What are the pros and cons of being a neuropsychologist?

Pros:

• Competitive Benefits. Neuropsychologists are some of the highest-paid physicians in the United States. They also enjoy great benefits, such as good health insurance, retirement plans, and lots of growth in the field.

• Rewarding Work. Neuropsychologists help patients understand how to work through difficulties and improve through the use of therapeutic techniques. It can be extremely rewarding to see your patients progress and get better.

• Stable Work Hours. While many health professionals may work long shift hours, and unpredictable schedules, neuropsychologists can work set hours that they choose, especially if they own their own practice.

Cons:

• Extensive Education Requirements. Neurologists hold doctorate degrees in psychology with a neuropsychology concentration. They also generally complete a year or more of an internship. This can take almost a decade to fully complete and is often expensive as well.

• Frustrations Surrounding Patient Progress. Patients can sometimes have difficult diagnoses, which may lead to difficult paths to progress. This can sometimes be frustrating, especially if your patient stops progressing or starts digressing.