Education, training, and certification for health care providers

Brain injury (BI) is a global health issue that poses a significant public health challenge. Multiple organ systems may be impacted by a brain injury, regardless of severity. BI can cause alterations in physical, cognitive, behavioral, and emotional realms. This chapter reviews the state of the field regarding training and certification of health care professionals and paraprofessionals providing frontline care and support in the community. To practice within a specific discipline, health care professionals who have completed standard education and training are required to attain licensure. Certification implies a standard of skill and knowledge mastery beyond minimum requirements and within a specified scope but does not infer any legal standing. Board certification credentials allow ease of recognition by the public and other health care providers. Within the field of psychology, the specialization area that is well suited to evaluate and provide treatment guidance for persons with BI is clinical neuropsychology.