Neuropsychology Central

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I have recently started researching doctoral progarams in Neuropsychology and have a couple of questions regarding letters of recommendation. I graduated with my Bachelor's in Psych about 6 years ago and have been working at a job unrelated to psychology since then. I am extremely interested in getting into a program in Clinical Neuropsych but I am worried about who to get letters from.

Do letters of recommendation have to come from professors?

Since I haven't been in school for this extended period of time, is it more appropriate to get letters from someone else (e.g. managers at my current job)? Is that even acceptable?

If the letters do have to come from professors, does anyone have any suggestions on what I can do to make my professors from 6 years ago comfortable in recommending me for a doctoral program?

Any input would be much appreciated!

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Honestly? You really should try to get some letters from people in the field. Did you have a good relationship with any professors? If they remember you at all, it would help. I first taught a class 4 years ago, and I'd be comfortable recommending a few of those students now if they asked, especially understanding the dilemma. A letter from your manager isn't going to help a lot if it's not in a related field. Maybe as a supplement, but I'd really try to find someone in psychology who can give you a letter. Dumb as it sounds, the content of the letter isn't often that important anyway, so don't lose sleep over whether they can give you an glowingly outstanding letter versus an adequate letter--just get them to write something. Good luck.
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Lee Ashendorf, Ph.D.
Edith Nourse Rogers Memorial VA
Co-Webmaster, Neuropsychology Central

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Thank you very much for the response; it is very helpful information. I am going to contact some of the professors that I had for several classes and ask if they would be willing to write a letter for me.