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Frequently Asked
Questions Why should I take the training if my state doesn't have prescriptive authority for psychologists? When is prescriptive authority likely to happen in my state? What is unique about the FDU program? I'm not much of a computer whiz. How much computer knowledge do I need? One of the most important ingredients in my graduate training was the support of other students. Will I lose that in an online program? Does the program offer training in psychopharmacology for children, adolescents, and the elderly? How about people of color? Does the program comply with the new APA model for training in preparation for prescriptive authority? How about state requirements to be licensed to prescribe? What is the total cost of the program? Please don't leave out anything.How long does it take to finish the program? How many hours a week is involved? If you have other questions, please feel free to contact the Academic Director, Robert McGrath, at msclinpharm@fdu.edu. Why should I take the training if my state doesn't have prescriptive authority for psychologists? There are several reasons why training would be worthwhile. First, it is unlikely state legislatures will award prescriptive authority to psychologists unless there are enough psychologists in the state who have the proper training to justify such a change in scope. Second, many of our students have no desire ever to prescribe; the increased knowledge of drug effects, drug-drug interactions, and medical conditions and drug side effects that can mimic mental disorders more than justifies the training. Third, you may find many of your patients are receiving psychotropic medication from a professional with limited knowledge of those medications. The training greatly enhances your capacity to collaborate with that professional in your patient's best interests. Back to Top When is prescriptive authority likely to happen in my state? No one can answer that question for sure, and it depends a great deal on the efforts of your state association, so we strongly encourage you to contact the leadership of your association with this question. We do know that the number of states pursuing prescriptive authority is increasing. Back to Top What is unique about the FDU program? The FDU program is distinctive in that it is a university-based program available for training in preparation for prescriptive authority that was developed specifically as a distance model. It also is one of only five programs offering a graduate degree upon completion. The use of a distance format allows you to fit the program to meet your schedule. Except for a one-hour chat each week, you schedule your activities at your convenience. Unlike executive programs, which require giving up a full weekend every 3-4 weeks, the entire FDU coursework can be completed from your home or office. Finally, there is a strong clinical orientation to the program. Even during coursework you are involved in case conferencing, and each semester you are required to generate a case report intended to integrate material covered that semester. Back to Top I'm not much of a computer whiz. How much computer knowledge do I need? Very little. If you can access the Internet and can open e-mail attachments, you have most of the skills needed to participate. If you are nervous about your computer skills, we will help you through the process. Many of our students do just fine with limited knowledge of computers. Back to Top One of the most important ingredients in my graduate training was the support of other students. Will I lose that in an online program? We have built several elements into this program that contribute to the development of a sense of collegiality. The one weekly scheduled activity is a chat session. We also have a variety of lively discussion boards. In fact, the constant availability of the discussion boards means there can be more constant contact among students in the FDU program than in many other programs. Participants develop surprisingly strong bonds through these connections. Feedback from current students consistently identifies the strength of those bonds as one of the positive aspects of the program. Back to Top Does the program offer training in psychopharmacology for children, adolescents, and the elderly? How about people of color? Yes, there are four courses devoted to the treatment of specific classes of disorders: affective disorders, psychotic disorders, anxiety disorders, and other disorders. In each of the first three there is a module on "special populations," which addresses developmental issues as well as issues of cultural and ethnic diversity. The Other Disorders course includes modules specific to childhood and geriatric disorders. In addition, you can incorporate issues surrounding the treatment of specific populations into your clinical discussions. Your case reports can focus on whatever population you choose, and your clinical clinical experience can be in whatever setting is most appropriate to your practice. Back to Top Does the program comply with the new APA model for training in preparation for prescriptive authority? How about state requirements to be licensed to prescribe? The program has been designated by APA as consistent with the APA model for training in preparation for prescriptive authority, one of only two programs in the country to meet this standard. Graduates of the program are licensed to prescribe in both states where psychologists are permitted to prescribe (New Mexico and Louisiana). What is the total cost of the program? Please don't leave out anything. The tuition for each of 10 courses is $1400 per course, with a $100 per course reduction in tuition for members of state psychological associations, or APA Divisions 18 or 55. Each course is awarded 45 CE credits plus 3 graduate academic credits. There are additional expenses for texts. If you elect to participate in the supervised clinical experience, the University charges a fee of $400 per semester. There may also be additional expeneses based on your particular circumstances. If you decide to take the Psychopharmacology Examination for Psychologists (PEP) as your exit exam, there are fees for that exam set by the APA College of Professional Psychology. Back to Top How long does it take to finish the program? The course work requires 24 months, followed by completion of the comprehensive exam. The length of the supervised clinical experience, which is elective and post-degree, will vary depending on your personal circumstances. Back to Top How many hours a week is involved? The course work is based on the assumption that you will spend about 6-10 hours a week on the program. This includes readings, watching videos, chats, exams, and other assignments. Time demands tend to be heavier during the first two semesters, which involve a heavy dose of biology and basic neuroscience. Back to Top |
