The human brain is arguably the most complex organ in the human body and it regulates all of the other organs in the body. Read on! If you want to know more about the neuropsychology profession in detail. This article contains information on how you can become a Neuropsychologist in 2020 School, Cost, Programs And Salary.
Who is a Neuropsychologist?
The American Psychological Association (APA) defines neuropsychology as a branch of psychology “that studies the physiological processes of the nervous system and relates them to behavior and cognition.”
In other words, neuropsychology is the study of the biological processes in the brain and how other parts of the nervous system are reflected in human feelings, thoughts, and behaviors.
Neuropsychology is also the study and characterization of the behavioral modifications that follow a neurological trauma or condition.
Correspondingly, a neuropsychologist is one who specializes in understanding the relationship between the physical brain and behavior.
Additionally, a Neuropsychologist has a degree in psychology and training in neuropsychology and works in research or clinical settings.
What does a neuropsychologist do?
Many clinical neuropsychologists work in Healthcare centers, psychology clinics, rehabilitation centers, private practices, and other medical settings.
One of the services provided by neuropsychologists is the assessment of cognitive and psychological functioning in the context of medical, neurological, or psychiatric disorders.
Patients with a variety of medical and psychological concerns, such as traumatic brain injury, stroke, neurological disorders, academic difficulties, acute personality changes, and general brain problems are referred to a neuropsychologist.
Clinical neuropsychologists will make diagnoses, administer, interpret neuropsychological test and offer possible recommendations to these patients.
However, they may also provide some psychotherapy services, such as those designed to help improve cognitive functioning or behaviors to compensate for cognitive difficulties.
Clinical neuropsychologists in colleges or academic medical centers dedicate most of their time to research. Basically, These psychologists conduct studies that help psychologists better understand how to diagnose and treat neuropsychological disorders. These studies may involve administering neuropsychological test batteries or using brain imaging such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) scans.
Below are the major neuropsychology career concentrations:
Cognitive Neuropsychology
Cognitive Neuropsychology is a branch of Cognitive Psychology which is the science that studies how the mental processes are responsible for human cognitive abilities to store and produce new memories, language, and objects, and also the ability to reason and problem solve.
In other words, Cognitive neuropsychologists are studying the mind rather than the brain.
Clinical Neuropsychology
Clinical Neuropsychology is a division of psychology that studies and evaluate the relationships and overlap between thoughts and behavior.
Basically, Clinical neuropsychologists use this knowledge in the assessment variety of elements including, diagnosis, treatment, and or rehabilitation of patients across the lifespan with neurological, medical, and other cognitive and learning disorders.
Experimental Neuropsychology
Experimental neuropsychology is the use of experimental psychology to study the physiological structures and processes of the nervous system Including the impaired brain development resulting from genetic and metabolic diseases, immune diseases, infections, physical trauma, poor nutrition, and environmental factors.
Forensic Neuropsychology
Forensic Neuropsychologist is an understanding of fundamental legal principles explain psychological concepts of a neurological nature to members of the courtroom so that the problems can be understood better.
A forensic neuropsychologist works with judges, lawyers and other court officers to serve as an expert witness to explain certain topics to the judges and jurors.
Pediatric Neuropsychology
According to wikipedia.org “Pediatric neuropsychology is a branch of clinical neuropsychology that studies the relationship between brain health and behavior in children”.
Basically, their focus is on how learning and behavior are related to brain development brains and nervous systems of children. The tasks of a pediatric neuropsychologist can include conducting research that examines how the brains of children change as the child grows and learns.
Steps to Becoming a Neuropsychologist
Get a Bachelor’s Degree
To enroll in undergraduate, you may need a higher GPA to be offered admission. However, most programs that include clinical neuropsychology training require a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0, but students usually take between four and seven years to complete doctoral programs in clinical psychology.
After completion of the final year of the program, students complete coursework in psychological theory and the foundations of clinical practice, conduct research and then take up a year internship course in a clinical setting gain.
In addition, for programs that include specialized training in clinical neuropsychology, students are also expected to complete coursework in neuroanatomy and biopsychology, become proficient in a variety of neuropsychological tests, and accumulate hands-on experience practicing clinical neuropsychology with patients.
Earn a Master Degree
The Master of Science in Psychological Science (MSPS) program offers a number of courses that may be relevant to clinical neuropsychology in a future study, including Cognitive Neuroscience, Psychopharmacology, and Cognitive Psychophysiology.
Some schools will offer master’s programs in general psychology that include courses in neuroscience, while others offer specialized training in neuropsychology and related fields.
Doctoral Programs
Neuropsychology and Cognitive Neuroscience PhD programs enable students to conduct clinical research in the area of neuropsychology.
Students focusing on Clinical-Neuropsychology are required to complete all of the core coursework for the Clinical Psychology program as well as multiple courses specific to neuropsychology.
The track is designed to prepare graduates for psychology licensure and eventual American Board of Professional Psychology(ABPP) certification after additional postdoctoral training.
Obtain a Licensure
Neuropsychologists are state-licensed, though they also have a generic psychology license. However, some states recognize neuropsychology and actually designate it on the license.
Apparently, psychologists are ethically bound to practice only in areas where they can demonstrate competence. The American Board of Clinical Neuropsychology(ABCN) is reportedly to have registered 907 board-certified neuropsychologists in the United States and Canada.
Psychologists seeking certification face a four-stage process which includes the review of credentials: candidate must pass a written test which covers general clinical psychology, brain-behavior relationships, and clinical neuropsychology practice.
Requirements for Neuropsychology programs
The most common program for future neuropsychologists is clinical psychology. doctoral program admission requirements vary according to schools, there are common admission requirements found at most schools offering neuropsychology.
However, prospective students are advised to consult with specific schools they’re interested in to ensure they have the full list of actual requirements for that particular school.
For students interested in applying to a master’s degree program, the admissions requirements are very similar, if not identical, to the admissions requirements for doctoral programs.
Requirements include:
Neuropsychologist salary
The median salary of a neuropsychologist is often influenced by the number of years of experience. Based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data from May 2018, the average annual salary for a neuropsychologist was $85,340 and those working in offices of other health practitioners earned the highest average salary of $96,930.
Neuropsychology jobs
Neuropsychologists can work in a number of settings, including high schools, colleges, research centers, mental health hospitals, and consulting with pharmaceutical companies to develop drugs for patients with neurological disorders.
However, the number of positions for neuropsychologists is expected to increase by 14.2% between 2016 and 2026, which is equivalent to approximately 2,100 new jobs each year during this time period.
Additionally, there are ample employment opportunities for clinical neuropsychologists, as they are in demand in many different medical and psychological settings. The job titles for clinical neuropsychologists may include:
What are the best schools for Neuropsychology programs?
Below is a table of the schools offering neuropsychology programs that include training in clinical neuropsychology. All of the colleges and universities on the list have net fees of $20,000 or lower, a graduation rate of at least 50%.
| Schools | Net fees | Graduation Rate | Ranking |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of North Texas | $12,053 | 54% | #250-301 |
| East Carolina University | $13,327 | 62% | #194 |
| University of Florida | $15,283 | 88% | #35 |
| University of Houston | $15,664 | 54% | #171 |
| University of Alabama at Birmingham | $17,016 | 53% | #157 |
| University of Georgia | $15,934 | 85% | #46 |
| Washington State University | $17,885 | 62% | #140 |
| University of Kentucky | $19,361 | 65% | #147 |
Conclusion
Since the brain is complex, disorders within the brain and nervous system can alter behavior and cognitive function. A neuropsychologist is a physiologist who specializes in understanding the relationship between the physical brain and behavior.
However, there are several reasons why people are referred for neuropsychological evaluation. You may have experienced an injury to the brain because of an accident or because of an illness. This article provides full information on how one can become a neuropsychologist.
Reference
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What is the difference between a psychologist and a neuropsychologist?
A Clinical Psychologist is someone who can assess, diagnose and treat psychological and mental health problems.
A neuropsychologist on the other hand is someone who can assess, diagnose and treat psychological disorders associated with brain-based conditions.
Is a neuropsychologist a doctor?
A neuropsychologist is an individual with a PhD or PsyD who received general training in psychology as well as specific training in neuropsychology.
The training and clinical focus of a neuropsychologist is unlike the doctors you typically see for medical or psychological concerns.
Why would you see a neuropsychologist?
There are several reasons why people are referred for neuropsychological evaluation. You may have experienced an injury to the brain because of an accident or because of an illness.
Another common reason for referral is to examine how a person is coping with medical symptoms or with an injury or illness.
Who performs neuropsychological testing?
Neuropsychological tests are given, scored, and interpreted by a licensed clinical psychologist or neuropsychologist.
A neuropsychologist is a professional who specializes in understanding how the brain and its abilities are affected by neurological injury or illness.
Are neuropsychologists in demand?
Vacancies for this career have increased by 64.97 percent nationwide in that time, with an average growth of 10.83 percent per year. Demand for Neuropsychologists is expected to go up, with an expected 7,610 new jobs filled by 2018.
What type of testing does a neuropsychologist do?
Neuropsychological evaluation is an assessment of how one’s brain functions, which indirectly yields information about the structural and functional integrity of your brain. it involves an interview and the administration of tests. The tests are typically pencil and paper type tests.
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