How to Become a Neuropsychologist? Steps, Skills, & Outlook

Key takeaways 

• Neuropsychologists are professionals who study how brain injuries and disorders impact behavior, emotions, and cognitive functions. 
• These professionals can pursue diverse roles such as clinical neuropsychologist, researcher, educator, and consultant. 
• To become a neuropsychologist, one must consider educational, training, fellowship, and certification requirements. 
• The average annual salary for neuropsychologists is around $293,707.

Did you know that 1 in 3 people worldwide are affected by neurological conditions? Neuropsychology is a specialized branch of psychology that studies brain injuries, memory loss, and learning disabilities. It examines how injuries, diseases, or disorders impact cognitive abilities and behavior. 

Neuropsychologists play a crucial role in evaluating and addressing brain-related disorders. Their responsibilities include assessing cognitive functions, diagnosing neurological conditions, and designing treatment plans. Neuropsychologists collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to develop rehabilitation methods and provide counseling to patients and their families. They may work in hospitals, private practices, academic institutions, and research facilities. 

This article offers a step-by-step overview of becoming a neuropsychologist, highlighting necessary skills and qualities, career opportunities, and challenges in the field. 

How to Become a Neuropsychologist?

Neuropsychology is a fulfilling and fascinating career for those passionate about examining the relationship between the brain and behavior. This field provides opportunities to make a meaningful impact on patients’ lives, offers high earning potential, and presents intellectually stimulating challenges for those intrigued by the brain’s complex processes. 

Neuropsychologists diagnose and treat conditions such as dementia, brain injuries, and neurodevelopmental disorders. There has been an increase in the demand for professionals in this field due to an aging population, advancements in technology, and a heightened focus on brain health. 

Below are the essential steps to becoming a neuropsychologist, including the required education, skills, training, and experience. 

Earn a bachelor’s degree

The first step to becoming a neuropsychologist is earning a bachelor’s degree in psychology, neuroscience, or biology. This program provides students with a strong foundation through coursework in neuroanatomy, brain-behavior disorders, and psychological research. 

Students can deepen their understanding of the brain’s structure and function by taking pre-clinical science courses such as neurobiology, anatomy, physiology, and neuropsychology.

In addition to academics, gaining internship and research experience is also valuable for students eager to translate classroom learning into hands-on experience and build skills that will be essential for advanced studies. Following a bachelor’s degree, students can pursue graduate programs in neuropsychology. 

Pursue a master’s degree

While a master’s degree in neuropsychology or a related field is not always required, it can be highly beneficial for those who aim to specialize in certain fields within the field. Entry-level positions only require a bachelor’s degree, but a master’s degree is necessary for advanced clinical or research roles, especially for those planning to pursue a doctoral degree. 

A master’s degree helps students gain a deeper understanding of neuropsychological evaluations and treatment strategies. Programs such as neuroscience, clinical psychology with a neuropsychology track, or neuropsychological assessment provide specialized training in the field.

These programs offer coursework and research opportunities in areas such as cognitive rehabilitation, the brain-behavior relationship, and neuroimaging. 

Obtain a doctoral degree in psychology

After earning a master’s degree, you can pursue either a PhD or a PsyD, depending on your career goals. A PhD prepares you for roles in research, teaching, and theory development. Meanwhile, a PsyD focuses more on clinical practice, training students to work directly with patients in diagnostic and therapeutic settings. 

Both degrees require a research dissertation, as well as expertise in neuropsychology and clinical training. If your goal is to become a licensed clinician, a PsyD may be the better choice.

Complete a supervised internship

Supervised internships provide hands-on experience in clinical neuropsychology. During these internships, students get to conduct evaluations, work with patients, and develop essential clinical skills under the guidance of experienced professionals. This experience also helps build confidence in diagnosing and treating neurological disorders. 

A one-year APA-accredited internship requires at least 2,000 hours of supervised clinical training focused on patient care and evaluations. Throughout this period, students receive feedback, gain a well-rounded clinical experience, and prepare for licensure as clinical neuropsychologists. 

Obtain licensure

To obtain licensure, you must complete a doctoral degree and a one-year APA-accredited internship, as well as pass the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP). The EPPP evaluates your knowledge of assessment, diagnosis, and treatment and is a requirement for obtaining a license in most states. 

Licensure requirements vary across states and may include additional exams, supervised postdoctoral experience, or specific continuing education. Preparing for the EPPP involves reviewing topics in psychology, neuropsychology, ethics, and clinical practices using study guides or prep courses.

Apply for a postdoctoral fellowship

A postdoctoral fellowship is another step for neuropsychologists seeking specialization. These fellowships provide advanced training and clinical experience in areas such as pediatric neuropsychology, forensic neuropsychology, or neurorehabilitation. 

Typically lasting 1-2 years, postdoctoral fellowships involve working under the supervision of experienced professionals. They offer you the opportunity to manage complex cases, refine advanced assessment techniques, and deepen your knowledge of neurological disorders, preparing you for independent practice.

Get board certification 

Although board certification is optional, it can significantly improve your career as a neuropsychologist. Board certification helps you increase credibility, showcase specialized knowledge and skills, get more job opportunities, earn higher salaries, and elevate your professional recognition. One example is certification offered by The American Board of Professional Psychology (ABPP).

The certification process involves meeting specific educational and experience requirements, passing written and oral exams, and engaging in ongoing professional development. 

Skills and Qualities Needed to Succeed

Neuropsychologists may need a variety of skills to address neurological disorders and develop treatment plans effectively. These skills enable them to analyze complex information, solve problems, and build meaningful connections with patients. Key skills include: 

• Analytical: Interpreting test results, recognizing patterns, and drawing evidence-based conclusions;
• Problem-solving: Designing treatment plans and addressing patient challenges;
• Communication: Explaining diagnoses, collaborating with teams, and building patient trust;
• Empathy: Understanding patients’ emotional needs and providing compassionate care;
• Attention to detail: Ensuring accuracy in assessments, observations, and documentation. 

Career Opportunities and Outlook

Upon completing the necessary training and education, neuropsychologists may pursue numerous career paths, including: 

• Clinical neuropsychologists: These professionals work directly with patients, assessing, diagnosing, and treating neurological conditions in hospitals, clinics, or private practices; 
• Researchers: Neuropsychologists in research roles study the relationship between the brain and behavior, develop diagnostic tools, and explore innovative treatment approaches at research institutions and universities;
• Educators: Neuropsychology educators teach students, mentor future professionals, and contribute to academic programs in universities and other educational settings;
• Consultants: Neuropsychologists can provide expert advice to schools, legal teams, and organizations on topics such as forensic evaluations or cognitive interventions.

The demand for neuropsychologists is increasing as a result of workforce turnover, an aging population, heightened awareness of mental health, and advancements in neuroscience. Job growth for psychologists, including neuropsychologists, is expected to rise by 7% from 2023 to 2033, with an estimated 13,000 job openings each year.

Salaries for neuropsychologists may vary depending on experience, location, and specialization. The average annual salary is around $293,707, typically ranging from $256,668 to $344,919. However, considering the rising demand for neuropsychologists, salaries are expected to increase in the coming years.

Challenges in the Field of Neuropsychology

Neuropsychology is a demanding field that requires years of education, training, and experience. As such, it can be physically and emotionally challenging, with professionals facing difficulties that may impact both their personal and professional lives. These challenges include: 

• Lengthy education: The extensive training and education required to become a neuropsychologist can be time-consuming and financially exhausting;
• Emotional strain: Working with patients who have severe brain injuries or chronic conditions can be emotionally taxing and may lead to burnout;
• Complex cases: Dealing with complex cases requires integrating knowledge from multiple disciplines, which can be pretty overwhelming;
• Staying updated: Neuropsychologists need to stay updated with the rapidly changing world of research and technology, which can add pressure to an already demanding workload;
• Professional isolation: Neuropsychologists, especially those in private practice, may experience isolation due to the specialized nature of their work and lack of regular interaction with colleagues.

To better handle these challenges, here are some helpful tips: 

• Focus on one milestone at a time and celebrate every achievement, even the small ones, to stay motivated;
• Practice mindfulness, set clear boundaries between work and personal life, and accept the fact that not every problem can be solved;
• Engage in regular exercise, hobbies, or relaxation activities to recharge after dealing with complex cases;
• Connect with peers, join professional groups, or seek mentorship to combat isolation;
• Schedule time for research and attend webinars to stay informed without feeling overwhelmed;
• Set realistic goals, delegate tasks when necessary, and avoid striving for perfection. 

Conclusion

Neuropsychologists are important for understanding and addressing brain injuries and other neurological conditions, contributing significantly to the field of mental health and neuroscience. The journey to becoming a neuropsychologist can be demanding but also deeply rewarding. It requires years of education, training, emotional resilience, and dedication to continuous learning. 

A career in neuropsychology offers the chance to make meaningful connections and positively impact patients’ lives. Although challenges such as emotional distress and professional isolation may arise, they can be effectively managed through supportive systems, realistic goal-setting, and self-care. 

If you have a passion for understanding the complexities of the human brain and a desire to make a difference, neuropsychology provides incredible opportunities for personal growth and professional development. Begin your journey by joining AUA’s medical school, where you’ll gain the foundational knowledge and skills needed to launch a successful career.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many years does it take to be a neuropsychologist?

It usually takes around 10-13 years of education and training to become a licensed neuropsychologist. 

Can a neuropsychologist make 200k?

Absolutely! Neuropsychologists in the United States earn an average annual salary of $293,707. 

What is a typical day for a neuropsychologist?

Neuropsychologists usually spend their days conducting neuropsychological assessments, designing and implementing therapeutic interventions, and engaging in research activities. 

Is neuropsychology a good career?

Yes, neuropsychology is a financially rewarding and fulfilling career, especially for those passionate about combining neuroscience and psychology to make meaningful contributions.