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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.

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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

Iowa Salary and Employment Trends for Psychologists

Growth and Employment Rate for Psychologists in Iowa vs Nationwide

Clinical, Counseling & School Psychologists

Nationwide 11%

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

Iowa

 Median Wage Annually

$70,770

  

$99,170

Iowa

 Median Wage Hourly

$34.02

  

$47.68

Iowa

 Lowest 10% yearly wage

$47,560

  

$52,710

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