Psychology trade schools are education-related institutions that specialize in training in the field of psychology. These institutions are focused solely on providing practical skills and active opportunities. This helps prepare students for careers in various areas of psychology.
These fields include counseling, social work, behavioral health, and mental health support services. And like other trade schools, psychology trade schools typically focus on providing trade-specific training alone. Schools like the British College of Applied Science, the European School of Osteopathy, or the European University of Cyprus.
Psychology trade schools are good for those who are interested in pursuing a career in the field of psychology. But they may not have the time to commit to a four-year college program. In this article, we are going to show you some psychology trade schools that focus on hands-on skills.
19 Psychology Trade Schools
There are many trade schools and vocational programs that offer training in psychology-related fields. So, while there are sets of good psychology trade schools, there is still a link to individual preferences.
Here are some well-known psychology trade schools that are recognized for their quality education and training.
1. The British College of Applied Sciences (BCAS) in London, UK
This psychology trade school offers programs that expose students to the skills needed to provide counseling services. As it equips their students with the right skills to counsel individuals and groups.
They also offer training to provide initial support to individuals experiencing mental health crises. Their Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is a program that focuses on teaching students the principles of CBT. Which is a form of therapy that helps individuals change negative thinking patterns.
2. The European School of Osteopathy (ESO) in Maidstone, UK
The European School of Osteopathy (ESO) in Maidstone, UK, prepares students to become licensed osteopaths. The practical aspects of osteopathy and how it can be used to treat a patient. Osteopaths use manual manipulation techniques to diagnose and treat musculoskeletal disorders.
3. The European University Cyprus (EUC) in Nicosia, Cyprus
This program provides a comprehensive education in psychology. Programs like developmental psychology, social psychology and cognitive psychology.
Their focuses are also on the intersection of psychology and criminal justice. These prepare students for careers in law enforcement, corrections, and the legal system.
4. The University College of Northern Denmark (UCN) in Aalborg, Denmark
This psychology trade school provides a broad education in psychology. The programme covers topics such as developmental psychology, social psychology, and clinical psychology.
Students are also taught the principles of Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA). This is known as a form of therapy that helps individuals with developmental disabilities. Their treatments will improve their behavior and social skills.
5. The University of Applied Sciences Upper Austria (FH Oberösterreich) in Wels, Austria
The University of Applied Sciences Upper Austria (FH Oberösterreich) is in Wels, Austria. They offer a branch of psychology called Applied Psychology.
This program provides practical training in clinical psychology. It also has a branch focused on educational psychology and organizational psychology.
6. Institute for Applied Psychology and Psychotherapy (IAPP) – Zurich, Switzerland
The Institute for Applied Psychology and Psychotherapy (IAPP) is in Zurich, Switzerland. Admits into vocational training programs in psychotherapy and counseling. This program focuses on practical skills and clinical experience.
7. Tavistock and Portman NHS Foundation Trust – London, United Kingdom
Another psychology trade school is the Tavistock and Portman NHS Foundation Trust – London, United Kingdom. They offer vocational and professional training courses in mental health, psychotherapy, and counseling.
8. The Chicago School of Professional Psychology, Various locations, United States
The Chicago School of Professional Psychology has various locations but a major campus in the US. Their programs include vocational and professional training in counseling and clinical psychology.
9. The College of Integrated Chinese Medicine, Reading, United Kingdom
The college is located in Reading, United Kingdom. It offers vocational training in acupuncture and Chinese medicine. This is one of the most sought-after psychology trade schools in all of Europe. They also have a focus on mental health and emotional well-being.
10. The Australian College of Applied Psychology (ACAP) – Various locations, Australia
The Australian College of Applied Psychology (ACAP) is located in various locations around Australia. This college is a trade school that offers vocational training programs in counseling. They have a focus on practical skills and real-world experience.
11. The New School for Social Research, New York City, United States
The New School offers vocational and professional training programs in counseling and clinical psychology. The school focuses on practical experience and skill development.
12. American Sentinel University
This is quite a different kind of psychology trade school because their programs are done online. This institution offers a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and a Master of Science in Psychology.
They have a concentration in General Psychology, Industrial Organizational Psychology, and Forensic Psychology.
13. National American University
This trade school has campuses in South Dakota, Texas, and Missouri. The National American University offers an Associate of Applied Science in Psychology.
The school offers a Bachelor of Science in Psychology with focus in General Psychology. Addiction Studies, and Criminal Justice.
14. Brown Mackie College
Brown Mackie College has campuses in most major cities in the U.S. They offer an Associate of Applied Science in Psychology and a Bachelor of Science in Psychology. They are streamlined to General Psychology and Human Services.
15. Career Quest Learning Centers
Career Quest has campuses in Michigan and offers an Associate of Applied Science in Psychology. They have a focus on helping students prepare for careers in mental health facilities.
16. Charter College
Charter College has campuses in California, Arizona, Nevada, and Utah. They offer an Associate of Science in Psychology and a Bachelor of Science in Psychology. With concentrations in General Psychology and Human Services.
17. Kaplan University
Kaplan University is another online institution that offers an Associate of Science in Psychology. They also offer a Bachelor of Science in Psychology with concentrations in General Psychology and Human Services.
They offer a Master of Science in Psychology with concentrations in General Psychology. And Industrial Organizational Psychology.
18. Southern Careers Institute
Southern Careers Institute has campuses in Texas (Austin & San Antonio Campuses). This psychology trade school offers an Associate of Applied Science in Behavioral Sciences. This is focused on preparing students for careers as case managers or mental health technicians.
19. Ultimate Medical Academy
Ultimate Medical Academy is an online institution that offers an Associate of Science in Behavioral Sciences. Their curriculum has a focus on preparing students for careers as case managers or mental health technicians. Their concentrations are in General Behavioral Sciences and Substance Abuse Counseling.
The Curriculum at Psychology Trade
Unlike most traditional four-year colleges or universities, psychology trade schools typically offer shorter direct programs. The programs are arranged in a way to equip students with specific knowledge.
The curriculum at psychology trade schools is mostly centered around real-world experience. Most of the time, practical application of psychological principles in relevant therapeutic techniques is also taught.
Students at psychology trade schools may have the opportunity to participate in internships and externships. Most times, participating in practicum experiences is also part of their curriculum.
All these allow them to gain valuable practical experience working with clients. This practical experience can be a significant advantage when seeking employment after graduation.
Benefits of Attending Psychology Trade School
One of the benefits of attending a psychology trade school is the focus on practical skills and real-world experience. Additionally, psychology trade schools usually have smaller class sizes. And this allows for more direct contact with the lecturers or instructors.
This can be especially beneficial for students who may need extra help or guidance in their studies. Some students who have special cognitive disabilities benefit from these kinds of programs.
A normal psychology trade school fosters cooperation between students and instructors. The institutions that offer these programs are mostly conducted for two years or less.
Disadvantages of Psychology Trade Schools
While psychology trade schools offer many benefits, it’s important to consider potential disadvantages as well. Trade schools have a curriculum that is based only on the academic scope of their specificity.
It is also impossible to transfer credits earned at a psychology trade school to a traditional college or university. And this limits the idea of advancing a degree in the future. Depending on the specific career path, there are few offices left for graduates from these trade schools.
Psychology trade schools may offer fewer opportunities for research experience. This could be a disadvantage for students interested in pursuing careers in research-focused positions.
You should carefully check out the downsides when choosing a psychology trade school. Conduct extensive research on the specific programs and their outcomes.
Conclusion
Overall, psychology trade schools provide a practical approach to learning. This might be ideal for students wishing to enter the workforce quickly and effectively. These programs can serve as preparation for a successful career in the field of psychology.
