Neuropsychology Central

[Niskygirl]

Hey guys! I'll be graduating this April with a BA in psych and biology, and am seriously considering taking a year off before venturing on to grad school where I hope to study clinical neuropsych. During that year off, Im hoping to spend alot of time gaining experience in the field of neuropsych...somehow. I'm wondering though, if this is even possible? Does anyone have any suggestions as to how and where I'd be able to do this? What other kinds of oppurtunities do you think I should seek out during this year off? I'm really hoping to utilize this time as much as I can.

There's also something that confuses me a bit when I research grad
schools...many times they express that it would be beneficial for a doctoral applicant in clinical psych to have some clinical experience...what exactly do they mean by this? Any suggestions of any kind are much appreciated! Thanks!

[salrn23]

Hey,

I was in the same boat as you last year. I just graduated in May, knew that I wanted to continue onto grad school, but also knew that I needed at least a year off.

I cant tell you want I did helped because I am currently applying to grad school for clinical neuropsychology, but I feel that its a start!

I am currently working in an epilepsy center in the neurology department of a hospital doing research on patients that had undergone epilepsy surgery. I am able to speak with these patients every few monthes and now have a much better understanding of hte disorder. I am surrounded by clinical neuropsychologists and neurologists, so if I have ever have any questions about this field, they are right there for me!

It may be a good idea to look on hospital websites and look at the job postings in the neurology, psychiatry, or psychology departments and see if one it right for you!

Best,

Elisa

[lash]

Kill both birds with one stone, look for jobs as a psych tech or psychometrician. You'll learn how to administer neuropsych tests, which will give you a big step up in grad school, and it'll look good as clinical experience when you apply.

Alternatively, you can certainly look for positions at hospitals or universities as a research assistant. Many research programs have clinical aspects, such as the one Elisa described.

Or, you can look for clinical positions that don't prepare you for neuropsychology in particular, such as working on an inpatient psychiatric unit. I did that and seem to be OK, but I probably would've been more confident and a better candidate to start with if I had looked for a neuropsych-related job. It didn't seem to hurt me in the long-run though.

Good luck,
Lee
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Lee Ashendorf, Ph.D.
Edith Nourse Rogers Memorial VA
Co-Webmaster, Neuropsychology Central