Clinical Neuropsychology Certificate
Assessment and intervention
based upon the scientific study
of human behavior.
Clinical Neuropsychology Certificate (Doctoral Level Only)
Neuropsychology involves the study, evaluation, and treatment of known and suspected brain disorders using the methods of psychology. This program provides doctoral students and qualified professionals with the opportunity to develop an advanced level of competence in the specialty of neuropsychology. Clinical Neuropsychologists are professional psychologists who apply principles of assessment and intervention based upon the scientific study of human behavior as it relates to normal and abnormal functioning of the central nervous system.
This certificate program is designed to provide doctoral students with the opportunity to develop a solid competence and proficiency in clinical neuropsychology. For Adler School’s doctoral students, completion of the Certificate in Clinical Neuropsychology, in conjunction with the Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology, prepares graduates to complete advanced work for careers in clinical neuropsychology and to board certification.
Note that a year of post-doctoral training is required for licensure as a psychologist in most states and provinces. In addition, graduates are expected to continue training on a post-doctoral level and to acquire additional supervised clinical experience to increase both gneral and subspecialty neuropsychology competencies. Current national guidelines recommend that students complete a two-year post-doctoral residency in neuropsychology following the completion of this program. Licensed clinical psychologists admitted to the program will receive a Certificate in Clinical Neuropsychology.
Admission Requirements (Current Adler School Students)
- Students who have completed the requisite assessment sequence (627, 628 and 624), Biological Bases of Behavior (636), and a course of Biopsychosocial Bases of Health and Dysfunction (648 or 649) with a grade of B or better, are eligible to take Neuropsychological Assessment I (720)
- Following successful completion of 720, 721, and 723 (i.e., grade of B or higher) and clinical assessment (611-613) practica and seminar (601, 603), students interested in obtaining the Concentration in Clinical Neuropsychology will then pursue its remaining course requirements (725 and 728)
- Additionally, following completion of both the assessment and psychotherapy practicums/seminars, the student will be allowed to apply for an advanced practicum in neuropsychology and the associated practicum seminar in clinical neuropsychological assessment.
Admission Requirements (Outside Professionals)
Applicants to this program typically require licensure as a clinical psychologist, or a related health care license. Approved applicants will be invited to a personal interview as a final step in the application process.
Certificate Curriculum
The following courses are required for the Concentration/Certificate in Clinical Neuropsychology. In addition, students in this program should consult with the Program Coordinator to develop an individualized course of study. The program may be modified based on individual circumstances.
- CEN-700: Doctoral Internship (0 credits)*
- CEN-720: Neuropsychological Assessment I (3 credits)
- CEN-721: Neuropsychological Assessment II (3 credits)
- CEN-722: Practicum Seminar in Neuropsychology I (1 credit)
- CEN-723: Neuropsychological Assessment III (3 credits)
- CEN-724: Practicum Seminar in Neuropsychology II (1 credit)
- CEN-725: Neuropsychological Intervention Techniques (3 credits)
- CEN-726: Neuropsychology Practicum I: Assessment (1 credit)
- CEN-727: Neuropsychology Practicum II: Assessment (1 credit)
- CEN-728: Pediatric Neuropsychological Assessment (3 credits)
*Doctoral Internship with a focus of at least 50% on neuropsychology. Although not required, Adler School doctoral students, who are completing this concentration or certificate program, are encouraged to carry out a dissertation that is primarily neuropsychological in nature. Students should be aware that obtaining this type of internship is critical for obtaining a specialized post-doctoral fellowship, which is required to practice as a neuropsychologist.
The certificate program in Neuropsychology is designed for doctoral level psychologists who desire greater familiarity with clinical neuropsychology. For a psychologist to become proficient to practice independently as a neuropsychologist, a two year post-doctoral fellowship in Clinical Neuropsychology must also be completed. Completion of the Certificate in Neuropsychology is not sufficient by itself to practice independently in neuropsychology.
In addition to the neuropsychology courses listed above, other related elective courses are offered intermittently, on such topics as psychological and medical aspects of head trauma, assessing memory and amnesic disorders, ADHD seminar, and the Halstead-Reitan Battery.