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    UAB ANST Contact Information

    Jacquelynn Copeland
    Co-Representative
    E-mail:  
     
    Josie Tyrer
    Co-Representative
    E-mail:
     
    Paul Blanton, Ph.D.
    Faculty Sponsor
    E-mail:
     

     

    Brainy Quotes!

    If the human brain were so simple that we could understand it, we would be so simple that we couldn't.
     
    Emerson M. Pugh
     
     
    The brain is a wonderful organ. It starts working the moment you get up in the morning and does not stop until you get into the office. 
     
    Robert Frost

    How do I Become a Neuropsychologist?

     
    The American Psychological Association (APA) defined the practice of Clinical Neuropsychology in 1996, and recently re-approved the definition in 2003. Although another revision is in the works, the current version states (APA, 2003):

    "Clinical neuropsychology is a specialty that applied principles of assessment and intervention based upon the scientific study of human behavior as it relates to normal and abnormal functioning of the central nervous system. The specialty is dedicated to enhancing the understanding of brain-behavior relationships and the application of such knowledge to human problems."

    The National Academy of Neuropsychology (NAN) expanded on APA Division 40 criteria to define the role and duties of a neuropsychologist (NAN, 2001):
     
    "A clinical neuropsychologist is a professional within the field of psychology with special expertise in the applied science of brain-behavior relationships. Clinical neuropsychologists use this knowledge in the assessment, diagnosis, treatment, and/or rehabilitation of patients across the lifespan with neurological, medical, neurodevelopmental and psychiatric conditions, as well as other cognitive and learning disorders. The clinical neuropsychologist uses psychological, neurological, cognitive, behavioral, and physiological principles, techniques and tests to evaluate patients’ neurocognitive, behavioral, and emotional strengths and weaknesses and their relationship to normal and abnormal central nervous system functioning. The clinical neuropsychologist uses this information and information provided by other medical/healthcare providers to identify and diagnose neurobehavioral disorders, and plan and implement intervention strategies. The specialty of clinical neuropsychology is recognized by the American Psychological Association and the Canadian Psychological Association. Clinical neuropsychologists are independent practitioners (healthcare providers) of clinical neuropsychology and psychology."
     
     
    A neuropsychologist must meet four criteria (minimum): 
     
    A doctoral degree in psychology from an accredited university training program.
     
    An internship, or its equivalent, in a clinically relevant area of professional psychology.
     
    The equivalent of two (fulltime) years of experience and specialized training, at least one of which is at the post-doctoral level, in the study and practice of clinical neuropsychology and related neurosciences. These two years include supervision by a clinical neuropsychologist.
     
    A license in his or her state or province to practice psychology and/or clinical neuropsychology independently, or is employed as a neuropsychologist by an exempt agency.
     
     
    What about board certification?
     
    Currently, board certification is not required to practice clinical neuropsychology. However, attainment of the ABCN/APP Diplomate in Clinical Neuropsychology is the clearest evidence of competence as a Clinical Neuropsychologist, assuring that all of the above criteria have been met.
     
    There are currently three certifying bodies in neuropsychology: the American Board of Clinical Neuropsychology (ABCN), the American Board of Professional Neuropsychology (ABPN), and the American Board of Pediatric Neuropsychology (ABPdN). Which board you are certified under depends on which you feel best represents your professional interests.
     
    The ABCN website describes what board certification is, that may be helpful for students:
     
    "Board certification represents acknowledgment by one's professional peers that one is competent to practice in a designated specialty following thorough examination of one's knowledge and abilities.
     
    In medicine, the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) is the umbrella body for 18 medical speciality boards, including the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. In psychology, ABPP is the umbrella board for 13 specialty boards, including ABCN.
     
    The...examination process is strictly analagous to that of medical speciality boards, and includes training requirements, credentials review, written examination, work sample evaluation, and oral examination. Thus...board certification in Clinical Neuropsychology is strictly analogous to medical board specialty certification."
     
      

    Where Neuropsychologists Work

    Neuropsychologists most commonly work in the following settings...

    Acute Care: working alongside neurosurgeons and neurologists and the allied disciplines, usually in factilities such as a regional neurosciences center, Veterans Affairs hospital, private medical center, or university hospital. They are concerned with the early effects of trauma, neurosurgery and neurological disease.
     
    Rehabilitation: providing post-acute assessment, training and support for people who have sustained brain injury, or who have other neurological problems. The neuropsychologist will play a central role in the multidisciplinary team which aim to maximize recovery, minimize disability, and prepare the patientfor return to the community or to a residential placement.
     
    Community services: performing a similar role as above but support those who have returned to community living.
     
    Courts: experienced neuropsychologists also commonly act as expert witnesses for the courts.
     
    Other facilities: many neuropsychologists also teach in private and public institutions of higher education, as well as perform research.
     

    Training Organizations

     
    There are a number of training organizations for students of clinical neuropsychology. Training is represented at at all levels, most of which offer searchable databases of training programs on their respective websites:
     
    Association of Neuropsychology Students in Training (ANST)
     
    Association for Internship Training in Clinical Neuropsychology (AITCN)
     
    Association of Psychology Postdoctoral and Internship Centers (APPIC)
     
    Association of Postdoctoral Programs in Clinical Neuropsychology (APPCN)
     
    APA Early Career Psychologist Network (APA ECP)
     
      

    Training Materials

    Below are downloadable materials from past ANST events at various neuropsychology conferences. Feel free to look through these materials and use them to guide your own neuropsychology training. The list of materials will be updated from time to time as newer materials are available.
     
    International Neuropsychological Society (2011)
     
    Training in Neuropsychology
    Internship Interviewing Tips

    International Neuropsychological Society (2006)