How likely is doctoral school psychologist become a neuropsychologist?

[lockman86]

I am just wondering... how likely is a doctorate in school psychology paves the first step to becoming neuropsychologist?

As far as I know, one has to have relevant neuropsy pre-doc and post-doc experiences, before you can take the board exam for certification. However, multiple broad certification websites and prospectus from psychology graduate schools enlist that the candidates must obtain PhD in clinical or counselling psychology... does that mean it is almost no hope for school psychologist?

Besides, there is one association who calls School Neuropsychology, which apparently recognized by APA for Continuing Education credits (https://www.schoolneuropsych.com/index.php?id=1). However, they note that there is no licensing body for accreditation as School Neuropsychologist.

Lastly, how likely is it for a School Psychology PhD candidate to obtain pediatric neuropsychology pre- and/or post-doc internships (if they prefer clinical psy. candidates, or is that true?)?

Any advice would be much appreciated! Thanks!!!

[LovePsychx3]

As I interviewed at School Psych Ph.D. programs this cycle, I came to learn that it is very difficult to get a neuropsych pre-doc internship from with a School Psych degree. Neuropsych sites tend to have an eye for clinical students. If you are really committed to neuropsych, apply to programs that have a neuropsych focus such as UT Austin and/or have opportunities for experiences in major children's hospitals. Just know that programs that push for 5 year completion will not foster the opportunities you need to be competitive. Most neuropsych students I met were going to finish their Ph.D. in 6 years and a few of them didn't end up matching. 

It is possible to do neuropsych with a School Psych Ph.D., but it will be challenging and you should definitely make sure that you are choosing a program that has successfully placed students into neuropsych pre and post-doc internships.

[lockman86]

10 hours ago, LovePsychx3 said:

As I interviewed at School Psych Ph.D. programs this cycle, I came to learn that it is very difficult to get a neuropsych pre-doc internship from with a School Psych degree. Neuropsych sites tend to have an eye for clinical students. If you are really committed to neuropsych, apply to programs that have a neuropsych focus such as UT Austin and/or have opportunities for experiences in major children's hospitals. Just know that programs that push for 5 year completion will not foster the opportunities you need to be competitive. Most neuropsych students I met were going to finish their Ph.D. in 6 years and a few of them didn't end up matching. 

It is possible to do neuropsych with a School Psych Ph.D., but it will be challenging and you should definitely make sure that you are choosing a program that has successfully placed students into neuropsych pre and post-doc internships.

Thanks for your advice, I will look into more opportunities for pre- and post-doc internships relevant to neuropsy. Thanks!