A neuropsychologist is trained to assess and treat people who experience difficulties with memory, concentration, planning, language, reasoning, and other aspects of learning and understanding.
What Does a Neuropsychologist Do?
Neuropsychologists research and treat nervous system disorders. They evaluate patients after an injury or illness, conduct assessments to determine how the patient’s brain works, and diagnose conditions like Alzheimer’s disease and traumatic brain injuries. Neuropsychologists may also develop cognitive rehabilitation plans or other treatments for patients.
What is the starting salary for a neuropsychologist?
An early career Neuropsychologist with 1-4 years of experience earns an average total compensation (includes tips, bonus, and overtime pay) of C R 1370818.45 based on 14 salaries. A mid-career Neuropsychologist with 5-9 years of experience earns an average total compensation of C R 1339866.83 based on 5 salaries.
What is the job of a neuropsychologist?
Neuropsychologists are concerned with the relationship between behavior and both normal and abnormal brain functioning. They specialize in studying brain-behavior relationships and have extensive training in the anatomy, physiology, and pathology of the nervous system.
Four Steps to Becoming a Neuropsychologist In South Africa
Complete a Degree
Future neuropsychologists must earn a bachelor’s degree as the first step in their educational training. Most aspiring neuropsychologists major in psychology or a closely related field.
During an undergraduate degree, psych majors learn about neuroanatomy, brain-behavior disorders, and psychological research. Students may also take specialized courses in neuropsychology or neuroscience.
Earn a Graduate Degree
Neuropsychologists must hold a related doctorate to apply for licensure. Some neuropsychologists earn a master’s degree before applying to doctoral programs.
This step can help graduate students specialize their training and gain admission to a competitive doctoral program.
Earning a master’s in psychology generally takes two years, while a doctorate in neuropsychology can take an additional 3-5 years to complete.
Earn a State Licensure
In every state, psychologists who treat patients must hold a license to practice. Although licensure requirements vary by state, most states require a doctoral degree from an accredited psychology program, passing scores on a psychology exam, and around 2,000 hours of supervised experience.
Because the licensure process varies by state, prospective neuropsychologists should carefully research the requirements in their state. Neuropsychologists who specialize in research or pursue academic positio ns may not need a license.
Maintain Certification
Licensed psychologists must maintain their credentials. Many states set continuing education requirements for licensure renewal. Professional organizations often provide continuing education opportunities for members.
Components of a Successful Neuropsychologist Career: Skills, Credentials, Tools, and Technology
Skills
Excellent Communication
Whether it’s conveying instructions to a patient or explaining an idea to a colleague, being able to communicate effectively is extremely important. This includes not only in speaking and presenting ideas, but writing them succinctly as well.
Strong Research
Neuropsychology is a research-driven field. This means most neuropsychologists must be able to create and administer research studies. Even those who don’t engage in much research will need research skills to be able to properly understand and interpret data from other researchers
Critical Thinking
Being able to interpret and analyze data, as well as design and conduct research, requires critical thinking skills and being able to take unconventional approaches to problems or issues. Critical thinking is also useful in translating recently discovered ideas to practical applications.
Credentials
State licensure
Neuropsychologists must have state licensure in order to practice as a psychologist. State licensure is also needed for certification. Each state will have its own licensure requirements, but minimum requirements usually include a doctoral degree, several years of relevant experience and passage of the Examination for Professional Practice of Psychology.
Certification
One of the most widely recognized certifications for neuropsychologists is given by the American Board of Clinical Neuropsychology (ABCN). Certification requirements are intense and require a doctorate degree, completion of an APA certified internship, state licensure, documented didactics, several years of postdoctoral training, approval of two practice samples and passage of ABCN written and oral examinations.
Tools
What subjects are needed to become a neuropsychologist in South Africa?
The path to becoming a neuropsychologist begins with obtaining a Bachelor’s Degree, preferably with a major in Psychology, followed by an Honours Degree in Psychology. Alternatively, you could do a four-year Bachelor of Psychology Degree (which has a “built-in” Honours equivalent).
How many years does it take to become a neuropsychologist In South Africa?
Becoming a neuropsychologist takes at least 10 to 15 years of education and training after high school. Board licensing requires professionals to have completed a PhD or PsyD and at least two years worth of internship hours.
What is a neuropsychologist salary in South Africa?
ZAR 785,218 a year
The average pay for a Neuropsychologist is ZAR 785,218 a year and ZAR 378 an hour in Cape Town, South Africa. The average salary range for a Neuropsychologist is between ZAR 552,706 and ZAR 984,559. On average, a Doctorate Degree is the highest level of education for a Neuropsychologist.
How long does it take to become a neuropsychologist in South Africa?
If you are already a psychologist and have had five years of experience in the field of neuropsychology before 15 November 2019, there is a window period in the years 2020 and 2021 in which you can apply to be considered to register as a neuropsychologist.
Is a neuropsychologist a doctor In South Africa?
Neuropsychologists have doctoral degrees in psychology and hold state licensure to practice. Earning a doctoral degree in psychology usually takes four to seven years. Their education doesn’t end once they earn their degrees, however. Aspiring neuropsychologists also complete post-doctoral training in neuropsychology.
What skills do you need to be a neuropsychologist In South Africa?
There are many skills neuropsychologists must develop over years of study and practice in order to be successful, including:
Thinking Critically.
Clarity when Speaking and Superb Listening.
Writing and Documentation.
Problem Solving.
Monitoring and Awareness.
Interpretation and Analysis.
Willingness to Learn.
What should I major in if I want to be a neuropsychologist In South Africa?
Most aspiring neuropsychologists major in psychology or a closely related field. During an undergraduate degree, psych majors learn about neuroanatomy, brain-behavior disorders, and psychological research. Students may also take specialized courses in neuropsychology or neuroscience.
What should I major in if I want to be a neuropsychologist?
Most aspiring neuropsychologists major in psychology or a closely related field. During an undergraduate degree, psych majors learn about neuroanatomy, brain-behavior disorders, and psychological research. Students may also take specialized courses in neuropsychology or neuroscience.
Is there neuropsychology in South Africa?
Neuropsychology is a burgeoning field in South Africa, emulating global trends. Neuropsychological assessments are being recognized as essential tools of assessment and diagnosis of brain-related injuries and illnesses.
What does a neuropsychologist do in South Africa?
A neuropsychologist is a psychologist with knowledge on the brain and the manner in which it regulates our behavior. A neuropsychologist can assist in the identification and adjustment to brain-related difficulties, such as personality change, memory-, attention-, and reasoning difficulties amongst various others.