Where do I begin?So you're interested in neuropsychology... What is a neuropsychologist? The National Academy of Neuropsychology (2001) expanded on APA Division 40 criteria to define the role and duties of a neuropsychologist: "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. 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." |
Position PapersTo further understand what it means to be a neuropsychologist, please read the following position papers:
Defining Neuropsychology:
Assessment and Consultation:
Forensic Neuropsychology: Are we There Yet? Salary and Employment:
Diversity:
Where Neuropsychologists WorkNeuropsychologists most commonly work in the following settings...
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Becoming a Neuropsychologist
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