Internship Question

[neuropsyance]

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I was wondering if what type of internship site you would be competitive for depends on the type of research experience you have (instead of strictly clinical experiences)? Odds are that I'll be studying neurodegenerative disorders in graduate school, and I'd really like to specialize in clinical neuropsychology. I've often thought I'd enjoy a career path that leads me to helping patients in a rehabilitation psychology setting. Would this research focus help me? What else can I do to prepare so that I'm a competitive applicant?

 

[robinsena]

May sound like a cliche answer, but I really think that depends on the internship site. Some sites are more research-based than others. I know I visited some VAs during the internship interview process where having research bg would make you more competitive as an applicant because the VA itself is affiliated with a large research university/medical center, while I went to other VAs where it was more straight-up clinical work where research bg in your clinical area is a plus but not as crucial. The answer to your question depends on what sites you will choose for your internship - whether they have an emphasis on research, or it's more 'purely' clinically-oriented.

 

[neuropsyance]

Should I maybe try to supplement my experiences by gunning for external placements that work with rehabilitation psychology (TBI, etc.)? I'm assuming that could make a big difference in terms of competitiveness, right?

 

[Therapist4Chnge]

Should I maybe try to supplement my experiences by gunning for external placements that work with rehabilitation psychology (TBI, etc.)? I'm assuming that could make a big difference in terms of competitiveness, right?

That would help.

If you are aiming for Rehabilitation Psychology, definitely get involved with div 22, as everyone seems to know everyone. A strong foundation of interventions and assessment are needed in rehab psych, since you wear a number of different hats in the setting. If you are leaning more on the assessment and diagnostic side with neuro, div 40 would probably be the smarter choice.

If you want to work in rehab psychology, your fellowship will impact your career more than your internship, though a solid internship helps with being competitive for the top fellowships. Most/All of the top rehab psychology fellowships are at top research universities, so while they are clinical positions, publishing won't hurt your cause.