Clinical Neuropsychologists
19-3039.03
Bright Outlook Updated 2023

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Assess and diagnose patients with neurobehavioral problems related to acquired or developmental disorders of the nervous system, such as neurodegenerative disorders, traumatic brain injury, seizure disorders, and learning disabilities. Recommend treatment after diagnosis, such as therapy, medication, or surgery. Assist with evaluation before and after neurosurgical procedures, such as deep brain stimulation.

Sample of reported job titles: Aviation Neuropsychologist, Clinical Neuropsychologist, Neuropsychologist, Neuropsychology Medical Consultant, Pediatric Neuropsychologist, Staff Psychologist

Occupation-Specific Information

Tasks

  • Compare patients' progress before and after pharmacologic, surgical, or behavioral interventions.
  • Conduct neuropsychological evaluations such as assessments of intelligence, academic ability, attention, concentration, sensorimotor function, language, learning, and memory.
  • Consult with other professionals about patients' neurological conditions.
  • Design or implement rehabilitation plans for patients with cognitive dysfunction.
  • 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.
  • Diagnose and treat neural and psychological conditions in medical and surgical populations, such as patients with early dementing illness or chronic pain with a neurological basis.
  • Diagnose and treat pediatric populations for conditions such as learning disabilities with developmental or organic bases.
  • Diagnose and treat psychiatric populations for conditions such as somatoform disorder, dementias, and psychoses.
  • Distinguish between psychogenic and neurogenic syndromes, two or more suspected etiologies of cerebral dysfunction, or between disorders involving complex seizures.
  • Educate and supervise practicum students, psychology interns, or hospital staff.
  • Establish neurobehavioral baseline measures for monitoring progressive cerebral disease or recovery.
  • Identify and communicate risks associated with specific neurological surgical procedures, such as epilepsy surgery.
  • Interview patients to obtain comprehensive medical histories.
  • Participate in educational programs, in-service training, or workshops to remain current in methods and techniques.
  • Provide education or counseling to individuals and families.
  • Provide psychotherapy, behavior therapy, or other counseling interventions to patients with neurological disorders.
  • Read current literature, talk with colleagues, and participate in professional organizations or conferences to keep abreast of developments in neuropsychology.
  • Write or prepare detailed clinical neuropsychological reports, using data from psychological or neuropsychological tests, self-report measures, rating scales, direct observations, or interviews.
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Experience Requirements

Job Zone

Title
Job Zone Five: Extensive Preparation Needed
Education
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SVP Range
(8.0 and above)

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Worker Characteristics

Interests

Interest code: IS
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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.
  • 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.

Workforce Characteristics

Wages & Employment Trends

Median wage data for Psychologists, All Other.
Employment data for Psychologists, All Other.
Industry data for Psychologists, All Other.
Median wages (2022)
$51.16 hourly, $106,420 annual
State wages
Local wages
Employment (2022)
56,300 employees
Projected growth (2022-2032)
Faster than average (5% to 8%)
Projected job openings (2022-2032)
3,900
State trends
Top industries (2022)

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics 2022 wage data and 2022-2032 employment projections . “Projected growth” represents the estimated change in total employment over the projections period (2022-2032). “Projected job openings” represent openings due to growth and replacement.

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