Neuropsychology Career Information
Feb 3, 2015 | 9:00 am
Neuropsychology Career Information
Definition: The Neuropsychologist can be described as a professional who studies the brain and brain activity. He or she works with neurological outcome of behavior, cognition, and brain activity. They perform neurological testing on patients with different behavioral and personality disorders. They are also trained as physicians who run tests to find out how the brain works and if there is a remedy for a dysfunctional brain. Whereas a psychologist deals with the emotional impact of a child, the Neuropsychology professional focuses on the physical aspects of brain function. A Neuropsychologist helps other professional personnel by studying the brain activity and defects that can help other doctors diagnose and treat brain injury.
There are actually two different fields of Neuropsychology: The Clinical field and the Cognitive field of study. Each plays a different role in the profession, with different places to work and different functions when it comes to working with the brain.
Clinical Neuropsychology Career Information
Clinical Neuropsychologists work in the clinical or hospital setting running tests to find out how the brain is actually functioning and whether there is normal or abnormal brain dysfunction in patients. They help with the plan of treatment based on the diagnosis of brain injury, disease, or dysfunction. They can also work as consultants in schools, clinics, and with parents. There are usually two types of Clinical Neuropsychologists; those who treat children and those who treat adults.
A child Clinical Neuropsychologist can work in many capacities, including brain disorders, autism, brain tumors, mental retardation, ADHD, low birth rate, non-verbal learning disorders, Down’s Syndrome, and Cerebral Palsy.
An adult Clinical Neuropsychologist can work with such brain dysfunctional features such as Traumatic brain disorder, epilepsy, dementia, aging, Sports-related injuries, Parkinson’s Disease, Alzheimer’s disease, Multiple Sclerosis, and Depression.
Cognitive Neuropsychology Career Information
The Cognitive Neuropsychologist is more of a research-based part of the Neurology field. They study and diagnose abnormal brain function; however, they are not involved in the treatment plan of a patient. The Cognitive Neuropsychologist uses “real” patients to study abnormal brain dysfunction caused by a variety of circumstances such as birth defects, brain injured patients, and the elderly. They use a variety of tools and tests on the brain to research the function of an abnormal brain brought about by various conditions. Their studies of the brain give the Clinical Neuropsychologist information as to what might be causing a brain injury. The Clinical Neuropsychologist then uses that information to treat patients.
Both Neuropsychology fields work together to diagnose and treat patients using research and technology. A combination of tools and technology can give doctors more definitive diagnosis involving the brain and its structural make-up. The correct diagnoses are very important to the welfare of the patient with a brain disorder. It determines the course of treatment the patient will receive. Examples of technology used used to diagnose brain disorders include scans, MRI’s, real-time images, or PET scans. Once the pictures of the brain are studied, doctors can diagnose many brain disorders such as brain tumors, dementia, Alzheimer’s Syndrome, or mental illnesses such as bipolar disease. Based on their findings, doctors and medical staff can then formulate a treatment plan and work with the patient’s family on how this brain dysfunction will possibly affect family dynamics. It is also important to note that the sooner the patient is diagnosed, the better chance the patient may have in dealing with the diagnosis and get proper treatment.
In order to become either a Clinical Neuropsychologist or a Cognitive Neuropsychologist you will need to earn a Ph.D. in a related field. You will also need to pass state licensing tests. You will need to have certification with the American Board of Clinical Neuropsychology (ABCN) or the American Academy of Clinical Neuropsychology (AACN).
The field of medicine is constantly advancing, and a degree and training in the field will almost assure a position that is suited to each student’s particular interest and aptitude.