Neuropsychology Concentration

Neuropsychology

Neuropsychology can be applied across multiple settings and populations

Clinical Neuropsychology is a recognized specialty area within the field of psychology that focuses on the applied science of brain-behavior relationships. Utilizing their thorough understanding of how various internal and external factors impact brain functioning, clinical neuropsychologists evaluate and treat individuals across the lifespan with a variety of known or suspected neurological, medical, neurodevelopmental, and psychiatric problems. It is one of the fastest growing specialty areas within the field of psychology, with opportunities available across multiple settings and populations.

William James College offers a pre-doctoral concentration in Neuropsychology that consists of core neuropsychology coursework, a minimum of two year-long clinical placements at approved neuropsychology field placement sites, and a Doctoral Project in an area relevant to neuropsychology. The Neuropsychology concentration provides students with a breadth of experience, knowledge and skills to meet the demands of this exciting specialty field of study. The Neuropsychology concentration is in compliance with the Houston conference guidelines for training students in neuropsychology and is meant to fulfill eventual coursework requirements for board certification in clinical neuropsychology (i.e., ABPP-CN).

For questions, contact Dr. Tyler Zink, Neuropsycholgoy Concentration Director at Tyler_Zink@williamjames.edu.

PsyD in Clinical Psychology

Offered as part of the PsyD in Clinical Psychology program

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“I was so fortunate to have WJC develop the neuropsychology concentration just as I started; Dr. Jason Osher's mentorship was pivotal to my career, and the training I received in Boston hospitals through field placement was priceless. I pursued a neuropsychology internship and fellowship and have since been working as a clinical neuropsychologist in a rehab hospital setting with a neurological population focus, seeing folks from across the lifespan and mostly outpatient but also some inpatient/capacity evaluations.”

Emily Williamson, Clinical Neuropsychologist at Gaylord Hospital
Clinical Psychology PsyD, Neuropsychology Alumna

Curriculum overview

In order to declare for the concentration, students need to:

Complete both the Cognitive Assessment and Functional Neuroanatomy courses with a B or better
Submit a field placement eval from a neuropsychologist
Have your advisor endorse their concentration declaration
Complete and submit the concentration declaration form

Pre-requisite Courses
CLI NP550 - Functional Neuroanatomy (credits: 3)
CLI PA601 - Cognitive Assessment (credits: 3)

Core Courses
CLI NP570 – Fundamentals of Neuropsychological Assessment (credits: 3)
CLI NP601 - Neuropsychological Assessment (credits: 3)
CLI NP670 - Neuropathology (credits: 2)
CLI NP701 - Advanced Neuropsychological Case Conceptualization (credits: 2)

Elective Courses
CLI NP630 - Cognitive Rehabilitation (credits: 2)
CLI NP650 - Neuropsychology of Aging (credits: 2)
CLI HP530 - Theoretical Foundations in Clinical Health Psychology (credits: 2)
CLI GE500 - Geropsychology
CLI PH521 - Psychopharmacology: Theory and Practice (credits: 2)
CLI PA604 - Psychological Assessment of Child and Adolescent Disorders (credits: 3)
Other electives may be approved at the discretion of the concentration director.

Minimum of 2 placements (3 recommended) will be at neuropsychology-focused sites, one at the practicum level and one at the internship level. Training at the practicum level should focus on developing the foundational skills in neuropsychological assessment (e.g., test administration and scoring). Training at the internship level should occur at a site where at least 51% of the training experience will be in Neuropsychology and should focus on advanced skills in neuropsychological evaluation (e.g., case formulation, report writing). A fifth year APA internship is strongly recommended at a site where at least 51% of the training experience will be in Neuropsychology.

It is recommended (but not required) that students completing the Neuropsychology concentration complete a doctoral project germane to the specialty field of Neuropsychology. It is also recommended (but not required) that one of their doctoral project committee members be a neuropsychologist or a psychologist specializing in assessment (from within or outside of WJC).