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Neuropsychology

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What do neuropsychologists do? How do I become one? How much will I get paid? Where are jobs advertised? What if I'm a mature student? Where do I find out more?

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What do neuropsychologists do?

The clinical side of neuropsychology overlaps with academic neuropsychology, which provides a scientific understanding of the relationship between brain and neuropsychological function. This in turn helps form the basis for assessment and rehabilitation of people with brain injury, or other neurological disease. Neuropsychologists work with people of all ages with neurological problems, which might include traumatic brain injury, stroke, toxic and metabolic disorders, tumours and neuro-degenerative diseases. Neuropsychologists require not only general clinical skills and knowledge of the broad range of mental health problems, but also a substantial degree of specialist knowledge in the neurosciences. Specialist skills are required in the assessment of neurological patients, and rehabilitation encompasses a broad range of specialist behavioural and cognitive interventions not only for the client, but also for the client's family and carers. Neuropsychologists are also to be commonly found in the management of rehabilitation facilities, and in individual case management. Leadership of multidisciplinary rehabilitation teams is frequently part of their clinical role.

Neuropsychologists most commonly work in:

Acute settings: working alongside neurosurgeons and neurologists and the allied disciplines, usually in a regional neurosciences centre. They are concerned with the early effects of trauma, neurosurgery and neurological disease

Rehabilitation centres: providing post-acute assessment, training and support for people who have sustained brain injury, or who have other neurological problems. The neuropsychologist will play a central role in the multidisciplinary team which aim to maximise recovery, minimise disability, and prepare the client for return to the community or to a residential placement.

Community services: performing a similar role as above but support those who have returned to community living

Experienced neuropsychologists also commonly act as expert witnesses for the Courts, and research is an important aspect of neuropsychological practice.

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How do I become one?

• You will need to have a psychology degree level qualification that gives eligibility for the Graduate Basis for Registration (GBR)
• You will then need to go on to postgraduate training that gives eligibility for gaining Registration as a Chartered Psychologist. This would normally be in clinical or educational psychology.
• It would then be necessary to complete an additional Society accredited course in Neuropsychology. This would be 2 years part time. Alternatively, you can take the Society's Practioner Full Membership Qualification (PFMQ)
• No funding available - enquire from the courses about possibilities for financial assistance

How much will I get paid?

Neuropsychologists may be employed within the NHS, and also in the independent sector within both private and non-for-profit charitable organisations. Pay is on the same scales as clinical psychologists. However, many senior neuropsychologists substantially supplement their income by undertaking private medicolegal consultancy as expert witnesses in personal injury cases.

Where are jobs advertised?

• In Psychologist Appointments, which is part of The Psychologist, the Society's monthly publication.
• In the National Press, e.g. The Times, The Guardian, The Independent
• In specialist publications, e.g. The DoH Website

What if I'm a mature student?

• Mature students often ask us if their age will prevent them from succeeding in a psychology career. You can find out more information under the Change of Career section of the website.

Where do I find out more?

• DON: the Division of Neuropsychology of the BPS. Access to publications, conferences, and special interest groups and chat rooms with membership.
• Contact us: request form for further specific information.