Clinical neuropsychology in Canada: Results from the 2020 AACN, NAN, SCN professional practice and “salary survey”

Abstract

Objective: The current study summarizes the results of a 2020 survey that solicited information regarding backgrounds, beliefs, practices, and incomes of clinical neuropsychologists who practice in Canada. Methods: Clinical neuropsychologists who practice in Canada were invited to participate in an online survey that was available from 1/17/20 to 4/02/20. Available survey findings were obtained from 111 respondents, which reflects a response rate of 51.3% of the 216 doctoral-level Canadian neuropsychologists identified in at least one major North American or international professional organization membership list (AACN, INS, NAN, or SCN). Results: Most of the current respondents were White/Caucasian women who identified as adult providers and worked full-time in urban institutional settings. Four Canadian provinces (Alberta, British Columbia, Ontario, Quebec) accounted for more than 91% of the current respondent sample. Incomes and career satisfactions were largely encouraging, though some important variations were noted by province, work setting, and professional identity. Incomes were significantly associated with forensic practices and years of clinical experience. Most respondents made use of technician support in their practices, largely to increase productivity and patient volume. Only a small minority of respondents were board-certified and there was generally limited interest in future board certification. Conclusions: While important similarities were observed in the current Canadian sample relative to recent survey findings obtained in a U.S. sample, results also reveal a number of important differences that serve as important areas of future consideration.

Keywords:

• Survey
• Salary
• Income
• Professional Practice
• Neuropsychology

Acknowledgements

The authors extend thanks to Canadian colleagues, Drs. Christine Clancy, Darcy Cox, Lawrence Freedman, Brad Hallam, Carolyn Lemsky, William MacAllister, Brenda Spiegler, and Keith Yeates, who provided valuable consultation on the Canadian version of the survey instrument. The survey team is also grateful and extends thanks for the cooperation and assistance of the sponsoring organizations, as well as numerous other organizations and individuals who assisted in distributing invitations to participate in the survey. These include the Association of Postdoctoral Programs in Clinical Neuropsychology, International Neuropsychological Society, Be Ready for Accreditation in Clinical Neuropsychology, AACN’s Pediatric Neuropsychology Special Interest Group, the NPSYCH listserv, and numerous regional and state neuropsychology organizations. Finally, the survey team thanks the Canadian respondents who took time to participate.

Disclosure statement

The authors reported no potential conflict of interest.

Additional information

Funding

Funding for surveyor time and expenses associated with the survey was provided equally by the American Academy of Clinical Neuropsychology, the American Academy of Clinical Neuropsychology, National Academy of Neuropsychology, and, Society for Clinical Neuropsychology (American Psychological Association, Division 40). Funding from the American Psychological Association Health Care Financing Office was also provided, specifically related to item content relevant to billing and third-party payor experience.