Most careers in neuropsychology can be found in academic and clinical organizations. Neuropsychologists strive to apply neuropsychological practices and to help people with illnesses or mental health problems overcome neurocognitive problems. Those who are interested in neuropsychology careers will find three job descriptions below, according to the American Psychological Association.
Clinical Research Assistant
Clinical research assistants conduct placement interviews, review assessments and administer questionnaires to experiment participants. In conjunction with other research staff, they recruit and enroll research participants into clinical projects based on study protocols. Clinical research assistants verify every candidate’s eligibility and ineligibility criteria against medical records. They explain informed consent and study guidelines to research subjects. They assist in managing, compiling and evaluating computerized neuropsychological exams. They perform data entry and analyses duties through spreadsheets and special software programs. Besides their technical duties, they personally assist study participants prepare for MRI and other advanced scans. Finally, they must identify any problems with protocol compliance in order to ensure the accuracy and validity of research data.
Psychologist
Graduates of neuropsychology programs usually become psychologists who diagnose and psychologically assess referred patients. They accomplish all of this by administering and interpreting psychometric tests and psycho-diagnostic tools. They conduct initial interview with potential clients to gather medical data and relevant information. Then, they determine the urgency of needs and the severity of conditions, so they can provide objective interpretations and recommended courses of therapeutic actions. These psychologists maintain therapy records, prepares reports and provide client updates by phone, email and letters to appropriate parties, such as schools and social agencies. Senior psychologists sometimes conduct program evaluations and gather data in order to assess quality of care, client satisfaction levels and the cost effectiveness of clinical operations.
Career Highlight – Staff Neuropsychologist
A staff neuropsychologist at a mental health facility may specialize in geriatric, adult or child and teen services. For example, those who work with adolescents will conduct evaluations and interviews in order to develop individualized treatment plans for those suspected mental health concerns. They assess pediatric patients for cognitive, neurological and behavioral problems caused by a wide range of factors, such as genetic syndromes and prenatal drug exposures. They coordinate comprehensive clinical care with other health care providers. They often participate in seminars for pediatric and teen health care providers. They also conduct training sessions within the community, such as at schools or parent education centers.
Expected Proficiencies
Those who work in the new field of neuropsychology need flawless writing skills, so they can clearly document and disseminate information, but also strong oral communication skills, so they can effectively converse with staff, patients, families and the public. They need a full working knowledge of standard practices and procedures with the ability to apply them in varied situations. Neuropsychology professionals need to have the ability to collaboratively work in small teams that strive to improve operations by identifying issues and resolving them. A strong sense of customer service will allow them to provide quality services in respectful and professional ways. Lastly, being able to remain calm in stressful situations is a must for these professionals.
Related Resource: Developmental Psychology
Don’t forget that all careers in neuropsychology will require a license to practice, a post graduate degree and experience in behavioral health settings.
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