Neuropsychologists
What is a Neuropsychologist?
Neuropsychologists are specialized psychologists who focus on the relationship between the brain and behavior. They assess and treat individuals who may have cognitive and emotional difficulties resulting from brain injuries, neurological disorders, or developmental conditions. By combining principles of psychology and neuroscience, neuropsychologists conduct detailed assessments using a variety of tests to evaluate cognitive functioning, including memory, attention, problem-solving, and language skills. Their findings help guide diagnosis, treatment planning, and rehabilitation efforts for conditions such as traumatic brain injury, stroke, Alzheimer’s disease, epilepsy, and learning disabilities. Neuropsychologists also work collaboratively with other healthcare professionals and may engage in research to further understand the complexities of brain-behavior relationships.
Tasks
- Conduct neuropsychological evaluations such as assessments of intelligence, academic ability, attention, concentration, sensorimotor function, language, learning, and memory.
- Write or prepare detailed clinical neuropsychological reports, using data from psychological or neuropsychological tests, self-report measures, rating scales, direct observations, or interviews.
- Interview patients to obtain comprehensive medical histories.
- Diagnose and treat conditions involving injury to the central nervous system, such as cerebrovascular accidents, neoplasms, infectious or inflammatory diseases, degenerative diseases, head traumas, demyelinating diseases, and various forms of dementing illnesses.
- Establish neurobehavioral baseline measures for monitoring progressive cerebral disease or recovery.
Technology Skills
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Analytical or scientific software
- IBM SPSS Statistics
- Noldus Information Technology The Observer XT
- Statistical software
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Presentation software
- Microsoft PowerPoint
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Medical software
- BrainTrain Captain's Log
- Patient electronic medical record EMR software
- Psychological testing software
- The Tova Company Test of Variables of Attention
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Data base user interface and query software
- Database software
- Operational Data Store ODS software
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Spreadsheet software
- Microsoft Excel
Tools Used
- Cognitive or dexterity or perceptual or sensory evaluation or testing products
- Photocopiers
- Notebook computers
- Therapeutic pegboards or activity boards
- Galvanic or faradic stimulators
Knowledge
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Psychology
Knowledge of human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; psychological research methods; and the assessment and treatment of behavioral and affective disorders.
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Therapy and Counseling
Knowledge of principles, methods, and procedures for diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of physical and mental dysfunctions, and for career counseling and guidance.
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English Language
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
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Education and Training
Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
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Customer and Personal Service
Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
Skills
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Active Listening
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
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Reading Comprehension
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
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Writing
Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
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Critical Thinking
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
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Judgment and Decision Making
Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Abilities
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Written Comprehension
The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
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Oral Comprehension
The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
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Oral Expression
The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
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Written Expression
The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.
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Inductive Reasoning
The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
Education
How much education does a new hire need to perform a job in this occupation?
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Post-doctoral training
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Doctoral degree
Work Activities
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Processing Information
Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
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Getting Information
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
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Analyzing Data or Information
Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
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Making Decisions and Solving Problems
Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
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Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
Detailed Work Activities
- Administer standardized physical or psychological tests.
- Prepare scientific or technical reports or presentations.
- Diagnose neural or psychological disorders.
- Collect information from people through observation, interviews, or surveys.
- Counsel clients on mental health or personal achievement.
Work Interests
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Investigative
Work involves studying and researching non-living objects, living organisms, disease or other forms of impairment, or human behavior. Investigative occupations are often associated with physical, life, medical, or social sciences, and can be found in the fields of humanities, mathematics/statistics, information technology, or health care service.
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Social
Work involves helping, teaching, advising, assisting, or providing service to others. Social occupations are often associated with social, health care, personal service, teaching/education, or religious activities.
Job Outlook
Projected salary and job growth
$47450.0 - $157420.0
New job opportunities are likely in the future. : Average
Assessment
Related assessments and tests
No assessment available.