A neuropsychologist is a type of psychologist who specializes in the brain-behavior relationship. A person who wishes to pursue a career as a neuropsychologist must typically complete high school, as well as a college education and graduate school. A person who wants to work as a neuropsychologist should typically obtain a master’s degree. The majority, on the other hand, opt for doctoral degrees. In addition, an aspiring neuropsychologist may seek certification in the field, which may entail demonstrating that he has completed the training requirements of the certifying organization and passing an exam.
The duties of a neuropsychologist are frequently determined the location in which he works. Many neuropsychologists, for example, spend their time in laboratories studying the brain. These experts may investigate not only how the brain functions in healthy people, but also how drugs and diseases affect brain function. Others in this field may assist physicians with patients who have neurological conditions as part of a medical team in a hospital or other medical setting. Some may even testify as an expert witness in court.
A person who wishes to pursue a career as a neuropsychologist frequently begins his preparation during his high school years. Advanced math and science courses can help him prepare for college, and anatomy classes can help him get a head start on learning about the different parts of the brain. Composition classes, debate clubs, and public-speaking activities may also be beneficial to someone pursuing a career as a neuropsychologist. Such classes and activities can assist him in developing the types of written and verbal communication skills that are crucial in this field.
A person who wants to work as a neuropsychologist typically pursues a bachelor’s degree in a field such as psychology or biology in college. Some students even pursue pre-medical studies. A person who works in this field can then pursue a master’s degree in psychology with a focus on neuropsychology. In most cases, however, someone interested in the field pursues a Doctor of Philosophy in Neuropsychology.
Doctoral programs to become a neuropsychologist typically take three to seven years to complete. An aspiring neuropsychologist will typically study brain function and anatomy, as well as a variety of injuries and diseases that cause neurological problems, during this time. A person preparing for this career might also learn how to administer and evaluate cognitive tests.
A person who wants to become a neuropsychologist can work to gain experience in the field after completing their doctoral studies. He might be able to find an internship that allows him to work with and learn from experienced neuropsychologists, for example. Finally, an aspiring neuropsychologist can obtain certification passing an exam and having his or her work evaluated. Although certification isn’t required, many employers prefer certified candidates.