Neuropsychologist Career
Uploaded by CaseyP on Nov 07, 2016
Neuropsychologist Career
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Institution
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Outline
A. Definition of neuropsychology
1. Neuropsychology is the study of how the brain influences behavior and how various infirmities alter its function.
B. Role of Neuropsychologists
1. Behavioral assessment
2. Teaching in institutions of higher learning
3. Acting as professional witnesses in cases involving mental health
C. Skills required
1. A professional is required to have a post-graduate qualification to be licensed to practice
2. The required certification include either Ph.D. or PsyD
D. Benefits of being a neuropsychologist
1. Modest remuneration
2. Job satisfaction
3. Getting a chance to interact with individuals from different walks of life
E. Education requirement
1. A four-year university degree in biology, pre-med, psychology or neuroscience
2. A post graduate degree in psychology extending to a Ph.D. or PsyD and an addition one-year internship.
F. Goals of psychology
1. The goal of psychology is to understand human behavior
Career Description
Neuropsychology is that branch of psychology involved with how the brain influences an individual’s behavior and cognition. Professionals in neuropsychology focus on the ways in which brain injuries or illnesses interfere with a person’s cognitive functions and behaviors.
The human brain is the most complicated organ in the human body, often referred to as the master organ due to its role of regulating other bodily organs. It controls involuntary actions such as breathing, digestion, sensitivity, heartbeat among others. The brain also commands and leads human behavior and cognitive functions. For example, injury to any section of the brain is ground for body malfunction, or unusual behavior and thoughts. This presents the gap filled by clinical neuropsychologists, where they specialize in the relationship between the physical aspect of the brain and behavior (Semrud-Clikeman, 2016).
Since this is a fairly broad field, a clinical neuropsychologist is presented with a broad range of options when it comes to career choice. The first option is the direct treatment of patients in public/ private hospitals, specialty clinics or under home-based care arrangements. They may also work as teachers in institutions of higher learning, or researchers in various organizations. They are key parties in conducting inquiries aimed at studying the human brain and how its physical state influences human behavior and cognition. The causes, effects, and potential treatments also form an integral part of the research. They include complexities in memory, language, reading and learning, decision making and problem-solving and other behavioral or thinking abilities due to injury or illness. Other areas...