Educational Diagnostician Online Programs

Educational diagnosticians are certified professionals who assess and diagnose children with learning problems. Most of these professionals are found working in the special education sector. Their main goal is to evaluate a student and find out why he or she is under-performing academically. Educational diagnosticians are also known as learning consultants and learning disabilities teachers.
A lot of emphasis is being laid on special education, giving all students the equal opportunity to receive academic services. Many students struggle in traditional classrooms, not being able to cope and keep up with classroom based learning. This is where educational diagnosticians come in. They can help assess motor skills, behavioral issues, and other problems that may be treated accordingly.

The demand for educational diagnosticians is increasing in many states. The career comes with a reasonable income and other benefits. But what makes this career stand out is the sense of achievement that it brings. Educational diagnosticians help students overcome social, academic, and cognitive barriers.

For beginners, it would be helpful to first find out if you are suited for this job. You will need the right skill set and aptitude to become successful as an educational diagnostician. Here are some questions you should ask yourself:

• Do you have the desire to help students?
• Do you want to make a positive impact in the lives of students?
• Are you patient and tolerant?
• Can you multi-task?
• Do you get along well in groups?
• Do you possess good numerical and statistical skills?

If the answer to the above mentioned questions is yes,  you may be a perfect pick for the career.

If you are interested in becoming an educational diagnostician, you will have to meet the state certification and education requirements. These may vary from state to state. Most states require a professional certification and a degree in education or a relevant field.
Although an educational diagnostician degree is not offered, individuals can pursue a master’s degree in education with specialization in this field. Many colleges are offering graduate level educational diagnostician programs both on-campus and online. This program is designed to help students build competencies, skills, and acquire in-depth knowledge. Students will learn how to provide effective services in diverse school settings.

Universities all across the nation are offering certification preparation programs for educational diagnosticians. Students can pursue a certification preparation program separately, or while pursuing a  master’s degree. The purpose of this program is to provide students with knowledge about the different facets of the special education sector. Students will cover a range of comprehensive subjects that will help them build theoretical understanding as well as professional skills.
The course may include subjects such as the following:

• Applied human behavior analysis
• Human development in education
• Individual intelligence testing
• Problems and trends in special education
• Education appraisal
• Authentic assessment
• Children with high incidence disabilities
• Problems and trends in special education

To successfully complete the certificate program, students must cover all the components of the program. Each course and assignment in the program is equivalent to a number of credit hours. A minimum number of credits must be attained to complete the certificate.
In some programs, students will also be required to complete an internship.  This is designed to provide students with professional experience, and help them understand what the career demands.

• Understand the theories of special education and learners with special needs
• Apply research methodologies
• Learn how to apply scientifically based instruction practices in classroom settings
• Develop learning goals, assessment tools, and instructional strategies
• Use technological tools for developing instructional strategies
• Assess learning disabilities
• Use various analysis and assessment tools
• Collaborate with other instructors and teachers
• Develop strong communication skills and analysis skills

To become certified, you must meet the educational and training requirements set by the education board in your state. You will also have to pass a certification examination. This exam will assess your writing skills, general knowledge, verbal skills, and your knowledge about the field of special education. The format of the exam may include short answer questions and multiple choice questions. You may also have to acquire work experience to get a professional certification.

A number of accredited schools are offering online educational diagnostician certification and preparation programs. The coursework is flexible and can be tailored to fit your schedule. This means you can study at any time of the day without having to compromise on your daily routine.

To enroll in a certificate program, you may need a graduate degree or a bachelor’s degree. The admission requirements will vary from place to place.  At some schools, applicants may even be asked to take an entry test. You can check with prospective schools to find out what you need to enroll.

A certificate program can be completed in 6-12 months, depending on which school you enroll in. Since it is a non-degree program, the duration is shorter as compared to traditional degree programs.

With a professional certification and sufficient training, you may be employed as an educational diagnostician in different school and community settings. Your main job will include assessing and analyzing behavior of students, identifying and diagnosing learning disabilities, devising appropriate solutions, and cooperating with parents and other teachers. The income level will vary from place to place and will depend on your state, organization, skill, and degree.

How Long Does It Take to Complete an Online Educational Diagnostician Program?

There are a number of schools in the US, such as Lamar University, which are offering online Educational Diagnostician Certificate programs. These certificates can be obtained in as little as 11 months. The purpose of these programs is to equip teachers with specialized knowledge regarding various teaching methodologies which can help them extend and improve their professional skills in special education.

What Are the Requirements to Complete an Online Educational Diagnostician Program?

Students enrolled in the online Educational Diagnostician Certificate have to complete around 21 credits. The curriculum incorporates a variety of topics such as Instructional Strategies for High/Low Incidence Disabilities, Psycho-educational Evaluation of Exceptional Children, Assessment of Learning Disabilities, Human Development in Education, and Test Administration and Interpretation. After graduating, individuals are able to develop effective lesson delivery techniques, and are able to effectively monitor their students’ progress.

How Much Can I Make after Completing an Online Educational Diagnostician Program?

After completing their degrees, individuals can expect to work as Educational Diagnosticians. As per the data published by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the yearly median income of Special Education Teachers was $59,780 in May 2018. If you want to make classrooms more inclusive and want to help special students perform better academically, then you should apply for an online Educational Diagnostician certificate right away.