Also, I didn't know that. I thought you needed a track in neuropsych or else you could only be pure clinical psych. But that makes sense. So thanks again!!
This can be a confusing area, which is why we have people far more versed than myself to help with some of the answers.
My program (NSU) offers specific training in the area, which is quite popular, but eventual licensure isn't contingent on going through the "track". Some programs push the "tracks", but they aren't necessary if you have available classwork and a mentor with which to work. Frankly, the nuts and bolts learned in class is helpful, but the hands-on work and mentorship is where it really comes together. NSU has a couple of great neuro researchers (Dr. Golden and Dr Mittenberg), but the funding stinks....so I'd probably look elsewhere if I were you.
When evaluating programs, make sure to ask specifically about mentorship in the area, the program's ability to place into neuropsych internships (formal or informal), as well as the success of graduates to become boarded as neuropsychologists. Not all training is created equal, and it is
REALLY important to only consider programs that have a track record of producing solid neuropsychologists, as classes are far from sufficient to be competent in the area, and "tracks" don't mean anything if you don't develop your individual skills in the area.
Jon Snow has posted some useful information in the past in regard to the Houston Guidelines for neuropsych training. Neuro-DR also has a
thread for people with questions about neuropsych. Both are great resources, though they tend to pop in and out....so it may take awhile for responses.
I came a bit late to the area, so I played catch up during my 3rd-5th years. My goal was to gain some basic experiences before heading off to internship, but if you know what you wanting coming in....it will be much easier to plan for more specific training.
Being able to do research in neuropsych can also really help solidify your clinical understanding of the work. I haven't conducted any research as of yet, but I think it will really enhance my understand of varies areas in the field.
Graduate training is really the beginning of your training, so don't freak out about needing to take a heavy caseload of neuro classes. I took a handful of classes, gained some basic experiences, and I was still able to attain a solid internship placement (VA medical center) that has strong neuro rotations. From what I have seen thus far, internship and post-doc positions offer a plethora of training, so it isn't necessary to gain years of experience prior to internship.....but it can be helpful for the really competitive internship neuro positions.
