APA accreditation vs non-APA accreditation

[Gvh]

Hey there guys,

So maybe I'm being completely stupid, but I was wondering if anyone knew the REAL advantages/benefits into a enrolling to an APA (American Psychological Association) accredited program compared to ones which are accredited by organizations like the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP)..?

Obviously, I understand the APA is the big man when it comes to psych accreditation and recognition. But I am still confused on whether there are truely negative consequences for those enrolling with out it. Is it harder to get into a PhD program or get a job or anything of the like?

Any advice or comments are welcome!

Edited July 27, 2011 by Gvh

[Behavioral]

Internships (the real determinant to whether or not you get into a nice clinical position). Both APA and APPIC either require or have strong preferences for those coming out of APA-accredited schools.

http://www.apa.org/ed/accreditation/programs/internships-state.aspx

[Gvh]

That does make sense, but a lot of the programs in counseling, for instance, offer internships affiliated with the school itself. Maybe it matters slightly more in a clinical psychology context?

[neuropsych76]

That does make sense, but a lot of the programs in counseling, for instance, offer internships affiliated with the school itself. Maybe it matters slightly more in a clinical psychology context?

Basically, if you go to a clinical psychology program that is not APA accredited you will have a very tough time finding a internship and job. APA accreditation is the minimum requirement also so you'd want to aim for schools with high internship match rates.

[Gvh]

Thats cool, thanks