Graduate Training in Clinical Neuropsychology

A tip sheet provided by the Educational Advisory Committee (EAC) of the Society for Clinical Neuropsychology (American Psychological Association - Division 40) in collaboration with the Association for Doctoral Training in Clinical Neuropsychology (ADECN) and Association of Neuropsychology Students in Training (ANST)

What is a Clinical Neuropsychologist?

As defined by the Houston Conference in 1997, “a clinical neuropsychologist is a professional psychologist trained in the science of brain-behavior relationships”. Clinical neuropsychologists are trained to perform assessment, diagnosis, and treatment to individuals who have developmental or acquired conditions that affect the central nervous system. Activities of clinical neuropsychologists may include research, practice or some combination of the two in settings as varied as hospitals, academic institutions, independent practice, private industry, governmental agencies, military settings, professional sports franchises, schools, and forensic settings, among others.

What should I look for in a graduate What qualities Places to find graduate programs with training in neuropsychology: program? make a good graduate applicant? Society for Clinical Neuropsychology, When looking for a graduate program: Every applicant has strengths and weaknesses, APA Division 40 and it is rare for someone to meet every mark, www.div40.org/training • Is it APA- or CPA-accredited? but here is a list of lofty targets for which to aim: • Is there a specific neuropsychology track, Neuropsychology Central specialty, or concentration that adheres to the • High Numbers: general and psychology- www.neuropsychologycentral.com Houston Guidelines? specific GPA (>3.5) and GREs (> 70th (click - links, training, individual training program pages) Are there courses and clinical and research percentile). • opportunities relevant to your career goals? • Applied Experience: >1 yr post- Association for Doctoral Education in • What is the program’s internship placement baccalaureate experience in a relevant Clinical Neuropsychology track record? Do they place students in quality setting that matches the program's research www.adecnonline.org neuropsychology internships? and/or clinic emphasis • Is funding available for students through • Strong Recommendations: three glowing Applying to graduate school in teaching or research assistantships? letters, with >1 from a clinical clinical psychology: • Location, location, location! Can you see neuropsychologist who is quite familiar with yourself living in the area for 5 years? the applicant and the program. APA Graduate and Postdoctoral • Presentations and Publications: Education Resources When looking at a program’s faculty: authorship on scholarly presentations and www.apa.org/education/grad peer-reviewed publications, with substantive Getting In: A Step-by-Step Plan for Are there licensed clinical neuropsychologists contributions (e.g., lead author) to a few. • Gaining Admission to Graduate Good Match: short- and long-term interests nd on faculty? • School in Psychology (2 Ed.) • Do their ongoing research projects and clinical and career goals that complement the American Psychological Association work complement your interests and training training aims of the program (and primary goals? mentor, if applicable). Graduate Study in Psychology (2014) • Do they have active research grants? • Personal Characteristics: develop qualities American Psychological Association • Are there other faculty members with whom such as being mature, personable, a strong you could also see yourself collaborating? work ethic, and sense of professional Neuropsychology Resources: responsibility. Once you’ve found a potential program, DO Society for Clinical Neuropsychology, send an email BUT remember: What happens if I don’t get in? APA Division 40 www.div40.org

Triple check to make sure that you are • Reapply! It is not uncommon for most Association of Neuropsychology addressing the correct person. successful applicants to have applied more than Students in Training (ANST), • Do your homework: make sure that you are once. Re-evaluate your application strategy: did www.div40-anst.com asking informed questions that are not readily you apply to all top-tier programs rather than a available on the website. range? Get advice The Houston Guidelines • Attach your curriculum vitae.

Suggested Application Timeline

Now! Feb March April May June July Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec Jan

Participate in Decide on Take Organize all Contact Retake Get feedback on Refine Finalize Applications due research, potential GRE application specific GRE if essays & CV statement materials Schedule interviews get faculty programs components faculty needed from faculty and essays advice on advisor grad school Prepare personal statement Request letters of rec Practice interviews