at CACREP accredited programs but was concerned that there aren't many near me. There are a lot of CACREP equivalent programs out there and was wondering if it would hurt my chances later on if I went to an unaccredited one. What made you choose the EdS program over the others? What kind of jobs are available for graduates and what is the outlook? I could definitely see myself as a school counselor but was also interested in the private practice opportunities as a mental health counselor. If I did decide on a counseling program I would eventually want to get a PsyD, as I am not enthusiastic about the research involved in PhD. I hope I'm making sense.... Thanks ahead of time for your help!

 

[WDWAurora]

Thanks Dan! I definitely want to move back to sweet home Chicago (suburbs). Bought our tickets for Dec by the way!

Aurora, I do have a few (ok maybe more than a few) questions for you if you don't mind! How do doctoral programs view un-accredited programs from regionally accredited universities? I began looking at CACREP accredited programs but was concerned that there aren't many near me. There are a lot of CACREP equivalent programs out there and was wondering if it would hurt my chances later on if I went to an unaccredited one. What made you choose the EdS program over the others? What kind of jobs are available for graduates and what is the outlook? I could definitely see myself as a school counselor but was also interested in the private practice opportunities as a mental health counselor. If I did decide on a counseling program I would eventually want to get a PsyD, as I am not enthusiastic about the research involved in PhD. I hope I'm making sense.... Thanks ahead of time for your help!

Ok, I'm going to try to get all of that I can. I'm not sure about the accredidation (I have no idea how to spell that) because I made sure to look for accredited programs when I applied. I didn't want to worry about that, if that makes sense.

Basically, I chose the EdS program because that is the direction that School Psych is going right now. There are very few 2yr programs left, most have went to the 3yr format, which is an EdS (you do a longer internship I think is the main difference). I wanted to get my PhD, but I couldn't bear the thought of even LONGER in school.

For me, the job outlook is great. School Psychology is a growing field (*school psych and counseling are different fields) and it seems as though it is one of the few fields where you can stop with a MA or EdS and not have to get your PhD unless you want it. The students in the Clinical Psych program that share a lot of my classes will finish their MA in two years, but they need a PhD to be able to do anything. Counseling is a field where an MA seems to get you into the field, without needing a PhD. Most of the fields (including mine) will allow you a multitude of options as far as where to work. I think to go into private practice you would need a PhD, but I'm not 100%. I will work in the public school system, but if I do eventually obtain a PhD, I would consider going into private practice. With my Spanish language experience, I could do a lot of contracting with various school systems.

I wouldn't let the research of the PhD scare you off. It's nowhere near as scary as it sounds. For the most part, you'll have an advisor and possibly even undergraduates helping you with the bulk of it, you just have to take it and put it together.

Hope that helps a little...If any of it didn't make sense I can clarify.

 

[mtblujeans]

My DH is self employed.

 

[Trinity721]

Thanks for the replies!

Aurora thanks for clarifying and giving me more insight into your field. It definitely helped! I was looking into school psychology programs too. What I was referring to as far as accreditation is if these programs are accredited by the APA, NASP, or the CACREP which accredits counseling programs. Many regionally accredited universities (meaning they are recognized as an institution of higher learning) have programs that are not independently accredited by any organization. For eg. Seton Hall has a MA in Counseling and MA in school counseling. Neither of these is accredited by CACREP but are CACREP equivalent (follow the same guidelines/standards). Obviously, though, Seton Hall is a fully accredited university in itself. Does that make sense? So although the university is fully accredited, their programs individually may or may not be accredited by an independent council or organization. There are just so many programs out there...

I've always enjoyed talking and dealing with children/adolescents/young adults so I could see myself working at schools. But I enjoye patient care too and for some reason I can never completely tear myself away from the health care field. This is probably the hardest decision I've ever contemplated...

 

[RitaZ.]

How about Speech & Language Pathology? You will be working with children & adults and you'll be fulfilling the need to do "something" medical.

 

[Trinity721]

How about Speech & Language Pathology? You will be working with children & adults and you'll be fulfilling the need to do "something" medical.

I will add that to my list of programs to consider. Thanks Rita!

 

[WDWAurora]

Yeah, I understand about whether or not a school is accredited (my program is by NASP) but I have no idea how PhD. programs feel about programs that aren't. I chose schools based upon which had NASP or APA accredited programs.

 

[CJMickeyMouse]

Depending on where in the midwest, PA's may be very sought after. Particularly if you are willing to work in a somewhat rural area instead of a city. From what you have to say, I think you would make an excellent PA! Where we live they are relied upon very heavily as a few MD's serve a very large area.

Good luck with your decision!

 

[PrincessPatty]

Im in the same boat as you!!
I will graduate in the summer (with a BA in Psych), and Im not sure what direction I want to go in: grad school, get a job...
One thing I am considering is a MSW, in social work, you can practice in the field of psychology.
But one thing to remember is that all states are very different in their licensure and when the can practice and when they can't so your best bet is to decide where it is your going to live, and see what that state requires!

Or..another option Im considering is to get my RN, and practice as a psych nurse, or if that fails, nurses are needed everwhere!

 

[Trinity721]

Im in the same boat as you!!
I will graduate in the summer (with a BA in Psych), and Im not sure what direction I want to go in: grad school, get a job...
One thing I am considering is a MSW, in social work, you can practice in the field of psychology.
But one thing to remember is that all states are very different in their licensure and when the can practice and when they can't so your best bet is to decide where it is your going to live, and see what that state requires!

Or..another option Im considering is to get my RN, and practice as a psych nurse, or if that fails, nurses are needed everwhere!

Thanks for the suggestions! CJ, I don't know if I could work in a rural area. Having been a Chicagoan all my life, I just love the big city. But who knows, that could always change!

Princess Patty, most psych grads I know did not get psych related jobs with only bachelors. Just a heads up for you! I did an internship with child behavioral health/crisis intervention and all of the counselors there had a masters (MSW, MACP, or MS). You are right, all states differ in licensure. We are in the same boat, aren't we? I worked in the corporate world right after graduation and liked it, but could not see myself climbing the corporate ladder from the bottom up. And I definitely did not find the work fulfilling. To each his own, but I really have an affinity for the health care and education fields. Anyways good luck to you with everything!

Still haven't heard from any PA's! I wonder if there are any here on the DIS???

 

[crz4mm2]

I'm not a PA, but I play one on tv... No, really, I am not one, but am an advanced practice nurse (CNM) and have PA friends. Why do you think they are not as popular here in the midwest (I live in west central IL)?
We have many PAs here that work both in hospital and out of hospital. I think they find jobs quite easily. Much more easily than the nurse practitioners....
I don't know what MSWs make what psychologist make, but PAs around here make a fairly nice salary
If you have any questions, please ask. I don't know all the specifics, but know a bit about it (good friend is a PA).

Cathy

 

[Trinity721]

I'm not a PA, but I play one on tv... No, really, I am not one, but am an advanced practice nurse (CNM) and have PA friends. Why do you think they are not as popular here in the midwest (I live in west central IL)?
We have many PAs here that work both in hospital and out of hospital. I think they find jobs quite easily. Much more easily than the nurse practitioners....
I don't know what MSWs make what psychologist make, but PAs around here make a fairly nice salary
If you have any questions, please ask. I don't know all the specifics, but know a bit about it (good friend is a PA).

Cathy

Hi Cathy! My aunt is a PA and works at St. Joseph's downtown Chicago. She told me that the midwest is not as 'warmed up' to PA's as in the South, East and West. I think there are enough jobs for PA in the midwest but there is quite a demand for them in the South, and as another poster claimed in rural areas. Here in Florida I work for a large hospital and they hire PA's left and right and there are tons of openings.

I also looked at nursing. I might keep looking. Keeping my options open, but trying to narrow it down. It's so hard!

 

[crz4mm2]

Trinity,
I think there are plenty of opportunities for PAs in the midwest. Even in my small town area, there are lots of jobs available.
Yes, nurses are also in demand, but PAs sure make a ton more money (and you can even get a DAY JOB right out of school!! LOL- something practically unheard of for a new grad nurse).
I've been a nurse for 16 years and an advance practice nurse for 7 1/2 years. I LOVE what I do, but not sure I would do it again if I knew what I now know.....

Best of luck in your decision. It is a hard one to make. But follow your heart. you must love what you do to be happy in your work, regardless of what that work is.

Cathy