Neuropsychologist Job Description - Salary, Education and Career Guide for Becoming a Neuropsychologist

The neuropsychology field blends cognitive science and cognitive psychology, and is related to both clinical psychology and forensic psychology. Types of neuropsychology include:
  • clinical neuropsychology
  • experimental neuropsychology
  • pediatric neuropsychology.
If you have always done well in science classes, are interested in behavior and enjoy research, neuropsychology may offer a way to turn your skills into a career.

Job Description

Neuropsychologist jobs involve a wide range of responsibilities, which may include:
  • evaluating and working with stroke patients in a hospital
  • giving tests related to neurocognitive processes, such as brain scans
  • providing expertise on pharmaceutical drug trials that involve the central nervous system
  • serving as an expert witness in court cases.
A neuropsychologist is involved with the relationship between the brain and behavior, applying that connection to psychological issues. This work isn't limited to humans. You might also choose to focus on the experimental aspects of neuropsychology and work with animals, researching and comparing brain structure and behaviors.
 
Here are some environments where neuropsychologists may work:
  • colleges or universities, teaching or taking part in research studies
  • medical centers or hospitals, giving a variety of tests related to the neurocognitive process
  • private practices, focusing on areas such as serving as an expert witness in court cases, evaluating individuals after a stroke or with another condition, or participating in clinical drug trials.

Salary Guide

Full-time neuropsychologists in private practice earn an average income of approximately $127,000.
 
Neuropsychologist salaries are generally higher than those for other psychological specializations. The highest salaries are earned by those working in:
  • government
  • hospitals
  • physicians' offices
  • scientific research and development services.
The top-paying states for neuropsychologists include Arizona, California and New Mexico.

Education and Training

Most neuropsychologists are required to complete a doctoral program in clinical neuropsychology or neuropsychology, although some are employed with only a master's degree. To improve your chances of being accepted to a top-rated graduate neuropsychology program, it is helpful to have a bachelor's degree in biology, psychology or pre-med.
 
After three to seven years of study to complete a doctoral program, you may also need to complete an internship under the supervision of an experienced neuropsychologist.

Prior Work Experience

Employers prefer to hire neuropsychologists with experience in the field. Other relevant experience that can help you break into this field include:
  • an internship that requires some of the skills needed to succeed as a neuropsychologist, such as performing brain scans
  • a research position on a clinical drug trial
  • a teaching assistantship in a course such as neuropsychology or pre-medical studies.

Career Advancement

Neuropsychologists can advance by moving into private practice or private research. The also may head research projects or teach at a university level. To advance in your career, you may want to become certified by the American Academy of Clinical Neuropsychology (AACN) or American Board of Clinical Neuropsychology (ABCN).
 
To pass the competency exam required for certification, you need to:
  • meet training requirements
  • pass a written and oral examination
  • undergo a work evaluation, administered by the AACN or the ABCN.
If you want to practice privately, you also will need to be certified within the state in which you plan to practice.

Related Associations and Groups

For more information on neuropsychology jobs, you may want to contact:
  • 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
  • National Academy of Neuropsychology (NAN).

 

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