Becoming a neuropsychologist is a rewarding career choice for those who want to help others. They play an important role in the medical field, and their services are often sought out by people who have suffered brain injuries or mental health issues.
Neuropsychologists typically work in hospitals, medical offices, clinics, and other healthcare facilities. They also work independently as consultants, often working with patients who have gone through traumatic experiences such as car accidents or other forms of physical trauma that result in brain damage.
If you’re interested in becoming a neuropsychologist, there are several steps you must take in order to get the education and training required for this position. Here is a list of steps you can follow:
Step 1: Earn at least a Bachelor’s Degree with a major in psychology from an accredited university program
Step 2: Complete an internship at one of many different healthcare facilities located around the country
Step 3: Become licensed by taking additional coursework as well as passing an exam administered by the state board where you live
How To Become Neuropsychologist
The medical field is broad with a number of specialties. For those interested in the human brain and human behavior, neuropsychology is a great field to consider. These medical specialists have extensive education and training to perform their jobs well. In this article, we explain what a neuropsychologist is, highlight the importance of neuropsychology, describe how to become a neuropsychologist and offer tips for developing a career in the medical field.
Related: How Much Does a Neuropsychologist Make?
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What is a neuropsychologist?
A neuropsychologist is a medical doctor who specializes in how the brain functions and how it impacts cognitive ability and behavior. Neuropsychology is a specialization within the field of psychology. Some neuropsychologists work with patients who’ve suffered brain injuries or trauma to help them recover their cognitive abilities and skills. Others work primarily in research to deepen the collective understanding of the brain and how it can affect the way we process information and behave. Common job duties for neuropsychologists include:
- Assessing patients: Neuropsychologists who see and treat patients usually perform tests to assess the patient’s cognitive abilities before diagnosing or prescribing treatment.
- Providing treatment: After diagnosing a patient, neuropsychologists often prescribe a treatment course that may include therapy, medication or a combination of the two.
- Researching brain function: Many neuropsychologists perform research during their career, to expand the medical field’s collective knowledge about brain function and neuropsychology.
- Supervising team members: Some neuropsychologists oversee a team of students or other neuropsychologists and perform supervisory duties.
- Collaborating with others: Most neuropsychologists work closely with other medical professionals to best assess and serve their patients.
Related: Neuropsychologist vs. Psychologist: What’s the Difference?
Why is neuropsychology important?
Neuropsychology is a vastly important field. The brain is one of the most complex organs in the human body, so the more doctors understand it, the better they can treat people who’ve suffered injuries to that organ. Neuropsychologists use their psychological and neuroscience backgrounds to both extend medical understanding about how the brain functions and affects our choices and actions, but also to treat patients with brain injuries or diseases that impact their cognitive and behavioral functions.
Related: A List of 22 Different Types of Psychology
How to become a neuropsychologist
Becoming a neuropsychologist takes extensive schooling and dedication, like most medical professions. If you’re interested in working in this field, review these steps to become a neuropsychologist:
1. Study science in high school
Many future neuropsychologists begin their education and training as early as high school. If you know you’re interested in the medical field, take plenty of science classes to learn all you can about the human body. Speak with your guidance counselor about the best courses to take to prepare for college and post-graduate medical programs.
2. Earn a bachelor’s degree
Attend an accredited college or university to earn a bachelor’s degree. Common majors for aspiring neuropsychologists include psychology, clinical psychology, neuroscience, biology or pre-med. Depending on the school you attend, you may be able to enroll in a combination bachelor’s and master’s degree program geared for future medical professionals.
3. Complete graduate work
Neuropsychologists need additional schooling before they can practice medicine. Some people complete a master’s program followed by a doctoral program, while others move directly from their bachelor’s program into a doctoral program. Speak with your career counselors and professors to find the best program for your goals and skills. Most neuropsychologists eventually earn either a PhD in clinical psychology or a Psy.D in clinical psychology.
4. Participate in an internship
Internships are an integral part of the medical training and certification process. Work with your doctoral professors and career counselors to find an internship program that meets your needs and aligns with your long-term career goals. More than likely, you’ll choose whether you want to participate in a research-based neuropsychology internship or a clinical patient-focused neuropsychology internship. No matter which path you choose, ensure the internship meets the requirements set by the American Psychological Association, or APAs, guidelines to help you gain licensure later.
5. Take the board exam
In order to practice medicine as a neuropsychologist, you must pass the Examination for Professional Practice of Psychology, or EPPP. This extensive exam tests your knowledge in eight areas:
- Biological bases of behavior
- Cognitive-affective bases of behavior
- Social and cultural bases of behavior
- Growth and lifespan development
- Assessment and diagnosis
- Treatment, intervention, prevention and supervision
- Research methods and statistics
- Ethical, legal and professional issues
6. Gain and maintain certification
After you pass the EPPP, you’ll apply for certification. You’ll provide documentation certifying you meet the requirements for licensure in your state, including evidence of didactic learning experiences. Check with your state’s licensing board to see what other documentation you must provide in order to gain and maintain your licensure and certification throughout your career.
7. Decide on a practice
Consider where you want to practice as a neuropsychologist. Some doctors prefer an exclusively research based career, often at a university or college, while others want to open a private practice or work for a hospital to see patients. Think about your ideal position to help you narrow your list of potential jobs.
8. Apply for positions
After deciding on your ideal work environment, apply for positions that meet your needs. Many neuropsychologists use online resources like the Association for Psychological Science’s Employment Network to look for open positions and complete job applications. You can also consult with your professional network and internship advisors for potential job opportunities.
Related: 12 Popular Careers in Neuroscience
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Tips for a career in the medical field
Use these tips to help you maximize your time in school and during training for optimal career development opportunities later:
- Choose your programs carefully. Many colleges and universities feature pre-med or doctoral programs for neuropsychologists and other doctors. Choose programs that align with your interests and goals.
- Build your professional network. At every stage in your education and training, take time to develop relationships with your professors, mentors and fellow students. These connections can help you find jobs later.
- Create a career path. Develop a plan for your career with short- and long-term goals. Regularly assess your career path to ensure you’re on track or adjust as needed.
- Know how to study. A major element of preparing for work in neuropsychology is knowing how to study. Hone and develop your study skills early on, so you’re prepared for the academic workload throughout your training.
- Volunteer. During high school and college, volunteer at hospitals or other medical centers when you can to get a better sense of the work you’ll do later.
