How To Become A Neuropsychologist

A career in neuropsychology is rewarding, lucrative, and impressive. If you want to start your practice of psychology, training in clinical neuropsychology is a long but enriching experience.

As with most medical degrees and careers, neuropsychology programs require previous experience and training. Understanding cognitive psychology and different cognitive abilities are essential.

We'll share what neuropsychologists do, how to become one, and where to receive the best training. A career in neuropsychology is worthwhile and advantageous. As scientific research develops, there is always a need for neuropsychologists. Are you looking to join the field? Follow our tips to learn how. 

What is neuropsychology?

The brain is highly complex, and it takes years of training to understand its nuances. Neuropsychology is a practice in psychology specializing in the relationship between cognitive, behavioral, emotional parts of the brain and nervous system. placed

So how does traumatic brain injury or illness affects brain functions and brain-behavior relationships? Well, cognitive neuroscience is the exploration of the mental actions and processes within the brain. 

The behavioral neurologic study is the impact of damage on someone's behavior, and behavioral psychology often leans heavily on neuropsychological research. 

The American Academy of Clinical Neuropsychology aims to advance understanding of the human brain and experimental neuropsychology. They promote continuing education for all neuropsychologists and aspiring neuroscientists. Consider joining their membership scheme to stay up to date on all the latest neuropsychology advances.

We can date the origins of neuropsychology back to Aristotle. Although humankind has been interested in our brains and neurological understanding for centuries, neuropsychology is relatively young. Today's brain science uses technical methods and frameworks to know how the brain and mind work. 

Neuropsychology is such a fascinating part of science as we still don't fully understand the intricacies of the brain. It is a new and exciting career path if you want to forefront innovation and research. 

Neuropsychologists tend to work in clinical settings, research labs, forensic sites, or in the industry. 

What does a neuropsychologist do?

Neuropsychologists specialize in the brain and behavior relations with how we think (cognitive function). Doctors or neurologists generally refer people to a neuropsychologist after suffering brain damage. The neuropsychologists then evaluate and treat behavioral and cognitive problems.

Neuropsychology examines someone experiencing memory, concentration, language, reasoning, and learning difficulties. They might take brain scans in clinical practice, and scans do not always show what is wrong with the brain.

They conduct neuropsychological evaluations and neuropsychological assessments to treat brain disorders. These tests might include a behavioral analysis — they'll test reading, language, attention, processing speed, and problem-solving. They might also evaluate your motor functions, for example, how well you can walk or your coordination. 

A neurological disorder might arise from injury or illness, such as head or spine damage or a stroke. Issues with the brain and behaviors can also occur from problems with surgery. 

Neuropsychologists might work in practices, clinics, professional organizations, or private practice. They work closely with different occupations, from mental health counseling and family therapy to a forensic psychologist or physical therapists. 

A neuropsychologist might also be involved in developmental psychology — studying how the brain and behavior change over an entire lifespan. The research starts with infants and includes adolescence, adult development, and aging.  

They are also involved in conducting research. For example, there was a lot of neuropsychological research into the potential side effects of the COVID-19 vaccines. It is a highly progressive and exciting career path with new developments every day. 

What does a neuropsychologist diagnose?

A neuropsychologist is involved in diagnosing and treating mental disorders arising from injuries or illnesses. A neuropsychologist uses neuropsychological testing and applied behavior analysis to diagnose and treat the problem. 

Potential diagnoses might include:

• Alzheimer's disease.

• Attention deficit disorder (ADD).

• Brain tumors.

• Learning disorders.

• Parkinson's disease.

• Mental illness.

• Eating disorder.

• Movement disorder

• Hyperactivity disorder.

A neuropsychologist might be involved in recommending surgery for brain damage. For example, neuropsychologists work closely with epilepsy surgery.

Why become a neuropsychologist?

There are many great reasons to become a neuropsychologist. Firstly, the research opportunities are substantial, and there is still so much to know about cognitive disorders and how the mind works. A neuropsychologists' research is often the foundation for clinical psychologists' work.

Secondly, there are many different and exciting settings to work in, from research labs in universities, government agencies, and private organizations to hospitals, schools, and rehabilitation centers. Clinical neuropsychology can take you anywhere. 

Thirdly, it is a gratifying job. Providing medical assistance to those in need is satisfying, and there is no more incredible feeling than the knowledge that you have helped someone else. Often, it will not just be the patient whose quality of life you have improved, but also their family will be grateful.

The job has a great career outlook. As the number of patients affected by Alzheimer's increases with our aging population, the demand for neuropsychologists stays strong. 

Furthermore, there are many career paths to take within the specialization of neuropsychology. These include:

• Clinical neuropsychologist.

• Clinical pediatric neuropsychologist.

• Neuropsychology researcher.

• Neuropsychology professor.

• Rehabilitation director.

• Forensic neuropsychologist.

• Cognitive neuropsychologist. 

Depending on where your skills and interests lay, there are plenty of opportunities to develop your career into different areas.

To become a neuropsychologist and work in the professional practice of psychology, you need a doctoral degree. To prepare you for the degree, a training course in neuropsychology will surely help.

If you have an aptitude for science and a passion for helping people, a career in neuropsychology might be for you.

How much does a neuropsychologist make?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, psychology careers made on average $82,180 in 2020. The American Psychological Association indicates that the highest salaries in 2017 were management; the most lucrative fields were business and industry. 

The salary and job outlook are not specified; however, it is presumably the same or higher than an average psychologist. 

How long does it take to become a neuropsychologist?

Becoming a neuropsychologist may take as long as ten to fifteen years beyond high school. While that may seem like a long time, neuropsychologists are highly skilled. 

It takes a long time to learn all there is to know about the human brain. Clinical psychology deals with an empathetic aspect of the body; experts must be well trained. 

To get your license to practice, you need to complete a psychology degree and postgraduate study in psychological sciences. Degrees in clinical psychology can take between three to four years and a further five years for the Ph.D. On top of this, you might spend two years or so getting work experience in the field. 

Specialization in neuropsychology is a long path. If you are determined to succeed, consider learning the basics of neuropsychology first. Taking a training course on neuropsychology will provide you with the skills, terminology, and knowledge to tackle your degree with confidence. 

Also, consider becoming a member of the American Board of Professional Psychology. The psychology board offers further examinations to prove your competency and enhance your career outlook.  

Neuropsychologists never stop learning throughout their job. If you love research and learning, ten years of studying won't be enough to put you off. 

What skills do you need to become a neuropsychologist?

Beyond your extensive scientific understanding, you will need other personable skills to succeed as a neuropsychologist.

As a neuropsychologist, you will likely be working with all manner of people. Mainly if you work in clinical practice, you will probably interact with vulnerable people. You need strong interpersonal and empathy skills to communicate effectively. Talking with your patient's families will also require a strong level of communication skills.

You need to be able to create a trusting environment. Neuropsychology assessments rely on the patient feeling comfortable enough to bear their insecurities so that you can evaluate the issue. Furthermore, it would help if you were very patient. 

Strong analytical skills, observation abilities, and problem-solving tactics are also a must. To understand the relationships between the brain and cognitive functioning, you need to deduce issues quickly and accurately. 

Similarly, looking at brain scans requires meticulous attention to detail. While you can rely on your scientific training, the brain is an intricate organ and requires thorough observation skills. 

You need good scientific reasoning skills. Understanding brain regions and the central nervous system requires knowledge and the ability to reason with the evidence before you.

A neuropsychologist must have a willingness to learn. Like all scientists and medical professionals, neuropsychology is an ever-evolving field, and you need to stay up to date with the latest developments. 

Similarly, regular training and courses might be required to prove your ability to continue to practice. As it is a delicate profession, you might need regular qualifications of competency. 

Practice your communication and interpersonal skills by learning how to listen actively. Pay attention to what others say and respond thoughtfully and transparently. You can improve your analytical and observation skills throughout your training. 

How to become a clinical neuropsychologist?

Licensed psychologists must have a bachelor's degree in psychology or a related field. A further Master's qualification is optional; however, it might improve your job outlook. 

You then must take a Ph.D., PsyD, or postdoctoral training in neuropsychologist studies. Different states have different work experience requirements before you can practice and complete the dictated number of hours in clinical settings.

Then you will need to take an exam. Pass the EPPP (Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology) and other required exams in clinical neurology. You might also need to pass an examination for professional practice with certified boards.

You will then receive your certified neuropsychologist license to begin practicing. You must then complete the requisite continued learning and qualifications throughout your career to keep your license. 

To get you ready to begin your path to becoming a neuropsychologist, why not start with a training course? Online training courses take only 150 hours and teach you the basics to kickstart your career. Training courses look great on your resume and will count towards your required work experience hours. 

What neuropsychology online courses are there?

Clinical neuropsychologists have to go through years of training. What if a short course gave you the required understanding of the brain to begin your graduate program?

Before you begin your degree in psychology, consider online psychology programs. Psychology schools recognize that online training courses teach you everything you need to know about brain injury, cognition, and behavioral functions. 

At Courses for Success, we offer a Neuropsychology Online Certificate Course that will help you to kickstart your neuropsychologist career. The course teaches you all about cognitive neuropsychology, and the training will provide you with the understanding of the brain you need. 

The course covers the structure of the brain and central nervous system, research methods, consciousness and awareness, perception, and disorders. 

Neuropsychology specializations require extensive training. Beginning your career with a course that builds the foundation of your biological knowledge is a great way to ensure success. 

Why Courses for Success?

Courses for Success offers over 10,000 online courses, all of which aim to help you in your personal development and career progression. Not only that, but you can also study them anywhere and at any time, and take them at your own pace, too.

You don't need career diplomas or specific experience to get started. From our coding courses and trading courses to design courses and developer courses, every course we offer will help boost your prospects, no matter who you are.

Beyond just the education itself, students will be issued a certificate online after completing each of the learning courses they do. Our online neuropsychology courses are no exception and are recognized by industry leaders. You could make a name for yourself by signing up for a Courses for Success short course today.