Neuropsychologists specialize in cognitive psychology and science. Neuropsychology resembles forensic and clinical psychology. The following are specialties within this field:
Clinical neuropsychology
Experimental neuropsychology
Pediatric neuropsychology
Job Description
The following are typical responsibilities of neuropsychologists:
Assessing and assisting people recovering from strokes
Administering brain scans and other neurocognitive tests
Consulting with pharmaceutical companies that develop drugs affecting the central nervous system
Providing expert testimony during court trials
Neuropsychologists also conduct research to determine the link between behavior and the brain. To determine this link, they utilize lab animals and evaluate people.
Neuropsychologists work in the following settings:
Research laboratories, colleges, and universities
Hospitals, medical clinics, and mental health facilities
Private clinics, consulting firms, and research offices at pharmaceutical companies
Education and Training
Neuropsychologists typically hold doctorate degrees in neuropsychology or clinical neuropsychology, but many currently practicing hold master's degrees. Most universities administering neuropsychology graduate degree programs prefer to admit applicants with undergraduate degrees in pre-med, psychology, or biology.
It takes between 3-7 years to complete a doctorate program in neuropsychology. Most students also complete supervised internships.
Prior Work Experience
Most organizations that hire neuropsychologists seek candidates with applicable work experience, which includes any of the following:
Supervised internships where students perform relevant duties such as brain scans
Working on a research team conducting drug tests
Teaching a neuropsychology course as a graduate student
Career Advancement
Neuropsychologists typically advance in their careers after establishing large clienteles or receiving research grants. Many get promoted to organize and lead research projects at universities. Neuropsychologists can enhance their opportunities by certifying with the American Board of Clinical Neuropsychology (ABCN) or the American Academy of Clinical Neuropsychology (AACN).
To become certified, these organizations require candidates to:
Satisfy training requirements
Pass an oral and written test
Successfully complete a work evaluation sponsored by either organization
Neuropsychologists practicing privately are required to satisfy licensing requirements in the state where they reside.
Related Associations and Groups
Contact the following organizations for additional information about neuropsychology careers:
American Academy of Clinical Neuropsychology
American Board of Clinical Neuropsychology
American Psychological Association (APA), Division 40 (official neuropsychology psychology subgroup)
Association for Women in Psychology
Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards
Industrial-Organizational Psychologist
Organizational psychologists, often referred to as Industrial-Organizational Psychologists or I-O Psychologists, are some of the highest paid psychology professionals in the world.
I-O psychologists develop techniques meant to enhance productivity, assist managers assigning employees to project groups, and improve product testing methods for private corporations and government agencies. learn more...
