Hi y’all! I have a friend who is moving from the states soon for her partner’s work. I’m also a school psych hopeful, but she’s further ahead of me. I’ve seen lots of posts here about school psych in the states, but we’re both going to be based in eastern Canada. Does anyone have some tips/tricks/things we should know for working as school psychs here? TIA!
Might want to connect with you! I have been entertaining the thought of moving, but I know nothing of the education system there.
for sure. feel free to dm me and ask away. :)
There are massive shortages on the east coast so you’ll have plenty of options. If you’re headed to NB the school boards have had openings for years (not great working conditions but plenty of opportunities). Major bonus for NB if you can assess in French too. If you’re in NS school boards and the IWK (children’s hospital) all usually have openings.
Thank you! I decided to post after seeing the post about poor pay in the USA and thought maybe Canadian folk could offer a different perspective - hoping the pay is just as good, if not better in Canada!
I'm a school psych in Ontario who moved up here from the States. So, first hand, I can tell you that while the pay is decent, it's not better, depending on what state you're coming from. I've been working for 14 years, so I'm at the top of the pay grid in my school district, and I've only just hit a salary slightly above $100k. But with the exchange rate, that's closer to $75k US, and I was making more than that 3 years ago when I was working in New Jersey. Also, are you also moving from the States? Because if so, there's a whole immigration process you'll need to go through to be able to work up here.
Thank you for this info! No, I am already based in Ontario and Quebec. My friend is the one moving. Are you able to/is it viable to work in the school systems and in private practice?
Yep, I work in the school system, but as long as you're registered with the college of psychologists in your province, you could work in private practice as well.
So cool, thank you!
Pay is good but because there is such a shortage of psychs in the public system there are a lot of demands for your time (high risk of burnout). That said, if you want to work in private practice you’ll be doing very well for yourself and with much more control over scheduling. Also keep in mind that you need a PhD/PsyD to register as a psychologist in most provinces now. NS lets some register with a masters but they are pretty strict about what training/programs are acceptable for licensure at that level.
I’m a Canadian school psych, feel free to dm me
Applytoeducation.com if coming to BC.
Also I’m a school psych here in Canada, so if you have any questions feel free to ask. Where do you plan on moving?