Neuropsychologists are some of the highest-paid professionals in the health field.
This profession attracts lots of bonuses, offers opportunities to travel around the world, and is a means for continuous learning.
Moreover, becoming a neuropsychologist is an ideal career choice for anyone because this profession is highly respected around the globe and they enjoy good job security.
Thus, if you are not sure of the health field to specialize in, neuropsychology is highly recommended for you.
This article will discuss the steps to becoming a neuropsychologist and some tips on how to excel as a neuropsychologist.
Who is a Neuropsychologist?
A neuropsychologist is a health professional that is concerned with the study of the connections that exist between the human brain and the behavior of people.
This professional achieves this by relating behavioral and psychological techniques to assess a patient that is suffering from any form of central nervous system deficiency.
Neuropsychologists enjoy lots of work opportunities more than most professionals in the health sector because there are not really many in the industry.
These experts evaluate and treat people with a wide range of brain injuries, such as strokes, genetic diseases, and cancer.
Steps To Becoming A Neuropsychologist
Becoming a neuropsychologist is a long road that requires many years of education. You can become a neuropsychologist by taking the following steps:
1. Take the necessary classes in high school
If you desire to become a neuropsychologist in the future, it is necessary for you to take classes that are related to the field of neuropsychology right from your high school days.
Courses like biology, chemistry, and statistics are examples of classes that you should look to take.
2. Obtain knowledge about the field of neuropsychology
If you dream of becoming a neuropsychologist in the future, it is important for you to have extensive knowledge of the field of neuropsychology.
You can start by reading books that talk about the field. This will shape your mind and prepare you for what is to come in college.
3. Enrol in an undergraduate degree program
To become a neuropsychologist, you need to enrol in an undergraduate degree program and obtain a bachelor’s degree in psychology or clinical psychology.
Although taking up a major in biology or neuroscience is still a good option, ensure that any major that you do is one that offers a route to a career in neuropsychology.
A bachelor’s degree program in most colleges lasts for four years.
4. Obtain a master’s degree
Obtaining a master’s degree is highly recommended for anyone looking to pursue a career in neuropsychology.
Although you can easily make the leap from a bachelor’s degree holder to a doctoral degree student without enrolling in a master’s degree program, signing up for a master’s degree program will improve your knowledge of neuropsychology, which is a delicate area of psychology.
5. Search for doctoral degree programs
Although you can easily land a job in many places with a master’s degree in neuropsychology, possessing a doctorate degree is a step that will do you lots of good.
However, before enrolling in any doctorate degree program in neuropsychology, ensure that it is one that is accredited by the government.
You can do this by searching for the school online or checking the National Register of Health Service Psychologists.
You can also find out if a school is accredited by seeing if it is a member of the American Psychological Association or not.
6. Enroll in a doctorate degree program
Enrolling in a doctorate degree program is the highest academic point that anyone seeking to become a neuropsychologist will have to reach.
A PhD in clinical psychology and a Psy.D in clinical psychology are two of the most popular doctorate degrees available for those seeking to obtain a doctorate degree in the field of neuropsychology.
Moreover, make sure that you take several neuroscience courses during your doctorate degree program.
It will improve your knowledge of the field immensely and equip you with the insight to complete ground-breaking research in the field.
7. Complete an internship in neuropsychology
Completing an internship in neuropsychology is the next step that you have to take to become a seasoned neuropsychologist.
However, it is important for you to know that the type of internship that you will enrol in will be determined by whether you want to engage in neuropsychology research or practice in hospitals.
Moreover, ensure that your preferred internship follows the regulations of the American Psychological Association (APA) and fulfills the conditions that must be met before an individual will be certified by the regional board.
You can look for certified internships on the website of the Association of Psychology Postdoctoral and Internship Centers (APPIC). Internships last between one and two years only.
8. Pass EPPP
Immediately after you complete an internship, you must take and pass the Examination for Professional Practice of Psychology (EPPP) before you can practice as a neuropsychologist.
This exam is made up of about 225 multiple-choice questions, 175 operational questions, and about 50 pretest items.
The registration fee for EPPP is $450 plus an additional fee of $65 which is paid to the testing center. The EPPP lasts for about four hours and fifteen minutes, and the pass mark is 500 (70%).
9. Keep a record of your important didactic experiences
To become a neuropsychologist, you must submit your important didactic experiences to the American Board of Professional Psychology.
The didactic learning experiences are more like verbal and written assessments of your treatment techniques.
As an aspiring neuropsychologist, you are expected to have a record of your didactic experiences in about eight different main areas of knowledge, and they include: basic neurosciences, neuropathology, psychological assessment, psychopathology, functional neuroanatomy, clinical neurology, clinical neuropsychological assessment, and psychological intervention.
You can also gather more didactic experience by going to seminars and conferences.
10. Maintain certification
If you aspire to become a board-certified neuropsychologist, you must keep on studying and take part in professional activities to obtain the Maintenance of Certification (MOC).
One of the ways you can keep on studying as a neuropsychologist is by taking certified online courses that focus more on the ethics of the profession and by also sitting for APA examinations that are based on certified articles, books, and newsletters.
On the other hand, some of the professional activities that you can engage in to obtain the Maintenance of Certification (MOC) are lecturing and research work.
Thus, put in your best efforts to obtain the Maintenance of Certification (MOC).
11. Get a neuropsychologist job
The only way to actually grow in the field of neuropsychology is by doing a job in the sector.
You can find work as a neuropsychologist by searching the websites of the Association for Psychological Science’s Employment Network and other trusted websites for job listings open to qualified neuropsychologists.
How to Become a Successful Neuropsychologist
Neuropsychology is a highly rewarding career that comes with lots of benefits. However, you can become successful in this field by applying the following tips:
1. Keep yourself abreast with the latest developments in the field
Having a detailed knowledge of the latest developments in the field of neuropsychology at all times is one of the secrets to building a successful career in neuropsychology.
When you hear about a new innovation in the field, take the time to research it and consume as much information as possible about it.
It will put you one step ahead of others who do not do this consistently and increase your knowledge of the field.
2. Attend professional seminars and conferences
Attending professional seminars and conferences is a great way to learn about the field and connect with highly distinguished experts that have contributed immensely to it.
Thus, do this consistently.
3. Submit yourself to mentorship
To excel as a neuropsychologist, make sure that you succumb to the mentorship of seasoned experts in the industry that have more years of experience than you.
Besides the fact that mentors will counsel you when you want to take up a new job, they will also offer you the assistance you need, especially when working on a research project.
4. Develop the essential skills
Excellent oral communication and writing skills are vital skills that you must have if you want to interact with your clients and colleagues in your work environment effectively.
So, make sure you learn these skills and also develop the ability to listen actively and stay calm in tough situations.
5. Engage in research
Constantly engaging in neuropsychology research will improve your knowledge of the field and equip you with an in-depth understanding of some areas.
Thus, take part in neuropsychological research frequently.
Frequently Asked Questions on How To Become A Neuropsychologist
To become a neuropsychologist typically requires 10-13 years of postsecondary study and internship. Doctorates in psychology with a focus on neuropsychology are typically required, as are one or more years of relevant work experience (depending on the state).
No. Because of their lack of training in medicine, neuropsychologists are unable to treat patients with prescription drugs or perform surgical procedures. Although they are interested in the brain and nervous system, they do not need a medical degree to use statistical or psychological techniques to study these areas.
Although neuropsychologists are capable of providing therapy, they frequently refer patients to other professionals who have more specialized training. They may suggest visiting a psychologist, therapist, or therapist for speech or occupational therapy.
Neuropsychologists make $97,600 annually on average. They focus on behavior, thinking, and the neurological system.
Conclusion
Neuropsychology is a promising career option.
This field is concerned with the study of the connection that exists between the human brain and the behavior of people.
Becoming a neuropsychologist is a great choice for anyone because it attracts a huge salary, allowances, and good job security.
However, if you desire to become a neuropsychologist, go through this article again to find out the steps that you must take.
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