PCOM's three-year EdS degree program has been granted accreditation by the National Association of School Psychologists.
Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine’s (PCOM) three-year Education Specialist (EdS) degree program has been granted accreditation by the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP). This accreditation certifies that this program meets the highest standards of training for school psychologists.
“I am very proud of the work my colleagues and I have done to get this three-year program nationally accredited,” shared Richard Allen, PsyD, director of the educational specialist program at PCOM. “This confirms that the training and support we provide our students has been recognized to meet the highest standards in school psychology. This program also presents a huge benefit to our students, allowing them to graduate in three years instead of four and begin their careers sooner. Additionally, as graduates of a NASP-accredited program, they will stand out amongst their peers for having received the highest-quality training,” continued Dr. Allen.
To be considered for accreditation, the school psychology department completed a series of self-studies and evaluations. They also provided examples of student coursework and portfolio assignments. The program was then granted accreditation following a two-day site visit which was conducted virtually due to COVID-19. During the site visit, NASP representatives met with students, faculty and members of PCOM’s administrative leadership team.
Graduates of PCOM’s school psychology three-year EdS program can go on to be certified as a school psychologist in their respective state and complete the necessary coursework to seek board certification as a behavior analyst (BCBA). School psychologists apply knowledge of learning, behavior and mental health to support students and teachers in many K-12 public schools. They partner with schools, families and teachers to promote safe, healthy learning environments. School psychologists take specialized coursework and practical experiences to develop skills in psychology, applied behavior analysis and education.
According to their website, The National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) is “a professional association representing more than 25,000 school psychologists, graduate students and related professionals throughout the United States and 25 other countries.” NASP is the world’s largest professional organization for school psychologists. Members of this organization work to improve students’ learning, behavior and mental health to help them succeed in life.
For the past 125 years, Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM) has trained thousands of highly competent, caring physicians, health practitioners and behavioral scientists who practice a “whole person” approach to care—treating people, not just symptoms. PCOM, a private, not-for-profit accredited institution of higher education, operates three campuses (PCOM, PCOM Georgia and PCOM South Georgia) and offers doctoral degrees in clinical psychology, educational psychology, osteopathic medicine, pharmacy, physical therapy, and school psychology. The college also offers graduate degrees in applied behavior analysis, applied positive psychology, biomedical sciences, forensic medicine, medical laboratory science, mental health counseling, physician assistant studies, and school psychology. PCOM students learn the importance of health promotion, research, education and service to the community. Through its community-based Healthcare Centers, PCOM provides care to medically underserved populations. For more information, visit pcom.edu or call 215-871-6100.
Brandon Lausch
Executive Director, Strategic Communications
Email: brandonla@pcom.edu
Office: 215-871-6312 | Cell:
717-371-0609
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