Becoming a Neuropsychologist: Advice and Guidance for Students and Trainees - Paperback

by John A. Bellone (Author), Ryan Van Patten (Author)

Back Jacket

Becoming a Neuropsychologist is the first comprehensive resource for students interested in pursuing a career in neuropsychology. Whether you are a student in high school, college, or graduate school, or a professional interested in a career change, this book will serve as your North Star to help you navigate on your journey. To this end, Part I answers the questions, What is Neuropsychology?, Why Neuropsychology?, and Where Do Neuropsychologists Work?, and ends with a discussion of the Challenges of Working in Neuropsychology.
In Part II, you will find a step-by-step guide on how to move from where you are to the endpoint of working as a full-fledged neuropsychologist. Specifically, the authors provide concrete advice such as how to obtain adequate research and clinical training, how to apply to graduate school or doctoral internship programs, what criteria postdoctoral fellows need to meet to remain eligible for board certification, what questions to ask on interviews or when looking for your first job, and much more. The book is packed with action steps and advice for maximizing your training and avoiding common pitfalls along the way.
"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. --Kathleen Fuchs, PhD, ABPP
"Drs. Bellone and Van Patten have distilled the complexities of neuropsychology career development into an eminently readable and understandable roadmap. --Glenn Smith, PhD, ABPP
"An easy, accessible introduction into the field of neuropsychology...The authors' open and personal accounts of their own journeys toward becoming clinical neuropsychologists read like a fireside chat with a beloved mentor." --Jenn Davis, PhD, ABPP
"Informative, witty, and inspiring. After reading this, I feel re-inspired and excited to be pursuing a career in this field. --Ilex Beltran-Najera, MA

Author Biography

John Bellone is a clinical neuropsychologist in a group practice in Southern California and is a member of multiple neuropsychological organizations. Although his clinical interests are broad, he is particularly passionate about reducing risk for cognitive decline and improving overall health through lifestyle modification. He frequently lectures on the power that exercise, healthy diet, quality sleep, psychological well-being, and staying cognitively and socially active have on maintaining/improving cognitive functioning both now and as we age.

Ryan Van Patten works in the field of neuropsychology at Massachusetts General Hospital, Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital, and Harvard Medical School in Boston, MA. His research and clinical interests include cognitive aging, neurodegenerative diseases, traumatic brain injury, stroke, severe mental illness, cognitive interventions, and innovative assessment methods. He is also interested in the education, mentoring, and teaching of neuropsychological trainees.

Drs. Bellone and Van Patten are the co-creators and co-hosts of the podcast, Navigating Neuropsychology, where they provide relevant educational content to students, trainees, and professionals by interviewing experts and discussing a variety of topics within neuropsychology.