Link to FDU web site
 

 

Overview of the Program

The Psychopharmacology Postdoctoral Training Program is a primarily distance-based program that was developed by the Fairleigh Dickinson University School of Psychology in collaboration with Compass Knowledge Group, a national leader in distance-based educational programs and creator of the Compass Learning SystemTM. This unique approach to student-centered distance learning provides the opportunity to obtain and apply knowledge that is directly relevant to the professional development and learning objectives of the student.

Multiple teaching modalities are employed, to create a program combining rigor and flexibility. These modalities include:
  • videotaped lectures

  • use of online resources

  • online chats and discussion boards

  • traditional readings

  • case formulation and presentation

  • regional meetings


  • The didactic portion of the program consists of 10 courses, each specifically designed and developed for doctorally prepared psychologists. A sequence of core courses provides a basic science foundation and clinical knowledge in psychopharmacology. A professional issues course addresses legal and ethical considerations and related standard of care topics. The didactic curriculum concludes with a series of treatment courses addressing specific categories of mental disorders and related psychopharmacological issues. After completion of the 10-course sequence, participants are eligible to set for the Psychopharmacology Examination for Psychologists (PEP Exam), which was developed by the APA College of Professional Psychology specifically as a credentialing examination for psychologists with advanced training in clinical psychopharmacology. Upon passing the PEP Exam the psychologist receives the degree Postdoctoral Master of Science in Clinical Psychopharmacology, which indicates completion of what the American Psychological Association (APA) terms Level 2 training (collaborative practice) in psychopharmacology, as outlined in the American Psychological Association Recommended Postdoctoral Training in Psychopharmacology for Prescriptive Privileges, (APA Council of Representatives, August 12, 1996). Graduates of the master's program are eligible to participate in an elective clinical practicum to complete APA requirements for Level 3 (independent practice).

    From the very beginning, both clinical and didactic training are stressed. For each course, the student is assigned a Course Instructor, typically a nationally recognized expert and researcher in the course content. Similarly, videotaped lectures feature speakers selected for their expertise in the knowledge domain.

    In addition, each student is assigned a Group Facilitator, a clinician with expertise in the medical management of patients. Typically, the Facilitator is a nurse-practitioner with a specialty in psychiatric nursing. Through their chats, discussion boards, and interaction sessions, students participate in case formulations on a weekly basis.

    If you would like to download a visual tour of the program for Windows:
    • Click on the link indicated below.
    • In the File Download box, click on "Run this program from its current location," then click OK.
    • This is a large file. Download will take several minutes even with a fast connection.
    • In the Security Warning box, click on Yes.
    • Don't change the "Unzip to folder" in the Winzip Self-Extractor box. Click on Unzip.
    • If installation is successful, you will find a link in the Program submenu of the Start menu
    You will need Windows Media Player to get the full effect of the tour. If you would like to download the tour,
    click here.

    To learn more about the School of Psychology and its programs:
    FDU.

    To learn more about the Compass Learning SystemTM:
    Compass Knowledge.