Nationwide 11%
Iowa Psychology Licensing Requirements and School Options
Iowa offers ample opportunity for both new and experienced psychologists. The state’s lowest paid psychologists – often those just starting out on their career paths – earn more than their counterparts in 42 states. Similarly, the highest paid psychologists are well compensated compared to their peers across the nation. Interested students can get their start in Iowa at one of the state’s four APA-accredited psychology programs.
To find out more about psychology programs in Iowa, use the search tool below.
Total Results:
| SCHOOL NAME | CITY, STATE | STUDENT POPULATION | SCHOOL TYPE | TUITION | PROGRAM TYPE | PROGRAMS |
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| Ashford University | Clinton, IA | 74,596 | Private, 4-year | $9,648 | Campus | View Programs |
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| Kaplan University-Davenport Campus | Davenport, IA | 56,606 | Private, 4-year | $13,365 | Campus | View Programs |
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| University of Iowa | Iowa City, IA | 29,810 | Public, 4-year | $6,678 | Campus | View Programs |
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| Iowa State University | Ames, IA | 29,611 | Public, 4-year | $6,648 | Campus | View Programs |
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| University of Northern Iowa | Cedar Falls, IA | 13,168 | Public, 4-year | $6,648 | Campus | View Programs |
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| Upper Iowa University | Fayette, IA | 5,713 | Private, 4-year | $24,400 | Campus | View Programs |
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| Drake University | Des Moines, IA | 5,384 | Private, 4-year | $29,410 | Campus | View Programs |
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| Saint Ambrose University | Davenport, IA | 3,567 | Private, 4-year | $25,730 | Campus | View Programs |
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| Southeastern Community College | West Burlington, IA | 3,341 | Public, 2-year | $4,260 | Campus | View Programs |
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| Iowa Lakes Community College | Estherville, IA | 3,102 | Public, 2-year | $4,654 | Campus | View Programs |
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Psychology candidates in Iowa must hold a doctoral degree, complete a supervised work experience, and pass the national Examination for the Professional Practice of Psychology (EPPP).
Iowa’s Psychologist Licensing
Licensed psychologists in Iowa are permitted to do the following:
- Offer counseling to groups and individuals with emotional and relationship issues
- Measure and test attributes such as intelligence, attitudes skills, and personality
- Teach and conduct research in psychology
Iowa’s Licensing Authority
The Iowa Board of Psychology issues licenses and regulates psychologists in the state.
Psychologist licensure candidates in Iowa must have completed the following steps:
Graduated with a doctoral degree in psychology from an accredited program
Completed a post-doctoral supervised professional experience
Passed the Examination for the Professional Practice of Psychology (EPPP)
Other Licensing Criteria
The post-doctoral supervised professional experience must consist of at least 1,500 hours completed in no less than 10 months. Direct supervision must be provided for at least 45 hours of the experience.
To be certified as a Health Service Provider in Psychology, the candidate must receive a total two years of clinical experience in an internship accredited by the APA or at an organization that holds membership in the Associate of Psychology Postdoctoral and Internship Centers (APPIC). At least 375 hours of each 1,500-hour year must be in direct patient contact, two hours per week must be under face-to-face supervision, and two hours a week must be spent in psychology learning experiences.
Iowa’s Psychology Licensing Exams
Psychologist candidates in Iowa must pass the national Examination for the Professional Practice of Psychology (EPPP).
Recognized Psychology Specializations in Iowa
- Counseling Psychology
- General Psychology
- Clinical Psychology
Specialization Requirements
- Candidate must meet all other licensure requirements
License Renewal
- Licenses must be renewed biennially. Licensed psychologists must complete 40 hours of continuing education every two years. For the second renewal, license holders must complete six hours of continuing education in Iowa mental health laws and regulations or risk management. For all following renewal periods, license holders must complete six hours of continuing education in: ethical issues, federal or Iowa mental health laws and regulations, or risk management.
Iowa Licensure Resources
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Iowa Board of Psychology
Board that oversees licensing and professional conduct of psychologists in Iowa.
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The Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards
Responsible for creating and overseeing the administration of the EPPP and other licensing exams.
Iowa Salary and Employment Trends for Psychologists
Growth and Employment Rate for Psychologists in Iowa vs Nationwide
Clinical, Counseling & School Psychologists
Iowa 9.6%
Psychologists, Other Growth 2012-2022
Nationwide 11%
Iowa 10.9%
Number Clinical, Counseling, & School Psychologists and Psychologists, Other employed 2014
Nationwide 115,810
Iowa 770
Earnings for Psychologists in Iowa vs Nationwide
| Clinical, Counseling & School Psychologists | Psychologist , Other | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
Nationwide |
Median Wage Annually | $68,900 |
$92,110 |
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Iowa |
Median Wage Annually | $70,770 |
$99,170 |
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Iowa |
Median Wage Hourly | $34.02 |
$47.68 |
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Iowa |
Lowest 10% yearly wage | $47,560 |
$52,710 |
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Iowa |
Highest 10% yearly wage | $124,620 |
$128,050 |
To learn more about psychology education programs, licensure, and economic data in Iowa, please visit the following resources.
Iowa Psychology Resources
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American Psychological Association
The main authoritative body for psychology in the United States.
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Bureau of Labor Statistics, Psychologists
The Occupational Outlook Handbook and the Occupational Employment Statistics sections contain information on salary and job growth for psychologists in Iowa and nationwide.
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Iowa Psychological Association
A state affiliate of the APA. Advocates for the profession of psychology, provides continuing education, and educates the public about the work of psychologists in Iowa.