How to Become a Neuropsychologist
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- What is a neuropsychologist?
- Pursuing a Career in Neuropsychology
- Neuropsychology Licensure
- Neuropsychology Salary
- FAQ
Key Takeaways
- Neuropsychologists study brain-behavior relationships, aiding in mental health and research.
- You typically need 10-13 years of education and training to become one.
- Average annual earnings are around $111,000, with a projected 7% job growth from 2023 to 2033.
Are you interested in how the brain and nervous system affect human behavior and mental health? Consider a career in neuropsychology. Neuropsychology is a rapidly evolving field as we discover more about how the human brain works. In this guide, you’ll learn more about the field of neuropsychology, how to pursue a career in neuropsychology, and a career and salary outlook for the field.
What Is a Neuropsychologist?
Neuropsychologists receive advanced training in how the brain and nervous system affect behavior and cognitive skills with applications to mental health practice and research.
Neurology professionals typically specialize, including in clinical neuropsychology. These doctoral-trained and licensed psychologists work directly with patients by diagnosing and assessing cognitive function and developing treatment plans in collaboration with other healthcare providers. For example, neuropsychology professionals may work with patients with autism, learning and attention disorders, stroke, dementia, and Alzheimer’s disease.
Neuropsychologists can also pursue employment in research or academic settings, developing new techniques and practices that advance the field.
Pursuing a Career in Neuropsychology
It takes an average of 10-13 years of postsecondary education and supervised clinical neuropsychology experience to complete your training. Neuropsychologists need a doctoral degree in psychology with a neuropsychology concentration, plus a year or more in a postdoctoral fellowship. Specific licensure requirements vary by state.
- 1
Earn a Bachelor’s Degree
A bachelor’s degree is required for graduate school. Aspiring neuropsychologists can consider majors in psychology, biology, or related fields. Whatever major you choose, ensure you have a strong foundation in the natural sciences and math. - 2
Earn a Master’s Degree
Earning a master’s degree in neuropsychology or a psychology program offering a neuropsychology concentration can strengthen your preparedness for doctoral studies. You might consider a combined doctoral program that allows you to earn your master’s while completing your doctorate. - 3
Earn a Doctoral Degree
Most states require a doctorate from a properly accredited program for licensure. You may pursue a Psy.D. or a Ph.D. program in neuropsychology or psychology with a neuropsychology concentration. If you intend to work directly with clients, choose a clinically-focused Psy.D. program. A Ph.D. prepares you for careers in research and teaching. - 4
Complete a Postdoctoral Fellowship
All doctoral programs require students to complete a supervised internship of approximately one year. In addition, you can expect to complete a 1-2 year fellowship at the postgraduate level, depending on your state’s licensure requirements. - 5
Pursue State Licensure
Obtaining a state license typically requires a passing score on the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP). Some states use their own exams in addition to the EPPP and may require a state-specific jurisprudence exam.
Neuropsychology Licensure
Specific requirements for licensure vary by state. Generally, however, maintaining and renewing your license typically requires the completion of continuing education credits before the end of the renewal period. Each state licensing board determines the length of the renewal period and the number and type of acceptable continuing education credits. Renewal requires submitting an application, fees, and documentation of CE credits.
Although different from licensure, attaining and maintaining proper certification also is important. Getting certified by the American Board of Clinical Neuropsychology, for example, is an important career milestone.
As with most healthcare professionals, it’s a good idea for neuropsychologists who plan to move to or practice in another state to check the licensure requirements for the state where they intend to practice. Some states have adopted license mobility or reciprocity agreements that authorize practice in multiple states without the need to apply for a new state license.
Neuropsychology Salary and Job Outlook
Neuropsychologists can find work in multiple settings, including medical facilities and specialty clinics, private practice, and higher education and research. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects neuropsychology and other psychology fields will experience collective job growth of 7% between 2023-2033.
According to August 2024 data from ZipRecruiter, the average annual neuropsychology salary is $123,000, with the average clinical neuropsychology salary clocking in at around $111,000 annually.
Several factors influence salary levels, including specific work settings, geographic location, and years of experience. In 2023, BLS salaries for all psychologist ranged from a low of $47,450 to a high of $157,420
| Annual Salary Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10% | $157,420 |
| 25% | $138,280 |
| Median (50%) | $117,750 |
| 75% | $76,550 |
| 90% | $47,450 |
Frequently Asked Questions About Neuropsychology
Becoming a licensed neuropsychologist may take over 10 years, including the total years of postsecondary training, from bachelor’s to doctoral degrees, and internship and clinical experience requirements.
