Diagnostician Certification
Diagnostician Certification
If you currently hold a master's degree in education or a related field, have taught at least three years, and currently hold a Texas teacher's certification, A&M-Texarkana offers a Diagnostician Certification-only program designed to prepare you for the Texas Diagnostician Certification exam.
A&M-Texarkana's Diagnostician Certification-only program prepares you to lead and innovate in the field of student support. You'll gain the confidence and skills to guide IEP teams and campuses through complex educational challenges like policy shifts and meeting requirements while advocating for equitable practices to promote positive learning outcomes.
Through the Diagnostician Certification-only Program, you'll be equipped with the specialized expertise to become a trusted professional who ensures every student receives the support they need to thrive academically and socially.
Program Information
Certification Name: Educational Diagnostician Certification
Certification Type: Graduate
Format: 100% online *In-State Clinical Experience Required
Credit Hours: 18
Thesis/Non-Thesis: Non-Thesis; 160-hour supervised practicum
Catalog: Program Requirements
Questions: 903-223-3000
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Why A&M-Texarkana?
In A&M-Texarkana's Diagnostician Certification-only program, you're learning from faculty who have extensive backgrounds in special education, diagnostic practice, and behavioral strategies ensuring instruction is grounded in current professional and regulatory standards.
You'll complete a supervised practicum (160 clock hours) in a real Texas school setting, gaining hands-on experience conducting assessments, writing diagnostic reports, and participating in ARD/IEP meetings. A&M-Texarkana collaborates with Texas school districts providing internship and networking opportunities that connect you directly to the school communities you'll serve.
If you already hold a master's degree in education and you're ready to take your educational leadership to the next level in student support services, A&M-Texarkana's flexible, real-world experience, certification preparation-only program prepares you for Texas state certification testing and the responsibilities of the educational diagnostician role.
Program Highlights
Learning Tailored to Your Leadership in Student Support
You’ll gain hands-on preparation in comprehensive assessment, intervention design, legal and ethical foundations, and collaborative leadership while strengthening your data-driven decision-making skills.
Advance Your Career Quickly, Yet Effectively
The Diagnostician Certification-only program is just 18 credit hours and includes an invaluable practicum. During the 160-clock-hour practicum, you're paired with a practicing diagnostician in a public school setting, gaining direct, real-world exposure to the role. You'll practice and demonstrate competency in administering and scoring a variety of assessments used to determine student eligibility for specialized learning programs. As a result, you’ll advance your leadership skills with confidence, prepared to make a meaningful difference in the educational planning and support of students, and pursue your Texas Educational Diagnostician Certification.
Taught by Experienced, Caring Faculty with Field Experience
Not only does the diagnostician certification track program faculty have extensive special education, diagnostic practice, and behavioral strategies experience, they also offer you individualized attention and mentoring, creating a highly supportive learning environment. Our current students describe the program as “supportive, career-focused, and practical,” with professors who are accessible and invested in your success. Beyond technical skills, the program emphasizes advocacy, collaboration, and leadership, preparing you to guide multidisciplinary teams and influence policy.
Hands-On Experience, Real-World Preparation
Engage in fully online coursework while completing an invaluable in-person clinical experience that builds and strengthens the skills needed to be an impactful educator. This field-based component provides practical, classroom experience and is required for Texas educator certification through the Texas Education Agency (TEA).
No master’s degree yet? No problem.
You can pursue the diagnostician certification track while earning a full master’s degree at A&M–Texarkana!
Master of Education-Special Education-Diagnostician Certification Track
Diagnostician Certification-only Program FAQ's
What does an Educational Diagnostician do?
Educational Diagnosticians are student advocates who assess cognitive, academic, behavioral, and adaptive functioning to determine eligibility for special education services. They also provide support to teachers and parents to help students with varying academic or behavioral needs be more successful.
How is this role different from other special education professions?
Diagnosticians are campus leaders who specialize in assessment and eligibility determination, whereas special education teachers focus on instruction.
What jobs can I pursue after finishing the program and what is the job outlook?
Educational Diagnosticians are in high demand across most school districts!
For job opportunities, you can pursue Educational Diagnostician, special education assessment specialist, evaluation coordinator, or consultant, special education supervisor, or special education director.
Is financial aid available?
A&M-Texarkana offers scholarships and financial aid for degree-seeking graduate students. If you are interested in financial aid, consider the Master of Education-Special Education/Diagnostician Certification degree program.
Can I work full-time while enrolled?
Yes, the program 100% online, with two assessment courses via video to support working educators.