How to Become a Neuropsychologist

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Updated May 15, 2024 · 5 Min Read

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Neuropsychology is one of the most in-demand and highly paid areas of psychology today. On this page, learn about what neuropsychologists do, salaries, and licensure requirements.

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Are you interested in how the brain and nervous system affect human behavior and mental health? Consider a career as a neuropsychologist. Neuropsychology is a rapidly evolving field as we discover more about how the human brain works. Learn how to become a neuropsychologist and what they do in this guide.

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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.

Neuropsychologists may pursue a clinical specialization. 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. They 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.

How to Become a Neuropsychologist

It takes 10-13 years of postsecondary education and supervised experience. Neuropsychologists need a doctoral degree in psychology with a neuropsychology concentration, plus a year or more in a postdoctoral fellowship. Specific licensure requirements vary depending on the state.

  1. 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. 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. 3

    Earn a Doctoral Degree

    Most states require a doctorate from an APA-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. 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. 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 performance standards exams in addition to the EPPP and may require a state-specific jurisprudence exam.

Neuropsychologist Licensure

The requirements for licensure vary by state. 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.

Licensed psychologists who plan to move must check out 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 applying for a new license in each state. However, eligibility for license mobility depends on the specific regulations in each state.

Neuropsychologist Outlook and Salaries

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 projects neuropsychologist jobs to grow 5% between 2022-2032.

Several factors influence salary levels, including specific work settings, geographic location, and years of experience. In 2023, salaries for neuropsychologists ranged from a low of $47,450 to a high of $157,420. The average annual salary of all psychologists in this category is well over six figures. California pays the top salary in the U.S. of $134,360, followed by Hawaii, where the yearly mean is $125,790.

Neuropsychologist Salary Breakdown
Annual Salary Percentile Annual Salary
10% $157,420
25% $138,280
Median (50%) $117,750
75% $76,550
90% $47,450
Source: BLS, 2023

Frequently Asked Questions About Becoming a Neuropsychologist

How many years does it take to be a neuropsychologist?

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.

Does a neuropsychologist have a medical degree?

Neuropsychologists do not have a medical degree and cannot prescribe medications or perform surgical procedures. However, becoming a licensed neuropsychologist does require extensive education and training, including obtaining a doctoral degree and completing a postgraduate fellowship.

Is becoming a neuropsychologist hard?

Becoming a neuropsychologist is a rigorous and time-consuming process. In addition to finishing a challenging doctoral program, aspiring neuropsychologists must complete clinical experiences, meet state licensure requirements, pass the EPPP, and obtain advanced certifications.

Is a career in neuropsychology worth it?

For individuals interested in furthering research and their understanding of behavioral and mental health conditions, becoming a neuropsychologist can be a rewarding choice if you want to help others improve their lives. Although this career requires many years of education and training, it can also offer high salary returns.

Page last reviewed on April 11, 2024

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