Abstract
The final chapter of this book – begins with a discussion of the postdoctoral fellowship experience, including a comparison and contrast of research-focused and clinically focused programs. The process of applying for and obtaining a psychology license is outlined, with special attention to those tasks that apply across jurisdictions (e.g., the EPPP). The topic of securing employment is discussed, with a focus on locating jobs in neuropsychology, knowing what questions to ask of potential employers, and negotiating for better compensation and benefits. Next, independent neuropsychology is introduced, including continuing education, preventing burnout, managing student loans, and advocacy work in the field. Finally, the chapter concludes with an in-depth explanation of the process for obtaining board certification and advice for professionals looking to re-specialize in neuropsychology.
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Notes
- 1.
As we spelled out in Ch. 6, it is crucial for neuropsychology fellowships to adhere to the Houston Conference (HC) guidelines and American Board of Clinical Neuropsychology (ABCN) requirements (see the Board certification section, below). For this reason, all of our advice in this chapter is consistent with these training models. We strongly recommend that you educate yourself and use these guidelines as a compass while navigating the postdoc experience.
- 2.
Consider using the competencies listed in Smith and CNS 2019, to guide that conversation.
- 3.
Of course, a licensed professional should always provide the degree of clinical oversight required by state law.
- 4.
If you seek a purely academic (research/teaching) career, then licensure is not necessary. However, we recommend that all neuropsychologists interested in clinical research also become licensed, even if provision of clinical services is only a small fraction of their professional time. This both a) diversifies a neuropsychologist’s professional skills portfolio and b) improves their scientific acumen by putting them in touch with clinical populations.
- 5.
You will almost always be a licensed psychologist practicing neuropsychology, not a “licensed neuropsychologist.”
- 6.
Here is a list of state, provincial, and territorial agencies responsible for licensure of psychologists throughout the United States and Canada: https://www.asppb.net/page/BdContactNewPG.
- 7.
Check if your state is part of PSYPACT: https://psypact.org/page/psypactmap.
- 8.
The ASPPB Credentials Bank has partnered with ABPP. Visit https://abpp.org/Applicant-Information/5-Types-of-applications/Early-Entry.aspx for details.
- 9.
Note that some states require that you register your anticipated postdoc experience and verify supervision prior to the start of fellowship, so check the rules of the state in which you plan on becoming licensed before starting your training.
- 10.
Some jurisdictions have waiting periods before an applicant is allowed to register to take the EPPP. This can cause unfortunate delays, and some applicants choose to register for the EPPP in a different, more lenient state/province than the one in which they live so that they can take the test and get this step out of the way sooner rather than later.
- 11.
Visit https://www.asppb.net for guidance on how to register for the exam and additional exam information.
- 12.
For sample items and other resources, see https://www.asppb.net/page/EPPPPart2-Skills.
- 13.
In addition to online tests through third parties, ASPPB provides access to retired questions from prior exams for a small fee: https://www.asppb.net/page/Practiceexinfo.
- 14.
There are also resources specific to women such as the book Women Don’t Ask: The High Cost of Avoiding Negotiation – and Positive Strategies for Change by Babcock and Laschever; SCN’s Women in Neuropsychology Subcommittee (https://scn40.org/piac-win/); and NAN’s Women in Leadership Committee (https://www.nanonline.org/NAN/_AboutNAN/Committee_Pages/Women_in_Leadership.aspx).
- 15.
This applies primarily to clinicians in private/group practice.
- 16.
If you are considering a job in private practice or taking on a role with administrative responsibilities, the book The Business of Neuropsychology (2010) by Mark Barisa is a helpful resource.
- 17.
Also consider reading the book, The Professor Is In: The Essential Guide to Turning Your Ph.D. into a Job (2015) by Karen Kelsky, PhD.
- 18.
Many scientific journals in related fields are also likely to be relevant to neuropsychologists. Consider journals in neurology, neuroscience, psychology, psychiatry, assessment, statistics, pediatrics, geriatrics, rehabilitation, and others.
- 19.
There are many excellent resources available for both clinicians and researchers: https://www.apa.org/apags/resources/affording-repaying; https://www.ed.gov; https://www.lrp.nih.gov; https://studentaid.gov/manage-loans/repayment/plans; https://theaacn.org/financial-resources/.
- 20.
As an aside, whenever you interact with a CFP, we recommend that you ask how they are paid and whether they have a fiduciary relationship with you (meaning that they have to act in your best interest). We suggest going with someone who is a fiduciary and who you pay an hourly rate for their time (as opposed to being paid on commission or through an assets under management model).
- 21.
For more information regarding ABN, visit https://abn-board.com and http://aabnonline.com.
- 22.
If you completed a portion of your fellowship during the COVID-19 pandemic and want to know more about how this will impact your career, see the following website: https://theabcn.org/covid-19-postdoctoral-training-memo/.
- 23.
- 24.
- 25.
- 26.
There is also an “early entry” option for individuals who are not yet licensed. This option allows trainees to begin the application process for a reduced fee. Find out more at https://www.abpp.org/Applicant-Information/5-Types-of-applications/Early-Entry.aspx
- 27.
There are different requirements for candidates who completed the doctoral degree before 2005 (https://theabcn.org/becoming-certified/). Also, Canadians are offered a bit more flexibility in terms of fellowship training (https://theabcn.org/canadian-guidelines/).
- 28.
These are just a few of the many useful neuropsychology-related books.
- 29.
If you decide that neuropsychology is not the right fit, there are several related fields that allow work at the master’s level. Consider looking into training as a psychometrist, marriage and family therapist, social worker, school counselor, or research coordinator.
- 30.
This information is from the ABPP website (https://abpp.org/Applicant-Information/Degree-Requirements.aspx). If you are not sure whether you meet these requirements, reach out to ABPP (contact info is at the bottom of their website at https://abpp.org).
- 31.
According to ABPP: “Applicants who hold the Certificate of Professional Qualification in Psychology (CPQ) from the ASPPB qualify as meeting the doctoral degree and professional program requirements.” For information, visit https://www.asppb.net/page/CPQ.
- 32.
If you obtained your doctoral degree prior to 2018, an acceptable degree is also one that is listed in the publication Doctoral Psychology Programs Meeting Designation Criteria.
- 33.
If you completed your doctoral degree and/or work outside of the United States, its territories, or Canada, then please contact ABPP to determine your eligibility status.
- 34.
We recommend that you email the ABCN Credential Review Committee Chair (Credentialreview@theabcn.org).
- 35.
As noted above, ABCN training/eligibility requirements are directly tied to the year that the doctoral degree was conferred or the re-specialization program was completed. If you received your degree or re-specialized prior to 2005, see the ABPP website for the requirements that apply to you: https://abpp.org/Applicant-Information/Specialty-Boards/Clinical-Neuropsychology/Application,-Specialty-Specific-Fees.aspx.
- 36.
Visit https://www.nanonline.org and then click “Continuing Education.”
- 37.
In addition to checking with your state/province’s requirements, general licensure information can be found at https://www.asppb.net/page/guidelines ; many jurisdictions use these guidelines as the basis for their standards.
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Bellone, J., Van Patten, R. (2021). Advanced Training and Practice: Postdoctoral Fellowship and Beyond. In: Becoming a Neuropsychologist. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-63174-1_7
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