About This Career

Applies theories and principles of neuropsychology to evaluate and diagnose disorders of higher cerebral functioning, often in research and medical settings. Studies the human brain and the effect of physiological states on human cognition and behavior. May formulate and administer programs of treatment.

This career is part of the Human Services cluster Counseling and Mental Health Services pathway.

A person in this career:

• Conducts neuropsychological evaluations such as assessments of intelligence, academic ability, attention, concentration, sensorimotor function, language, learning, and memory.
• Writes or prepares detailed clinical neuropsychological reports, using data from psychological or neuropsychological tests, self-report measures, rating scales, direct observations, or interviews.
• Interviews patients to obtain comprehensive medical histories.
• Diagnoses and treats 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.
• Establishes neurobehavioral baseline measures for monitoring progressive cerebral disease or recovery.
• Provides education or counseling to individuals and families.
• Reads current literature, talks with colleagues, and participates in professional organizations or conferences to keep abreast of developments in neuropsychology.
• Diagnoses and treats pediatric populations for conditions such as learning disabilities with developmental or organic bases.
• Participates in educational programs, in-service training, or workshops to remain current in methods and techniques.
• Consults with other professionals about patients' neurological conditions.

Working Conditions and Physical Demands

People who do this job report that:

• You would sit most of the time. There's some walking and standing. You may have to lift and carry things like books, papers or tools weighing 10 lbs. or less.
• Work in this occupation requires being inside most of the time
• Work in this occupation involves sitting more than one-third of the time

Working in this career involves (physical activities):

• Seeing clearly up close
• Speaking clearly enough to be able to be understood by others
• Identifying and understanding the speech of another person

Work Hours and Travel

• Regular working hours and limited travel