How hard is it to become a neuropsychologist?

Becoming a neuropsychologist is considered to be a challenging process , given the extensive educational and clinical training requirements. Firstly, one must obtain a Bachelor's degree, usually in psychology, neuroscience, or a related field. This typically takes four years of full-time study and covers fundamental topics in psychology and neuroscience. This initial phase requires significant dedication to both coursework and laboratory work.

What are the pros and cons of being a neuropsychologist?

The pros of being a neuropsychologist are competitive benefits and rewarding work, while the cons include extensive education requirements and frustration surrounding patient progress. Here is a more detailed look at the pros and cons of being a neuropsychologist:

How To Become A Neuropsychologist: What It Is and Career Path

What is a neuropsychologist and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025

3 min read

Quoted experts

Dr. Jim Sliwinski Ph.D.,

Dr. Victoria Pace

A neuropsychologist is a health professional who focuses on the brain and how it affects human behavior. These professionals conduct research, work with patients, and study behavioral and neurological disorders within the brain and the nervous system. Neuropsychologists may work in hospitals, clinics, universities, or for research institutions and may study both humans and animals, as well as the effects of neurological illnesses and trauma and the effect on behavior.

Most neuropsychologists work in research and are professionals who explore neurology and psychology and how the two interact and shape human actions and emotions. For example, an individual who has suffered a brain injury in a traffic accident may be referred to a neuropsychologist to evaluate potential problems such as memory loss or emotional issues. Although most neuropsychologists work in an office or academic environment, others may work in a clinic as counselors for patients. These professionals should possess excellent analytical, research, communication, and interpersonal skills and have a broad knowledge of human physiology and psychology.

Most neuropsychologists have an advanced degree such as a master's or Ph.D. in psychology, medicine, biology, or neuroscience. Also, many of these health professionals who provide counseling to patients require licensing in the states in which they practice. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), neuropsychologists can make up to $98,000 per year, but this depends on whether the individual works in a psychiatric hospital, a university, or in private practice.

What general advice would you give to a neuropsychologist?

Dr. Jim Sliwinski Ph.D.

Assistant Professor of Psychology, Defiance College

I encourage all undergraduate psychology majors to consider graduate school. A bachelor's degree in psychology is becoming much more of a pre-professional program. That's not to say that there are not many jobs out there for individuals who only have a bachelor's, but full-time jobs, with benefits, are becoming harder to come by.

ScoreNeuropsychologistUS Average

Salary

7.4

Avg. Salary $94,580

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level

8.2

Growth rate 6%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity

3.0

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.24%

Asian 4.25%

Black or African American 5.14%

Hispanic or Latino 10.82%

Unknown 3.63%

White 75.92%

Gender

female 73.40%

male 26.60%

Age - 45

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 45

Stress level

8.2

Stress level is high

7.1 - high

Complexity level

9.1

Complexity level is advanced

7 - challenging

Work life balance

3.9

Work life balance is poor

6.4 - fair

Key steps to become a neuropsychologist

Explore neuropsychologist education requirements

Most common neuropsychologist degrees

Bachelor's

41.3 %

Doctorate

40.0 %

Master's

13.8 %

Start to develop specific neuropsychologist skills

Skills	Percentages
Rehabilitation	30.67%
APA	12.83%
Veterans	11.07%
Autism	10.16%
Brain Injury	8.69%

Complete relevant neuropsychologist training and internships

we determined that most successful neuropsychologists start their career with internships. These can be paid or unpaid. The main purpose of an internship is to give the intern valuable real-world experience.

Research neuropsychologist duties and responsibilities

Provide consultation services to hospital staff including behavioral-management plans for brain-injure patients and co-treatment sessions with rehabilitation therapists.
Participate in training for PTSD and TBI treatment, group supervision, and program development working groups.
Develop program providing hospital base educational services for inpatient children and adolescents in acute TBI rehabilitation unit.
Develop cognitive behaviorally-base educational module for post-surgery patients.

Prepare your neuropsychologist resume

When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your neuropsychologist resume.

You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a neuropsychologist resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

Choose from 10+ customizable neuropsychologist resume templates

Build a professional neuropsychologist resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your neuropsychologist resume.