A candidate for neuropsychologist has a bachelor’s degree of biology, psychology, or pre-medicine. He also possesses a master’s degree most of the time. There are individuals who also finish with a doctorate. As a doctor of neuropsychology, however, he does not prescribe medicines. It takes three to seven years of being in the doctorate program before the neuropsychologist can practice privately. He needs to be adept with cognitive psychology or brain functions, particularly attention, memory, and language. He deals with academic settings most of the time. As a professional student, it will take him a long time before he can begin practicing.
Responsibilities
It is best that a neuropsychologist candidate has prior experience in a hospital, doing research for a clinical drug trial, or being a teacher’s assistant for the field. The work entrusted to a neuropsychologist includes giving brain scans, communicating with stroke patients, providing insights on pharmaceutical drug trials, and being a witness in a court case that involves his presence. A neuropsychologist is passionate about science, research, and behavior. He can study humans and animals. He can choose to focus on clinical, experimental, or pediatric neuropsychology. He can be a university teacher for the field, apply his knowledge in a hospital, or establish a private practice.
Work Satisfaction
Often, after his academic study, a neuropsychologist can work in the government, doctor’s clinic, or hospital. He also does scientific research and development services. He can enjoy working after he ends his doctorate with a highly attractive pay. All those years of academic study will pay off when he works. His work is valued more than that of a psychologist. In Arizona, New Mexico, and California, he is needed more than in any other state. Since a neuropsychologist’s work is sensitive and involves mapping the brain, complete attention to the task at hand is valuable.
Growth Opportunities
To go up the ladder as a neuropsychologist, the candidate needs to be certified professionally. The American Academy of Clinical Neuropsychology (AACN) and the American Board of Clinical Neuropsychology (ABCN) are among the professional associations for the field. To be a certified neuropsychologist, the candidate must undergo training, have good oral and written examination scores, and be evaluated with a satisfactory mark. Practicing in the United States requires state certification if you want to be a successful neuropsychologist. There are other professional associations that can be of valuable knowledge for practice in the field.
Professional Membership
These are the American Psychological Association (APA), Association for Women in Psychology, Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards, and National Academy of Neuropsychology (NAN). A neuropsychologist works with neuroscientists, psychiatrists, neurologists, computer scientists, and philosophers. He is highly studious and is dedicated to the academe before practicing. To be educated as a neuropsychologist, a great deal of financial responsibility is needed. High motivation to finish the higher studies for this field is also a must. He will experience rigorous exercise for the mind in higher education. This profession will continue to be in demand in the years to come.
