Some neuropsychologists work primarily as researchers. This might involve studying both healthy humans and animals, and those with brain injuries or illnesses. Neuropsychologists that are primarily concerned with research might work in private or government research facilities. Some universities might also hire these professionals to conduct research and teach. Neuropsychologists can also work in clinical settings. This typically involves assessing and diagnosing patients.
Clinical neuropsychologists might work in a number of different healthcare settings that can include hospitals, clinics, and physicians' offices. Some neuropsychologists might also choose to open private practices, and treat patients in their offices or work as consultants.
What is a Neuropsychologist? The bulk of what a neuropsychologist does is that through assessment, we administer a battery of tests that tap into different functions of the brain. So some of the tests, we'll look at whole brain function. Some of the tests, we'll look really very specific functions of different areas of the brain, to kind of look at how they're all working together or not working together, and then to apply that to difficulties that people may be having in their life, as the result of an injury or an accident or some kind of disease process.
It's really--largely it's a diagnostic field. A subset of that is a rehabilitation neuropsychologist who does much of the same kind of assessment, but then also works in the rehabilitation world and helps a lot of the treatment team, in terms of their ability to implement some of their therapeutic practices, based on what we've learned about how the brain is functioning.
Neuropsychologists can do some cognitive rehabilitation themselves. Very often it is referred out to other disciplines, occupational therapy, speech therapy. We also can do some therapy, again, based on--largely it's based on adjustment to disability and injury, dealing with some of the psycho-social issues that go along with acquiring some kind of a disability, and adjusting to the fact that your brain is not working the way that it used to.
Most people don't think about all of the stuff that their brain does, so that when it's not functioning properly, they have a sense of "I don't feel like myself," and are not quite sure why that is.
So a neuropsychologist may do a lot of education about why that is, based on the results of the tests that we've got. Nice information about Neuracologist and your brain! Neuropsychiatrist salary levels are generally higher than neuropsychologists, but so is the cost of their education.
While you will get plenty of hands-on experience as a doctoral student, either assisting in research efforts or conducting clinical practice under the watchful eyes of licensed psychologists, you will need more in order to get a license as a neuropsychologist. Most states require at least a year of post-doctoral field experience, and sometimes more.
Just as important, neuropsychology is a specialization that relies heavily on experimental and research work. Neuropsychology fellowships are one path to that experience. Unlike many psychology fellowship programs, they often last for two years instead of only one. But you can soak up enormous amounts of experience and hands-on expertise during that period, working with cutting-edge science and some of the leading professionals in both neurology and neuropsychology during that time. Licensure is a requirement in every state and Washington D.
Not all neuropsychologists fall into this category, but many do. So, you can plan on having to get a license on your way to becoming a neuropsychologist. You got the required and specialty-accredited doctoral degree the board will demand.
You put in your hours of practical experience under the supervision of a qualified professional and developed your hands-on diagnostic and treatment skills. This test is a requirement for every state psychology licensing board. Some state boards also include smaller, more specific tests on state laws and procedures.
With licensure and training in your rearview mirror, you can get out there and look for a job as a full-fledged neuropsychologist. The National Academy of Neuropsychology, a professional group for neuropsychologists, has only 3, members—globally!
At the same time that neuropsychologists are thin on the ground, overall demand for the profession is increasing. According to the Census Bureau, the Baby Boom generation, one of the largest cohorts of population ever, will all be over the age of 65 by Healthcare facilities and universities are the natural habitat for neuropsychologists in the wild.
The profession is tied to academia through its strong involvement in research. And on the clinical side, neuropsychologists are sought-after staff in hospitals, long-term care facilities, and clinics that specialized in various neurological issues. The following are examples of conditions they evaluate and treat:. The nervous system is complex. Neuropsychologists use different types of procedures to identify problems and treatment plans.
Typical procedures they perform include:. This evaluation is an assessment of how your brain functions. The evaluation will include an interview and questions that will help outline your performance of daily tasks, as well as identify memory issues and mental health concerns. The interview will also cover information on symptoms, medical history, and medications you take. An evaluation includes different types of standardized tests to measure many areas of brain function, including:.
Your neuropsychologist will compare your test results with those of other people with a similar education and age. Tests can even help identify mild thinking and memory issues, which may be subtle. Neuropsychologists help develop a treatment plan by understanding how the brain functions and how that functioning relates to behavior.
Treatment plans may include medication, rehabilitation therapy, or surgery. A neuropsychologist can help diagnose a cognitive, behavioral, or neurological condition.
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