NeuroPsychologist Career (Salary + Duties + Interviews)

Have you ever heard a yoga teacher say we “store trauma” in our bodies? Or a doctor mention that mental stress affects your physical health? While the intricate understanding and research into the mind-body connection might seem relatively recent, the concept traces back to ancient philosophies and medicinal practices. Today's professionals, like neuropsychologists, delve deep into these connections, studying their profound impact on our well-being.

If this field of study interests you, you might consider pursuing a career (or at least an education) in neuropsychology! Read on to learn more about what neuropsychologists do, who they collaborate with, and how the leading experts in this field shape our understanding of the mind-body connection.

What does a NeuroPsychologist Do?

NeuroPsychologists work in a branch of psychology that studies how behavior, cognition, and the nervous system are connected. This field was only established as a specialty by the American Psychological Association in 1996 and continues to evolve due to the hard work of today’s neuropsychologists.

Job Requirements

Like many other psychologists, neuropsychologists earn a doctorate before starting their professional practice. Most positions mandate a doctorate, as it's a typical requirement to be licensed or board-certified as a clinical neuropsychologist.

Achieving a doctorate can span up to seven years, but the rewards are promising. Once you hold a doctorate, you can pursue certification in any state. A crucial part of this professional trajectory is undertaking internships, which offer hands-on experience and immersion in real-world neuropsychological settings, enabling budding neuropsychologists to apply their theoretical knowledge.

In addition to internships, prospective neuropsychologists must pass specific exams that test their knowledge and expertise. These exams ensure that professionals meet the stringent standards of licensing and certifying bodies. Fortunately, as students progress through their doctoral programs, guidance and support from professors and academic advisors can help identify and navigate these opportunities effectively.

Salary

Neuropsychology is a hot field of study, and companies are willing to pay big bucks for someone who specializes in this field. You can certainly earn six figures in this career! 

Schools for NeuroPsychology Degrees

Although clinical neuropsychology has only been recognized as a specialty recently, there are plenty of options to study neuropsychology at the doctoral level: 

• University of North Texas (Denton, TX) 
• University of Utah (Salt Lake City, UT) 
• Brigham Young University - Provo (Provo, UT) 
• University of California - San Diego (San Diego, CA) 
• San Diego State University (San Diego, CA) 
• University of Florida (Gainesville, FL) 
• Georgia State University (Atlanta, GA)
• University of Houston (Houston, TX)
• Washington State University (Pullman, WA) 
• Kent State University (Kent, OH) 

Companies That Hire NeuroPsychologists

Insights from neuropsychologists can help a wide variety of people. A person dealing with addiction or injury recovery may benefit from learning how their mind and body work together to influence their behavior and well-being. 

Corporations that want to elevate their experience with clients and internal employees may also hire a neuropsychologist as a consultant. Neuropsychologists may also open their private practice and work with individual clients. The possibilities are endless, even though this field is so new!

Where do neuropsychologists work? Everywhere! As a neuropsychologist, you might end up finding job postings from: 

• Colleges and universities
• Rehabilitation centers
• Research facilities
• Private practices
• General healthcare providers
• Private corporations

Interviews from a NeuroPsychologist

How do people get involved in neuropsychology? What do they do day to day? The best way to get these answers is to ask a neuropsychologist themselves!

Fortunately, many people have already done that. You can read an interview with neuropsychologist Dr. Raphael Wald or watch interviews on YouTube. These interviews range from topics like the day in the life of a neuropsychologist to how neuropsychologists see the impacts of COVID-19 on overall well-being. There is so much to learn from these stars in the field!

Famous NeuroPsychologists

While neuropsychology as a formal discipline is relatively young in terms of its recognition by the APA, the foundational ideas about the connection between the mind and body have ancient roots. Although they lived long before the formal establishment of psychology, figures like Aristotle and Hippocrates contributed to early understandings of this connection.

Aristotle delved into the relationship between the brain and the heart, while Hippocrates wrote about the brain's significance in overall bodily health. While it wouldn't be accurate to label them as "neuropsychologists" in the modern sense, their insights and observations paved the way for developing neuropsychological thought.

Karl Spencer Lashley is considered a well-known figure in neuropsychology for his work on where memories are “stored” in the brain and physical body. Paul Broca did similar work, and there is a part of the brain named after him! Broca’s area is in the frontal lobe, which lights up when speech is produced. 

NeuroPsychology Examples

Not all psychologists have the same capabilities:

• Can neuropsychologists diagnose conditions like autism or depression? Yes! Neuropsychologists use a combination of clinical interviews, observational techniques, and standardized tests to assess cognitive, behavioral, and emotional functioning. Based on these assessments, they can make or contribute to a diagnosis.
• Can neuropsychologists prescribe medication? No. While they can identify symptoms that may benefit from medication, neuropsychologists mainly focus on cognitive rehabilitation, behavioral interventions, and psychoeducation. They can refer patients to psychiatrists or other medical doctors for prescription and management if medication is deemed necessary.
• Are neuropsychologists doctors? Yes, in the academic sense. With a Doctorate, neuropsychologists hold the title of Dr., but they don't perform medical procedures or have the comprehensive medical responsibilities of physicians.

Roles and Responsibilities of Neuropsychologists:

Neuropsychologists wear multiple hats; their specific roles can vary based on their workplace and specialization. Here are some activities they might be involved in:

• Clinical Assessment: This often involves evaluating a client with cognitive, emotional, or behavioral symptoms. This might be due to suspected nervous system disorders, traumatic brain injuries, developmental disorders like autism, or degenerative diseases like Alzheimer's or Parkinson's.
• Research: Some neuropsychologists are heavily involved in research, investigating the effects of specific neurological disorders on cognition and behavior, the impact of treatments, or the brain mechanisms behind certain cognitive functions.
• Consultation: They might advise corporations on fostering brain-healthy environments, provide insights into how brain functioning can impact job performance, or guide strategies to support employees with neurological conditions.
• Education: Many neuropsychologists teach university courses, sharing their expertise with budding psychologists or other healthcare professionals.
• Presentations: Being at the forefront of understanding the brain-behavior relationship, they often present their research findings at conferences, helping to advance the field and share knowledge.

Want to know what it's like to see a neuropsychologist from the view of a patient? This Reddit post contains multiple accounts of what it's like to get tested, diagnosed, and treated by a neuropsychologist. One user said:

"I have gone twice - once a few years before I was diagnosed, and once just a couple months ago. It was interesting to see the changes. The testing will take up a good chunk of your day, but the tests are switched up pretty often. Remember, this isn't a test that is being graded. There isn't a pass or fail - think of it as an assessment of your strengths and weaknesses so you and your doc can learn better how to help you."

That is what neuropsychology is all about - understanding and helping people!