Neuropsychologists

What the job really is

Apply theories and principles of neuropsychology to evaluate and diagnose disorders of higher cerebral functioning, often in research and medical settings. Study the human brain and the effect of physiological states on human cognition and behavior. May formulate and administer programs of treatment.

At a glance

• Sector: Life, Physical & Social Science
• O*NET-SOC code: 19-3039
• O*NET job zone: 5 — extensive preparation
• Work sample tasks on file: 12
• Tools and technologies listed: 12

What you actually do

Work sample tasks recorded for this occupation:

• Conduct neuropsychological evaluations such as assessments of intelligence, academic ability, attention, concentration, sensorimotor function, language, learning, and memory.
• Write or prepare detailed clinical neuropsychological reports, using data from psychological or neuropsychological tests, self-report measures, rating scales, direct observations, or interviews.
• Interview patients to obtain comprehensive medical histories.
• Diagnose and treat conditions involving injury to the central nervous system, such as cerebrovascular accidents, neoplasms, infectious or inflammatory diseases, degenerative diseases, head traumas, demyelinating diseases, and various forms of dementing illnesses.
• Establish neurobehavioral baseline measures for monitoring progressive cerebral disease or recovery.
• Provide education or counseling to individuals and families.
• Diagnose and treat pediatric populations for conditions such as learning disabilities with developmental or organic bases.
• Read current literature, talk with colleagues, and participate in professional organizations or conferences to keep abreast of developments in neuropsychology.
• Participate in educational programs, in-service training, or workshops to remain current in methods and techniques.
• Consult with other professionals about patients' neurological conditions.
• Educate and supervise practicum students, psychology interns, or hospital staff.
• Design or implement rehabilitation plans for patients with cognitive dysfunction.

Tools and technology

IBM SPSS Statistics, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Office software, Microsoft PowerPoint, Microsoft Word, Auditory stimulation equipment, Automated Neuropsychological Metric Assessments Battery, Behavioral Assessment and Research System BARS, Block pattern sets, BrainMetric The Category Test, BrainTrain Captain's Log, CogniSyst Computerized Assessment of Response Bias CARB

What employers expect you to already be comfortable with.

Where this job leads

Related occupations — the usual moves up and sideways:

• Clinical Neuropsychologists
• Psychiatrists
• Neurologists
• Clinical and Counseling Psychologists
• Pediatricians, General
• Advanced Practice Psychiatric Nurses
• Clinical Nurse Specialists
• Family Medicine Physicians

Getting in

O*NET assigns this occupation job zone 5 (extensive preparation). The related occupations above are the realistic routes in and out.

Find openings

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Check this against the source

O*NET OnLine: Neuropsychologists — the authoritative public-domain profile this page is derived from, including the full task list, reported skills and the wage estimates for your region.

Derived and rewritten from the public-domain O*NET database (U.S. Department of Labor / Employment and Training Administration). Figures are observations, not promises — always confirm salary, licensing and visa requirements with the employer and the relevant authority.