Any position that is taken prior to registration is not sanctioned by the NSRP as those individuals’ do not have any registration status with NSRP and their practice would not be regulated by the NSRP until they are on a register of NSRP (Candidate Register or Register of Psychologists). To be clear, other than providing the below information we cannot approve specific employment arrangements.
The NSRP does not prevent applicants from working prior to registration. However, they cannot be employed in a position in which they would hold themselves out as a psychologist / psychologist (candidate register), as these titles are protected by legislation. Only after becoming registered can one use a title authorized by the Regulated Health Professions Act and the Psychology Regulations. However, individuals often work in a limited role prior to registration using a title that does not contravene the Act. Some examples of titles that have been used by eligible individuals prior to registration are: Psychology Technician, Psychometrist, Psychology Assistant, and Psychology Clinician. It is critical that anyone working prior to registration with NSRP be clear with the public and others that they do not currently hold registration with NSRP to ensure that any individual receiving services is not under the impression they are receiving services from a psychologist or registrant of the NSRP. The NSRP expects such non-autonomous personnel to be working under the supervision of a registered psychologist. In this case, the public is protected since under NSRP Standards of Practice the psychologist providing supervision assumes responsibility for the service. It would also be up to the employer and/individuals employed to ensure there is liability insurance in place to cover any issues arising in relation to such practice by the supervisee.
To address questions 1 & 2:1) Treatment work would be acceptable provided the above points are adhered to.
2) While one could work under supervision, it would not be appropriate to be completing training as a team lead/clinical supervisor and providing consultation to the team and making administrative contacts.
