Survey of Graduates of Programs Affiliated With the Association of Postdoctoral Programs in Clinical Neuropsychology (APPCN)

Abstract

A survey addressing training experiences and current professional practices was sent to 219 persons who had completed a 2-year postdoctoral residency in clinical neuropsychology through a program that was affiliated with the Association of Postdoctoral Programs in Clinical Neuropsychology (APPCN). A total of 108 usable replies were received, yielding a response rate of 49%. More than 80% of the respondents considered completion of a 2-year postdoctoral residency to be an essential component of the training as a clinical neuropsychologist, and more than 50% indicated that their residency had yielded at least one publication in a peer-reviewed journal. They identified individual supervision as the most helpful during their postdoctoral training, and tended to remain very active in the field of clinical neuropsychology. It is concluded that APPCN-affiliated programs are largely successful in preparing residents for independent practice as clinical neuropsychologists but that there are opportunities for further didactical improvement in the area of billing and reimbursement, as well as preparation for board certification in Clinical Neuropsychology through the American Board of Professional Psychology.