Clinical Psychologist License Requirements in North Dakota

What are the specific educational requirements for Clinical Psychologist licensure, including the number of required academic credits and coursework in North Dakota?

In North Dakota, in order to become a licensed Clinical Psychologist, the individual must meet the following educational requirements:


A doctoral degree in psychology that is accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA) or the Canadian Psychological Association (CPA).

A minimum of two years (6000 hours) of professional supervised experience in the practice of psychology, with at least 2000 of those hours obtained in two years of post-doctoral supervised experience.

A passing score on the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP), which is administered by the Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards (ASPPB).

Additionally, the individual must have completed at least 90 semester credit hours of coursework in psychology, including a minimum of 30 semester credit hours in coursework related to diagnosis, assessment, and treatment. The coursework must be taken from an accredited college or university and be approved by the North Dakota Board of Psychologist Examiners.

Are there flexible or part-time Clinical Psychology programs available to accommodate immigrants who may have work or family commitments in North Dakota?

Yes, there are part-time and online Clinical Psychology programs available in North Dakota. For example, the University of Mary in Bismarck offers an online Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program that is designed to be flexible enough to accommodate the needs of busy working adults and immigrants.

Do state regulations consider foreign education or degrees obtained outside the U.S. for Clinical Psychologist licensure in North Dakota?

No, North Dakota does not accept foreign education or degrees for Clinical Psychologist licensure. Applicants must hold a doctoral degree in psychology from a regionally accredited institution, with an emphasis in clinical psychology.

What is the cost of Clinical Psychology education, including tuition, fees, and any additional expenses such as textbooks or materials in North Dakota?

The cost of a Clinical Psychology degree in North Dakota varies depending on the institution. For example, at the University of North Dakota, tuition and fees for the clinical psychology program for 2020-2021 total $13,256. Additional expenses such as textbooks and materials could add up to several hundred dollars.

Are there scholarship or financial aid options available to help cover the costs of Clinical Psychology education, especially for immigrant students in North Dakota?

Yes, there are a variety of scholarship and financial aid options available to help cover the costs of Clinical Psychology education, including for immigrant students in North Dakota. The North Dakota Department of Higher Education offers the North Dakota Dream Scholarship, which is specifically designed to provide financial support to immigrant students. The North Dakota University System also has a number of scholarship opportunities for enrolled students, including the International Student Scholarship and the STEM Scholarship Program. Additionally, there are a variety of private scholarships and grants available from organizations such as the American Psychological Association, the American Psychological Foundation, and many other foundations dedicated to supporting students seeking degrees in psychology.

What role do state licensing boards or authorities play in approving Clinical Psychology educational programs and ensuring they meet licensing requirements in North Dakota?

The North Dakota Board of Psychologist Examiners is responsible for approving Clinical Psychology educational programs and ensuring they meet the licensing requirements for the state. The Board reviews proposed programs and curriculum to ensure that they meet the educational criteria established by the American Psychological Association and that they prepare students to become competent professional psychologists. Once approved, the program is listed as an approved program by the Board on its website. The Board also reviews and approves any changes to the program or curriculum, again ensuring that they meet all of the necessary criteria set by the APA. The Board also reviews doctoral dissertations to ensure that the degree earned meets all of North Dakota’s requirements for licensure.

Do state regulations provide guidance on the recognition of foreign education, degrees, or credentials for Clinical Psychologist licensure, particularly for immigrant students who obtained their education outside the U.S. in North Dakota?

No, the North Dakota Board of Psychology does not provide specific guidance on the recognition of foreign education, degrees, or credentials for Clinical Psychologist licensure. However, the Board has adopted the Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards (ASPPB)’s Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP) and all candidates shall complete the EPPP to become licensed as a clinical psychologist in North Dakota. Applicants who have obtained their education outside the U.S. may be eligible to waive the EPPP if they have obtained a doctoral degree from an institution accredited by an accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, or have passed an examination in psychology that is substantially equivalent to the EPPP as determined by ASPPB.

Are there state-specific programs or initiatives aimed at promoting diversity and inclusion in the Clinical Psychology profession, particularly for immigrant students in North Dakota?

There are no state-specific programs or initiatives specifically aimed at promoting diversity and inclusion in the Clinical Psychology profession, particularly for immigrant students in North Dakota. However, there are a few initiatives in the state that could be beneficial for immigrant students. The University of North Dakota offers the International Student and Scholar Services Office, which provides support and resources to international students studying at the university. Additionally, the North Dakota Department of Human Services provides a variety of services to immigrants in the state. These may include assistance with language access, health and mental health services, and cultural awareness and education.

What is the potential impact of legal status on an immigrant student’s ability to access and afford Clinical Psychology education in North Dakota?

The potential impact of legal status on an immigrant student’s ability to access and afford Clinical Psychology education in North Dakota is significant. In order for an individual to attend graduate school in this field, they must have valid immigration status. This means that individuals who are not legally authorized to remain in the United States may be barred from admission or denied financial aid which can make it difficult or impossible to complete a degree program. Additionally, many universities and colleges in the state only accept students with valid visas or work permits, and those without those documents may be shut out of these educational opportunities entirely. Overall, immigration status can have a direct impact on an immigrant student’s ability to access and afford Clinical Psychology education in North Dakota.

Are there organizations or resources that specifically assist immigrant students in understanding and meeting educational requirements for Clinical Psychologist licensure in North Dakota?

The North Dakota Department of Health is the primary resource for licensure in North Dakota and it is recommended that immigrant students contact this department directly for any questions regarding licensure. Additionally, the Mental Health Association in North Dakota provides resources and services to individuals of all backgrounds who are looking to pursue a career in mental health. Additionally, the International Rescue Committee is a great resource for immigrants to the United States needing assistance with education and professional development, as they provide counseling and job assistance.

Do state regulations provide specific guidance for immigrant students who may face language or cultural barriers during their Clinical Psychology education in North Dakota?

No, there are no specific regulations for immigrant students who may face language or cultural barriers during their Clinical Psychology education in North Dakota. The North Dakota Department of Public Instruction does not address this issue. However, school districts may have their own policies in place to provide support and guidance for students with language or cultural barriers. Furthermore, the North Dakota Psychological Association (NDPA) offers guidance and resources for students with language or cultural barriers. The NDPA has an Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion that provides support to students from diverse backgrounds. Additionally, the NDPA provides a list of contact information for mental health professionals and organizations that can assist immigrant students.

What is the potential impact of changes in immigration policies and regulations on immigrant students pursuing Clinical Psychology education in North Dakota?

Changes in immigration policies and regulations could have a significant impact on immigrant students pursuing Clinical Psychology education in North Dakota. Depending on the nature of the changes, they may create additional financial and administrative barriers to their studies, such as higher fees for visas or restricted access to financial aid. Additionally, uncertainty over the future of their legal status, such as the potential for deportation or revocation of visas, could be a major source of stress that could affect their ability to focus on their studies. Finally, if the changes lead to an increase in xenophobia or anti-immigrant sentiment, it could create a hostile environment for immigrant students, making it difficult to feel welcome and comfortable in their studies.

Are there opportunities for immigrant students to have their foreign educational credentials evaluated and recognized for the purpose of Clinical Psychologist licensure in North Dakota?

Yes, there are opportunities for immigrant students to have their foreign educational credentials evaluated and recognized for the purpose of Clinical Psychologist licensure in North Dakota. The North Dakota Board of Psychology requires applicants to submit an evaluation of their foreign educational credentials from a credential evaluation service. The Board has listed various approved services that it will accept for the evaluation and verification of foreign educational credentials. Applicants must select an appropriate service and pay the associated fees to receive an evaluation.

What are the potential legal implications or challenges immigrant students may face when pursuing Clinical Psychology education, especially in the context of immigration status, in North Dakota?

Potential legal implications and challenges faced by immigrant students pursuing Clinical Psychology education in North Dakota may include:

1. Immigration status: Non-citizens may not be eligible for certain funding sources or have to fulfill additional requirements to receive financial aid. It is important to research the current immigration laws in North Dakota and the U.S. as a whole, to ensure that one’s legal status is valid and up-to-date before pursuing a Clinical Psychology education in the state.

2. Licensure: Depending on where an immigrant student obtained their post-secondary education, they may be required to take additional steps in order to receive licensure as a Psychologist in North Dakota. This could include additional exams or coursework, language proficiency tests, or other requirements set forth by the state licensing board.

3. Immigration and Labor Laws: It is essential to understand the immigration and labor laws of North Dakota in order to ensure that any internships and work experience gained are compliant with all applicable regulations.

4. Cultural Competence: Clinical Psychologists have an ethical responsibility to provide culturally competent care, which means understanding cultural values and beliefs of individuals from a wide variety of backgrounds, including immigrant students. Understanding potential biases and providing culturally sensitive care can be a challenge for professionals working with patients from different cultural backgrounds, and it’s important to learn how to do this as part of one’s training.

Do state regulations provide clear guidance on the fees and costs associated with Clinical Psychology education and licensure, and are there waivers or fee reductions available for immigrants in North Dakota?

No, state regulations in North Dakota do not provide clear guidance on the fees and costs associated with Clinical Psychology education and licensure. However, waivers and fee reductions may be available to immigrants in North Dakota who qualify for assistance through state or federal programs. The North Dakota Department of Human Services (DHS) has a fee waiver program available for those who cannot afford the cost of Psychological services. This program is available to those with low incomes and provides services at no cost or reduced fees. In addition, the state also offers a variety of financial aid, scholarships, and grants for those seeking to pursue Clinical Psychology.

What is the potential impact of immigration status on an immigrant student’s ability to complete their Clinical Psychology education and enter the profession in North Dakota?

Immigration status can have a significant impact on an immigrant student’s ability to complete their Clinical Psychology education and enter the profession in North Dakota. Many potential obstacles can arise due to the student’s immigration status, such as difficulty gaining admission into higher education institutions, cost of tuition, and challenges obtaining a valid work permit or student visa after graduation. Furthermore, North Dakota has laws restricting the use of public funds for assisting non-U.S. citizens. This could limit the amount of funding available to immigrant students for educational expenses such as tuition and fees. The ability to obtain a valid state license to practice psychology in North Dakota may also be limited for non-U.S. citizens with a change in immigration status or residency status. Overall, these challenges combined could make it difficult for an immigrant student to complete their Clinical Psychology education and enter the profession in North Dakota.

Are there financial planning resources available to help immigrant students budget for their Clinical Psychology education and related expenses in North Dakota?

Yes, there are financial planning resources available to help immigrant students budget for their Clinical Psychology education and related expenses in North Dakota. The North Dakota University System offers a number of financial aid sources and programs specifically aimed at helping immigrant students. These include the Higher Education Loan Program, Federal Pell Grant, North Dakota Scholarship Program, North Dakota Workforce Education Scholarship Program, and North Dakota Indigenous Scholarship Program. Additionally, the North Dakota Department of Human Services provides financial assistance through the Refugee Cash Assistance Program and Refugee Medical Assistance Program. For more information about these programs and resources, please visit www.ndus.edu or contact the North Dakota University System Financial Aid Office at 701-328-2950.

What legal steps can immigrant students take to ensure they maintain compliance with both state educational requirements and immigration laws during their pursuit of Clinical Psychology education in North Dakota?

1. Research the requirements for attending college in North Dakota as an immigrant student. This includes understanding what documents are necessary for admission, understanding the tuition process, and learning about the immigration laws of the state.

2. Gather all necessary documents to gain admission to a college/university in North Dakota.

3. Understand the immigration laws and regulations that apply to foreign students studying in the United States. It is important to be aware of any changes or updates to these laws, as they can impact a person’s legal status.

4. Stay informed of any changes in the educational requirements for Clinical Psychology in North Dakota. This may include any coursework needed, any additional training or certifications needed, or any licensure requirements.

5. Follow all state and federal laws pertaining to immigration. This includes following all instructions provided by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) when applying for visas or other legal documents.

6. Meet with an immigration lawyer if there are any questions about immigration law and its implications for a student’s academic or career goals.

7. Work with a college/university advisor or other campus resources to ensure that all educational requirements are met in order to pursue a degree in Clinical Psychology in North Dakota.

Are there state-specific programs or initiatives that promote diversity and inclusion in Clinical Psychology education and help immigrants succeed in their studies in North Dakota?

Unfortunately, there are currently no state-specific programs or initiatives that promote diversity and inclusion in Clinical Psychology education in North Dakota. However, there are a variety of resources available to help immigrants succeed in their studies. The North Dakota State University (NDSU) Center for International Programs (CIP) provides educational and support services to both domestic and international students. The CIP offers immigration advisement, cultural events, and scholarship opportunities to help international students integrate into the campus and community. Additionally, the International Student & Scholar Services (ISSS) at NDSU offers a variety of resources specifically designed to help international students navigate the college experience. ISSS provides assistance with things such as academic advising, visa processing, cultural adjustment, and scholarship opportunities.

Do state regulations provide information on any additional costs or requirements, such as licensure exams or background checks, that immigrant students should be aware of while pursuing Clinical Psychology education in North Dakota?

Immigrant students should be aware that there are some additional costs associated with pursuing clinical psychology education in North Dakota. For example, all clinical psychology students must pass the Praxis Series Clinical Psychology Examination as part of their licensure requirements. The exam fee is $200 and is administered by the Educational Testing Service (ETS). Additionally, all applicants must undergo a background check by the North Dakota Board of Psychologist Examiners to obtain a license to practice in the state. The fee for this background check is $50.