2 answers
Yanisca
Student
Arecibo, Arecibo
1
Question
Updated
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As a future Neuropsychologist that’s going to specialize on kids, what would be the requirements to enter Medical School?
I’m a Freshman on College and I’m so lost on what I would need to enter Medical School. I know it can depend on where you live but there are certain requirements those types of schools like, and I want to make sure there’s a 100% possibility I get in.
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2 answers
Chinyere Okafor
Educationist and Counseling Psychologist
1185
Answers
Port Harcourt, Rivers, Nigeria
Updated
Chinyere’s Answer
Hi Yanisca,
Let me start by normalizing your feelings: being a freshman in college and feeling uncertain is really typical, particularly if you're hoping to pursue a highly specialized, high-impact career like dealing with children's brains. You don't lag behind. You're in the strategy phase, which is a wise place to be.
The most important point to make up front is that the majority of neuropsychologists are not medical professionals, which completely alters the course of events. Instead of going to medical school, pediatric neuropsychologists usually pursue a PhD or PsyD in clinical psychology with a neuropsychology concentration. If you wish to become a doctor (such as a pediatric neurologist or child psychiatrist), you must attend medical school; however, if your goal is neuropsychological evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment, you are exempt.
Having said that, let's go over both options in detail so you may decide with confidence and knowledge.
Regardless of your major, institutions often require a solid background in the sciences if you do wish to attend medical school (MD or DO). This involves completing necessary courses in general biology, general and organic chemistry, physics, biochemistry, and math (calculus and statistics), as well as performing well in classes pertaining to psychology and neuroscience. In addition, you'll need a competitive MCAT score, clinical exposure (shadowing doctors, volunteering in hospitals), research experience, leadership, and community involvement. Academic rigor and proof that you understand what medicine actually involves on a daily basis are what medical schools seek for.
The most popular option, pediatric neuropsychology, has distinct criteria and can often be a better fit for students who are passionate about psychology and the connections between the brain and behavior. A bachelor's degree in psychology, neuroscience, or a similar discipline is usually required for this track, which is then followed by a PhD or PsyD in clinical psychology, a specialized internship, and postdoctoral training in neuropsychology. Pre-med checklists are not as important to programs as research experience, strong statistical abilities, child-focused volunteer or clinical exposure, and faculty mentorship.
Regarding your worry about having a "100% possibility" of getting in, here is where attitude counts. No respectable medical or PhD school provides assurance. Setting yourself up for success is something you can manage. This involves getting a high GPA, participating in research at an early age (particularly in labs that focus on development, cognition, or neuroscience), looking for professor mentorship, and obtaining practical experience working with children in clinical, educational, or community settings.
My strategic advice is to spend this year shadowing a clinical neuropsychologist and a doctor (psychiatrist or neurologist) before committing to the medical school path. Seeing the difference in daily work will give you clarity that no checklist ever could. You can then intentionally, rather than anxiously, reverse-engineer your education and experiences.
You're not lost; rather, you're at a crossroads where many prosperous professionals have been. You can definitely create a path that aligns with your long-term goals and your abilities with clarity, guidance, and a well-thought-out plan. Keep asking questions like these. That’s how aligned careers are built.
Best wishes!
Let me start by normalizing your feelings: being a freshman in college and feeling uncertain is really typical, particularly if you're hoping to pursue a highly specialized, high-impact career like dealing with children's brains. You don't lag behind. You're in the strategy phase, which is a wise place to be.
The most important point to make up front is that the majority of neuropsychologists are not medical professionals, which completely alters the course of events. Instead of going to medical school, pediatric neuropsychologists usually pursue a PhD or PsyD in clinical psychology with a neuropsychology concentration. If you wish to become a doctor (such as a pediatric neurologist or child psychiatrist), you must attend medical school; however, if your goal is neuropsychological evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment, you are exempt.
Having said that, let's go over both options in detail so you may decide with confidence and knowledge.
Regardless of your major, institutions often require a solid background in the sciences if you do wish to attend medical school (MD or DO). This involves completing necessary courses in general biology, general and organic chemistry, physics, biochemistry, and math (calculus and statistics), as well as performing well in classes pertaining to psychology and neuroscience. In addition, you'll need a competitive MCAT score, clinical exposure (shadowing doctors, volunteering in hospitals), research experience, leadership, and community involvement. Academic rigor and proof that you understand what medicine actually involves on a daily basis are what medical schools seek for.
The most popular option, pediatric neuropsychology, has distinct criteria and can often be a better fit for students who are passionate about psychology and the connections between the brain and behavior. A bachelor's degree in psychology, neuroscience, or a similar discipline is usually required for this track, which is then followed by a PhD or PsyD in clinical psychology, a specialized internship, and postdoctoral training in neuropsychology. Pre-med checklists are not as important to programs as research experience, strong statistical abilities, child-focused volunteer or clinical exposure, and faculty mentorship.
Regarding your worry about having a "100% possibility" of getting in, here is where attitude counts. No respectable medical or PhD school provides assurance. Setting yourself up for success is something you can manage. This involves getting a high GPA, participating in research at an early age (particularly in labs that focus on development, cognition, or neuroscience), looking for professor mentorship, and obtaining practical experience working with children in clinical, educational, or community settings.
My strategic advice is to spend this year shadowing a clinical neuropsychologist and a doctor (psychiatrist or neurologist) before committing to the medical school path. Seeing the difference in daily work will give you clarity that no checklist ever could. You can then intentionally, rather than anxiously, reverse-engineer your education and experiences.
You're not lost; rather, you're at a crossroads where many prosperous professionals have been. You can definitely create a path that aligns with your long-term goals and your abilities with clarity, guidance, and a well-thought-out plan. Keep asking questions like these. That’s how aligned careers are built.
Best wishes!
Karin P.
Lecturer, Academic Advisor, Career Coach
1085
Answers
Göttingen, Lower Saxony, Germany
Updated
Karin’s Answer
Hi Yanisca,
If you want to be a psychologist, you don't go to medical school. A psychologist is not a medical doctor.
For your bachelors (4 years), you would major in psychology, or maybe neuroscience or neuropsychology.
Next, you would complete a masters (1-3 years) in psychology or neuropsychology followed by a PhD or PsyD (4-7 years).
Depending on your state, a postdoctoral fellowship or other forms of supervised training will be required before you can take the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP) licensing exam.
As a neuropsychologist, you would aim for board certification from the Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards (ASPPB) and additional certifications from the American Board of Clinical Neuropsychology (ABCN) and the American Academy of Clinical Neuropsychology (AACN).
I hope this helps! All the best to you!
KP
https://www.psychology.org/careers/neuropsychologist/
https://www.allpsychologyschools.com/clinical-psychology/career-in-neuropsychology/
https://asppb.net/
https://theabcn.org/becoming-certified/
If you want to be a psychologist, you don't go to medical school. A psychologist is not a medical doctor.
For your bachelors (4 years), you would major in psychology, or maybe neuroscience or neuropsychology.
Next, you would complete a masters (1-3 years) in psychology or neuropsychology followed by a PhD or PsyD (4-7 years).
Depending on your state, a postdoctoral fellowship or other forms of supervised training will be required before you can take the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP) licensing exam.
As a neuropsychologist, you would aim for board certification from the Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards (ASPPB) and additional certifications from the American Board of Clinical Neuropsychology (ABCN) and the American Academy of Clinical Neuropsychology (AACN).
I hope this helps! All the best to you!
KP
Karin recommends the following next steps: