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How do I become a school counselor in NY ?

I will complete my masters in Trauma counseling this year and I my goal is to become a school counselor in NY. What are the requirements and the certification do I need for this ? #counselor #school-counselor #therapists #guidance-counselor #counseling

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Doc’s Answer

Unal all states require a master’s degree in school counseling to become fully licensed as a school counselor. The program you select should be approved by your state’s board of education and may need to include specific courses and/or hold specific accreditations – be sure to check with your state’s board for detailed requirements. All master’s in school counseling programs also include a period of fieldwork, allowing students to gain real-life experience in the field. The typical steps to become a school counselor are:

√ Earn a bachelor’s degree in counseling, psychology, or a related subject.
√ Earn a master’s degree in school counseling with adequate coursework in school counseling to fulfill state requirements.
√ Complete a school counseling internship or qualifying clinical experience, depending on your state’s requirements.
√ Pass your state’s required exams for school counselors.
√ Apply for your school counselor’s license.

Some schools also prefer candidates to have a teaching certificate and a few years of teaching experience before becoming a school counselor. The rules for school counseling certification vary from state to state; you’ll need to check with New York’s state’s board of education to verify the requirements. School counselors play an important role in the lives of students at both public and private schools. Their primary objective is to help students in their school succeed and make positive decisions to support academic and personal development. To accomplish this, they will work closely with students, teachers, and school administrators. Counselors may work in elementary, middle, or high schools, helping students in a variety of ways. Counselors mainly work in an office setting, but they may also spend time in classrooms observing students and helping to identify and define needs. They are also required to guide troubled students and work with differently-abled students. Since school counseling requires working with students, parents, teachers, and administrators, people in this role should be excellent communicators. Counselors should be keen listeners, able to easily relate to people of different ages and backgrounds, and compassionate. Since school counselors will likely mentor students with emotional or behavioral issues, they should possess kindness and a natural ability to empathize. It is helpful if the prospective counselor has prior experience in counseling children, either through an internship or previous employment.

SCHOOL COUNSELOR SALARY & JOB OUTLOOK
The salary of a school counselor varies depending on such things as the level of the school (primary or secondary), whether the school is public or private, the school’s location, and the candidate’s education and experience. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for school counselors is expected to grow by 8%, which is faster than average for all occupations. The average High School Counselor salary in New York is $65,500 as of August 27, 2020, but the salary range typically falls between $55,900 and $76,000. Salary ranges can vary widely depending on many important factors, including education, certifications, additional skills, the number of years you have spent in your profession.

Hope this was Helpful Unal

Doc recommends the following next steps:

Explore available degree options. Many master’s degree programs in counseling are designed for students who are already certified as teachers or already possess a master’s degree in another discipline. Be sure to choose a degree program that provides the smoothest transition into certified school counseling.
Explore specialty certifications. The NBCC also offers three specialty certifications including one for school counselors. The National Certified School Counselor (NCSC) credential is available and helps identify counselors working in school settings who possess a master's degree and have passed the required examination.
Thank you comment icon Thank you for all of the insight and useful information. Unal
Thank you comment icon You are Welcome Unal, it was my Pleasure. The only person you are destined to become is the person you decide to be. Doc Frick
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Kelsee’s Answer

After getting your masters you should be qualified. Google and research what NY requires you to have to actually work at the schools. Good luck applying and congratulations!
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Gail’s Answer

Hi Unal!
Congrats on seeking your Master’s Degree. If you want to be a high school counselor, you will need some additional course work in special education, learning disabilities, and family counseling. If you want to pursue a career to become a School Psychologist,
you will need to take more coursework in a School Psychology program. School Psychologists do counseling and also clinical testing for learning disabilities and social-emotional issues.
Gail. CaringisGiving
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