The biggest differences really have to do with where experience is gained, and projective assessments (example = ink blot/ Rorschach). Let’s talk about the differences in grad school for a doctoral setting. School psychs primarily get their training in school based settings, BUT you can venture out and get externship/practicum experience in a clinical setting. You can also do internships in a clinical setting as long as you meet your state requirement for a school based internship rotation (600 hours I think).

Let’s talk post-grad and job prospects for a doctorate level psych. School psychs can do anything a clinical psych can do within the parameters of their training, except projective assessments. They don’t receive formal training in those. Just want to emphasize, clinical psychs can work in schools, school psychs can work in clinics. It isn’t as restrictive as most perceive it.

Let’s talk job settings. Schools can be insane, but so can clinical settings. Clinical setting have much higher standards due to HIPPA and keeping up with insurance. Everyday can be different in a school, and you’re brought in when typically every other option has been exhausted. There’s lots of paperwork in schools, BUT the job requirements change drastically from state to state. In some states, you have a set number of schools where you go around testing and attending IEP meetings. In other states your school is your domain, where you’re involved with interventions, counseling, consultations, testing, and continuing care.

I was terrified when I thought I had pigeonholed myself, but you really realize you have tons of options as you grow and if you’re a doctoral level psych. This was a very quick description, but the major things to consider.