There is currently no “how to become a neuropsychologist” book that provides guidance to undergraduate students who are in the process of selecting their career path or to graduate students who are in the process of selecting a specialty area, and both of these endeavors can be very con-fusing and emotionally challenging. Given that a large proportion of the general population is unaware of the field of neuropsychology, it is possible that many students who would have made outstanding contributions to our profession, and who would have been happy and fulfilled while doing it, are never made aware of neuropsychology as a career option. Furthermore, there is currently a shortage of neuropsychologists worldwide, and the number of people who could benefit from the services that we offer will continue to increase as older adult populations rapidly expand across the globe. In addition, the profession of neuropsychology integrates multiple skillsets and knowledge domains (e.g., neuroscience, cognitive and behavioral psychology, psycho-therapy, clinical assessment), making it attractive to students with a wide range of interests. For these reasons, we believe that neuropsychology will be an enticing career option for the foresee-able future and that, as a result, there will be a high demand for our proposed book.
Currently, there are very few available resources to help students (particularly undergraduate students) make informed decisions about pursuing a career in neuropsychology. Given that the path to becoming a neuropsychologist is protracted, challenging, and expensive, we believe that both students and the field itself would benefit from early education about this career option. We know that we would have benefited from a book like this while we were considering our career options as psychology majors.
We have first-hand knowledge that students are looking for more guidance on this topic. We are the founders and co-hosts of a neuropsychology podcast (Navigating Neuropsychology). Based on feedback via emails, comments, word of mouth, and reviews, we know that we have many undergraduate and graduate students who regularly listen to our episodes, suggesting that students are eager for this information. Many of the podcast’s iTunes reviews have been from students expressing gratitude for giving them a better sense of what it would be like to be a neuropsychologist. We also frequently receive emails from students asking for other resources to improve their basic understanding of neuropsychology. In fact, it was these emails that initially sparked our idea for this book because we were unable to provide student listeners with a concise, useful resource to aid in their decision-making process.
"As our field looks to expand diversity and representation in our ranks, my hat is off to John Bellone and Ryan Van Patten for not only extending an invitation to the party but also for providing a map for how to get here. The opening chapters nicely describe our field and will pique the curiosity of those who are in the process of career exploration. Subsequent chapters are filled with important “how to” tips from what to study as an undergraduate, how to apply for graduate programs, and then how to cap off training through postdoctoral fellowship and eventually board certification. As such, this is a “now and later” guide as useful to those who are “neuropsychology-curious” as to those who have already decided to pursue neuropsychology training. Once on the path to becoming a neuropsychologist, the early chapters will be handy to give to family members to read so that they will not think you want to become a “nurse psychologist” (looking at you, Aunt Erica) and can instead share in your enthusiasm for your chosen field. As you move through each phase of training, you can refer back to the book to see what is ahead of you on the road and start to prepare for the next step. The writing is clear and personal with quotes gathered from a variety of individuals at different career phases. I for one can’t wait until the moment I’m interviewing a candidate for fellowship and I ask my standard question of “How did you become interested in neuropsychology?” and get the answer, “Well, there was this book…” Well done gentlemen! —Kathleen Fuchs, PhD, ABPP, Board-Certified Clinical Neuropsychologist and Associate Professor at the University of Virginia
“In Becoming a Neuropsychologist, Drs. Bellone and Van Patten have distilled the complexities of neuropsychology career development into an eminently readable and understandable roadmap. Their use of quotes from neuropsychologists and trainees as well as descriptions of their own experiences makes the book feel personal, even as they enumerate the many steps required and myriad organizations encountered on this journey. This is a great read for anyone with a general interest in the field and a great reference tool for those pursuing this great profession.” —Glenn Smith, PhD, ABPP, Board-Certified Clinical Neuropsychologist and Professor and Chair of Clinical and Health Psychology at the University of Florida
“This book is an easy, accessible introduction into the field of neuropsychology. It is written in a very straightforward and practical style that demystifies the career path of clinical neuropsychologists. Drs. Bellone and Van Patten provide a fun and readable guide for students contemplating a career in neuropsychology or for students already embarking on their journey to completing their doctorate. The authors’ open and personal accounts of their own journeys toward becoming clinical neuropsychologists read like a fireside chat with a beloved mentor. This book will be a valuable resource for students interested in pursuing a degree in clinical neuropsychology.” —Jenn Davis, PhD, ABPP, Board-Certified Clinical Neuropsychologist and Associate Professor at Brown University and Rhode Island Hospital
“Informative, witty, and inspiring. After reading this, I feel re-inspired and excited to be pursuing a career in this field. This is a very well written introduction to the world of neuropsychology.” —Ilex Beltran-Najera, MA, Clinical Psychology doctoral student at the University of Houston
