Impossible to do Neuropsych?

[TiptoeConqueror]

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Can anyone tell me the process of becoming a neuropsychologist without going to a program where there is even a neuropsych professor, boarded or otherwise? I know it is harder to go this route without even a faculty member, but how much harder? is it impossible?

 

[TiptoeConqueror]

Also, just to clarify, there is opportunity to do neuropsych practica (externally) at this school.

 

[Radast]

Although it is a bit of an uphill battle, it is absolutely NOT impossible to specialize in neuropsychology when your program does not offer coursework in it. You must seek out external practicum experiences where you will be provided with the training. Make sure that your supervisors are involved in the neuropsych community, and if possible, try to go to sites where the supervisors are board certified (ABPP). You did not mention which year you are in, but if you are just starting out, make sure that you can get as many practicum experiences as possible in neuropsychology - I am trying to pursue a career in neuropsych so 2/3 externships aka practicum experiences were in neuropsychology, and the other one was 50/50 - rehab/neuropsych. My internship has a heavy dose of neuropsych as well.

You aren't barred from the world of neuropsych if your program isn't known to produce neuropsychologists, but make sure that you can show to others that you truly are interested (via hands on experiences and research).

Good luck!

 

[TiptoeConqueror]

Thanks for your reply! I am actually deciding on PhD programs now. I have three schools I'm strongly considering and all fit with my general research interest in aging, but only two are neuropsych-related.

Would I also need to do a neuro-related dissertation?

 

[cervello]

I had neither of those things (clinical neuropsych professor or dissertation in neuropsych), and I just matched to a two-year neuropsych residency. I did have extensive externship work in neuropsych, my dissertation was in behavioral health, and I'm on an internship with several neuropsych rotations. Feel free to PM me if more specific information would be helpful to you.

 

[futureapppsy2]

Thanks for your reply! I am actually deciding on PhD programs now. I have three schools I'm strongly considering and all fit with my general research interest in aging, but only two are neuropsych-related.

Would I also need to do a neuro-related dissertation?

Are you currently holding offers, or are you still in the pre-application phase?

 

[BAL]

I know someone who went through a very psychodynamic PhD program with virtually ZERO neuropsych training. He happened to get an internship site that included a tiny 4 month neuropsych rotation and then landed a post-doc in neuropsych. He must have been a champ in the interview. It's certainly possible, use your resources!

 

[TiptoeConqueror]

Currently holding offer