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Entry Level Psychology Jobs in Rio Rancho, NM (NOW HIRING)

Entry Level Psychology information

See Rio Rancho, NM salary details

$14

$27

$55

How much do entry level psychology jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level psychology in Rio Rancho, NM is $27.03, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.08 and $33.70 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Entry Level Psychologist, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Psychologist, a strong academic background in psychology or a related field, research skills, and knowledge of psychological theories are essential. Familiarity with data analysis software such as SPSS or R, and experience with standardized psychological assessments, are commonly required. Excellent interpersonal communication, active listening, and empathy help build rapport with clients and colleagues. These skills ensure effective data collection, accurate assessment, and supportive client interactions, which are critical for professional growth in psychology.

What jobs can you go straight into with a psychology degree?

Entry-level psychology graduates can pursue roles such as research assistants, case managers, mental health technicians, or behavioral health technicians. These positions often require strong communication skills, basic knowledge of psychological principles, and sometimes certification or training in areas like CPR or first aid.

Is a BS in psychology worth it?

A BS in psychology provides foundational knowledge useful for entry-level psychology roles such as research assistant or mental health technician. However, many positions require additional certifications or advanced degrees for career advancement and higher salaries.

What is the difference between Entry Level Psychology vs Entry Level Social Work?

AspectEntry Level PsychologyEntry Level Social Work
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in Psychology or related fieldBachelor's degree in Social Work or related field
Work EnvironmentClinics, research settings, schoolsCommunity agencies, hospitals, schools
Employer & Industry UsageUniversities, healthcare providers, research institutionsGovernment agencies, non-profits, healthcare organizations
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Entry Level Psychology and Entry Level Social Work share similarities in required education and work environments, often overlapping in healthcare and community settings. However, they differ in focus: psychology emphasizes understanding mental processes, while social work concentrates on social support and advocacy. Both roles serve as foundational positions for careers in mental health and social services.

What types of projects or assignments can entry-level psychology professionals expect to work on within their first year?

Entry-level psychology professionals often assist with data collection, administering surveys or assessments, and conducting literature reviews for ongoing research projects. They may also support licensed psychologists with client intake, documentation, and routine administrative tasks, depending on the work setting. Collaboration with team members—including researchers, clinicians, or social workers—is common, and these roles frequently provide opportunities for learning about specialized areas within psychology. These experiences help build foundational skills and can open pathways to advanced roles or further education.

Is 25 too late to become a psychologist?

Entry level psychology positions typically require a bachelor's degree, and becoming a licensed psychologist generally requires a master's or doctoral degree, which can be pursued at any age. Starting a psychology career at 25 is common and feasible, as many individuals enter the field after completing their education or career changes.

What are entry level psychology jobs?

Entry level psychology jobs are positions suitable for individuals who have recently graduated with a bachelor’s degree in psychology or a related field. These roles typically involve supporting licensed psychologists or other professionals in research, clinical, or administrative settings. Common job titles include research assistant, mental health technician, case manager, and rehabilitation specialist. While these positions may not involve independent counseling or diagnosis, they provide valuable experience and can be a stepping stone toward advanced study or licensure in psychology.

What are the best entry level psychology jobs?

Entry level psychology jobs include roles such as research assistant, mental health technician, case aide, or behavioral technician. These positions often require a bachelor's degree in psychology or a related field and may involve working in clinics, hospitals, or research settings, sometimes with certification or training in specific therapeutic techniques.
What are the most commonly searched types of Psychology jobs in Rio Rancho, NM? The most popular types of Psychology jobs in Rio Rancho, NM are:
What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Psychology jobs in Rio Rancho, NM? For Entry Level Psychology jobs in Rio Rancho, NM, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Psychology jobs in Rio Rancho, NM look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Psychology jobs in Rio Rancho, NM are:
What cities near Rio Rancho, NM are hiring for Entry Level Psychology jobs? Cities near Rio Rancho, NM with the most Entry Level Psychology job openings:
Infographic showing various Entry Level Psychology job openings in Rio Rancho, NM as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 4% As Needed, 64% Full Time, and 32% Part Time. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $56,222 per year, or $27 per hour.
SCHOOL PSYCHOLOGY INTERNSHIP PROGRAM: SPECIAL EDUCATION

SCHOOL PSYCHOLOGY INTERNSHIP PROGRAM: SPECIAL EDUCATION

Albuquerque Public Schools

Albuquerque, NM • On-site

$14.50 - $19/hr

Internship

Posted 17 days ago


Albuquerque Public Schools rating

7.0

Company rating: 7.0 out of 10

Based on 39 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

227th of 549 rated elementary and secondary schools


Job description

To provide direct therapy and consultation services to individuals, groups and/or families in a school setting to facilitate behavioral and crises intervention, share with staff and families knowledge of community resources for mental health needs, and administer cognitive, academic achievement, and other social-emotional/behavioral assessment instruments to facilitate identification of students with disabilities and inform educational planning, utilizing current practices in school psychology
The APS School Psychology Internship Program provides prospective school psychologists with an opportunity to develop and integrate knowledge acquired through coursework and practica into relevant professional competencies. The program is designed to meet the internship standards of the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) and the certification requirements of the New Mexico Public Education Department (NMPED). The internship requirement is one academic year of full-time work.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
QUALIFICATIONS OF INTERNS:
Students applying for the internship program should have a university training program director who will certify the student's eligibility for internship. Candidates for internship should possess entry level knowledge and competencies in the following areas:
  • Assessment: The intern should be proficient in the administration, scoring, and interpretation of individual measures of intelligence, academic achievement, cognitive processing, personality, adaptive behavior, and behavior rating scales. The intern should be familiar with the principles and techniques of curriculum-based assessment (CBA), and functional behavior assessment (FBA). In addition, the intern should be able to conduct informal assessments, observations, clinical interviews, and record reviews.
  • Report Writing: The intern should be able to write integrated diagnostic reports, including recommendations for parents, teachers, and other allied professionals.
  • Intervention Planning and Consultation: The intern should have the knowledge base and communication skills necessary for conducting consultations with school personnel and parents, as well as the basic problem analysis skills needed for participation in the development of classroom interventions. The intern should be familiar with the principles associated with effective operation of a Multi-Tiered (Layered) Systems of Supports framework.
  • Professional Standards and Ethical Principles: The intern should be familiar with the 5 NASP Standards for the Provision of School Psychological Services and the NASP Principles of Professional Ethics.
  • Awareness of School Organization: The intern should possess a basic understanding of the organizational structure of schools and the roles of key school personnel.
  • Knowledge of at-risk subpopulations: The intern should have knowledge of common learning and school adjustment problems presented by preschool and school-age students, and of special education services available. This knowledge should include a basic understanding of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (IDEIA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.
  • Knowledge of Cultural, Ethnic, and Socioeconomic Factors: The intern should have knowledge of the impact of cultural, ethnic, socioeconomic factors and alternate lifestyles on interactions between students and the school environment. Further, the intern should be sensitive to the possible impact of these factors on the accuracy of data obtained via typical psycho-educational assessment techniques and instruments.

PREFERRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND EXPERIENCE:
The minimum expectations for this job are as follows:
  • Effective communication skills, both verbal and written.
  • Flexibility, organization, decision-making and problem solving skills.
  • Interpersonal skills with diverse populations in-person and on the telephone.
  • Knowledge of APS community, computer system, financial and legal requirements.
  • Ability to meet deadlines, work on multiple projects and coordinate the work of others.
  • Knowledge of District policies on immunization, medication, first aid, emergencies and child abuse/neglect.
  • Knowledge of all laws, regulations and guidelines affecting teachers and students.
  • Knowledge of effective classroom management techniques.

REQUIREMENTS:
REQUIREMENTS OF INTERNSHIP PROGRAM:
All interns are required to serve an internship of one academic year. The work calendar for school psychologists consists of 194 days, 6.5 hours per day, resulting in a minimum of 1200 hours of supervised training. At least 300 hours of training must consist of direct service activities with students identified as having an emotional disability. The intern is expected to work during normal school operating hours.
Additionally, upon satisfactory completion of the internship program and completion of necessary degree requirements, the intern agrees to work as a full-time school psychologist within the district for a period of at least two academic years.
All interns will attend an orientation meeting with the supervisor. Topics to be addressed during orientation include, but are not limited to: internship program procedures, Albuquerque Public Schools district guidance and procedural guidelines, office procedures, Special Education Department procedures, and state and federal laws.
CONTACT INFORMATION:
Dr. Valerie Hoose / valerie.hoose@aps.edu or Lisa Oliphant / oliphant@aps.edu
APPLY TO:
Students interested in the internship program must submit the following:
  • APPLY ONLINE: WWW.APS.EDU/Jobs, Certified Application.
  • Letter of interest
  • Current resume
  • Student copies of all academic transcripts
  • At least two letters of reference: one of which must be from his/her program director, field/internship supervisor/coordinator, or full-time school psychology program faculty member; and
  • At least one sample psychological reports/case studies

For questions regarding the applicant process, contact applicant processing at 505-889-4820 or aprequest@aps.edu
ADDITIONAL INFO:
Though subject to change each year due to district budget considerations, the current stipend is approximately $35,000 plus benefits for the full 194-day work calencar. Completion of the internship program will be counted as one year of experience
Notification of acceptance into the internship program is generally provided to the candidates by the beginning of May.
SALARY: Schedule A
DAYS: 194
HOURS: 6.5
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