How to Become A Neurophysiologist In South Africa

Clinical neurophysiologists (CN) are doctors who investigate and diagnose disorders of the nervous system such as neuromuscular disease, nerve entrapments, epilepsy and ophthalmic disease.

What Does a Neuropsychologist Do?

It may seem obvious that the senses and thoughts that we experience are shaped in some way by the neural pathways and stimuli that run through our nervous system and into the brain. That much was old news to the Incas and the Sumerians, who not only noted that head injuries could affect thought and behavior, but came up with some rudimentary surgical techniques to deal with such problems.

What to study to become a neuropsychologist?

Neuropsychologists almost always need at least a doctoral degree in psychology, usually with a neuropsychology concentration, plus a year or more of supervised experience.

Does a neuropsychologist do surgery?

Neuropsychologists specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of the neurocognitive and behavioral effects of neurological disorders. That’s why neuropsychology is an important element in the practice of neurosurgery, especially when surgical procedures involve the brain.

Below are steps to Become A Neurophysiologist 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.

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.

Neuropsychologist Certifications & Licensure

All states require neuropsychologists to be licensed. Some states require additional certification and licensing to practice as a neuropsychologist. Requirements vary from state to state and are set by the state’s own licensing board.

Neuropsychologist board certification is obtained through the American Board of Clinical Neuropsychology (ABCN) and is completed through a rigorous credential review and testing process.

Typical work settings for neuropsychologist include universities, research labs, hospitals, mental health clinics, and pharmaceutical companies. Work duties can include:

Administering neurological tests to patients

Using test results to determine if a patient is suffering from neurological impairment

Recommending a course of treatment for patients with neurological impairments

Conducting clinical research on memory, brain function, language acquisition, and more

Testifying in court cases based on their assessments, findings, or research.

Working with pharmaceutical companies to develop drugs for neurological disorders

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.

How do you become a neurophysiologist In South Africa?

Eligibility Criteria. Students who have completed their 10 +2 education in science stream with Biology, Physics and Chemistry as their major subjects are eligible to apply for B.Sc. in Neurophysiology. A minimum aggregate score of 50% or more is desired for admission.

How do I 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).

What to study to become a neuropsychologist In South Africa?

Neuropsychologists almost always need at least a doctoral degree in psychology, usually with a neuropsychology concentration, plus a year or more of supervised experience.

How long does it take to become a Neuro Psychologist?

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 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.

Does a neuropsychologist do surgery In South Africa?

Neuropsychologists specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of the neurocognitive and behavioral effects of neurological disorders. That’s why neuropsychology is an important element in the practice of neurosurgery, especially when surgical procedures involve the brain.

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.

How long does it take to study neurology in South Africa?

Neuroscience The Bachelor of Health Sciences with Honours in the field of Neuroscience is a 1 year full-time degree, which introduces students to multiple neuroscience topics and research fields within the Faculty of Health Sciences, Science and the Humanities.