How to Become a Neuropsychologist: Your Complete Guide to Degrees & Careers in Neuropsychology
To become a neuropsychologist, you need a doctoral degree (PhD or PsyD) in psychology with a neuropsychology specialization (8-10 years total education), one year of postdoctoral supervised experience, state licensure by passing the EPPP exam, and optional board certification through the American Board of Clinical Neuropsychology. The median salary is $106,420 per year, with positions available in hospitals, research facilities, universities, and private practices combining clinical work with neuroscience research.
Neuropsychology careers involve the study of how the physical function of the brain and nervous system impacts thoughts and behaviors. To put it in terms anyone can understand, neuropsychology blends the distinct fields of neurology (the study of the brain's hardware) and psychology (the software running in the mind).
That makes it an exciting field full of potential, leading to groundbreaking research and innovative treatment methods. It's also one of the most complex specializations in psychology. You'll need dedication and strong academic performance if you're considering a career in neuropsychology.
It's a seriously challenging career path, but it comes with substantial rewards.
What Does a Neuropsychologist Do?
It may seem evident that the senses and thoughts we experience are shaped by neural pathways and stimuli running through our nervous system into the brain. Ancient civilizations like the Incas and Sumerians recognized that head injuries could affect thought and behavior, and they developed rudimentary surgical techniques. Descartes took the idea into philosophy with "I think, therefore I am."
But it took modern science to put the two together.
Neuropsychology is the field that ties together the thoughts and perceived experiences of the human mind with the brain structures and electrical impulses that generate them. They study both the anatomical and electrical features of the brain and nervous system, as well as the thoughts and behaviors that appear linked to those features.
Neuropsychologists work in diverse settings. They often work in hospital settings, assisting patients with traumatic brain injury or central nervous system diseases as they work through accompanying mental challenges. They're also well-represented in research, tracing connections and determining what parts of the brain are critical to different aspects of higher thought.
They may spend much of their day assessing patients for mental deficits or treating the psychological effects of neurological conditions. Other neuropsychologists engage in frequent experimentation, designing studies to examine how mind and body interact.
| Psychologist Educational Track | School Programs | Average Education Length | Choosing Online or Campus |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Earn a Bachelor's Degree | View Programs | 4 Years | Online or Campus |
| 2. Earn A Master's Degree | View Programs | 2 Additional Years | Online or Campus |
| 3. Earn a PhD or PsyD | View Programs | 2-4 Additional Years | Online or Campus |
How To Become a Neuropsychologist in 5 Steps
If that all sounds complex, you're right. Neuropsychology is a challenging specialization to enter and even tougher to master. Clinical neuropsychology is recognized as one of the American Psychological Association's (APA) specialty fields. That means the required expertise for this area is beyond what the average psychologist is expected to have.
How do you get that knowledge and expertise? It takes five steps, but those steps can take you a decade to complete.
1. Neuropsychology Degree – Earning a Master's or PhD
It's clear by now that you need to load your brain with psychological and biological knowledge before you can dream about becoming a neuropsychologist. You can start that at the bachelor's degree level with a degree in psychology. Still, you'll definitely need an advanced degree if you want to do anything more than basic research assistance.
Master's in Neuropsychology
A master's degree in neuropsychology won't get you very far. Although it's possible to find these specialty programs, they won't qualify you for licensure in most states. They also don't include the advanced training in research and experimentation that's considered vital in neuropsychology studies.
PhD in Neuropsychology
Your best bet is to look for a PhD program in neuropsychology to get the education you need for your career. These degrees offer specific training in courses such as:
- Neuroanatomy
- Biopsychology
- Clinical neurology
- Neuropsychological assessment
- Qualitative and quantitative methods
They also include significant practicum and fieldwork experience to help you work with real-world data and patients. Perhaps most importantly, they include the requirement that you complete a doctoral project or dissertation. These culminating pieces of the doctoral program require significant original thinking and research in a subject of your choosing, and may take up to two or three years of your program to design, execute, and write. It's an intensive exercise designed to synthesize all the pieces of your education and demonstrate your value in the field.
You'll also want to pick a doctoral program that has been fully accredited by the APA's Commission on Accreditation (COA). This specialty accreditation ensures you're getting the full range of psychological education you need to be a professional in the field. It's usually a criterion for state licensing boards when determining whether to accept your degree during your license application process.
2. Experience in Neuropsychological Practice or Research
While you'll get plenty of hands-on experience as a doctoral student, either assisting in research efforts or conducting clinical practice under the watchful eyes of licensed psychologists, you'll need more to get a license as a neuropsychologist.
Most states require at least a year of postdoctoral field experience, and sometimes more. Neuropsychology is a specialization that relies heavily on experimental and research work. Even if you plan to work on the academic side, which doesn't require a license, you'll probably want to strengthen your postdoc CV with additional real-world experience.
Neuropsychology fellowships are one path to that experience. Unlike many psychology fellowship programs, which often last only one year, these programs often last two years. But you can absorb enormous amounts of experience and hands-on expertise during that period, working with cutting-edge science and some of the leading professionals in both neurology and neuropsychology.
3. Become Licensed as a Psychologist
Licensure is required in every state and Washington, D.C., for anyone who plans to offer clinical therapy as a psychologist. Not all neuropsychologists fall into this category, but many do. Even those not engaged in direct clinical practice might need a license to conduct some of the research that's common in the field. Plan on getting permits on your way to becoming a neuropsychologist.
You've already completed most requirements to earn this license in steps one and two. You got the required specialty-accredited doctoral degree. The board will demand it. You put in your hours of practical experience under supervision and developed your hands-on diagnostic and treatment skills.
But there's one more challenge ahead for licensure: the EPPP, or Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology. Every state psychology licensing board requires this test. It's the last major obstacle you'll face to becoming an independent neuropsychologist.
Some state boards also include smaller, more specific tests on state laws and procedures. You'll almost certainly go through a criminal background check. For detailed information on your state's specific requirements, consult our state-by-state psychologist licensing guide.
4. Get a Job as a Neuropsychologist
We've been telling you how tough neuropsychology is as a specialty practice, and that means at this point you're part of a pretty elite group among all psychologists.
The National Academy of Neuropsychology, a professional group for neuropsychologists, has only 3,000 members globally.
Breakthroughs in neurological imaging and other discoveries in brain science are driving new connections between psychology and neurology. It's also partly driven by the demographics of the United States' aging population. According to the Census Bureau, the Baby Boom generation, one of the largest population cohorts ever, will be entirely over 65 by 2030. That's exactly the age range where neurological issues like dementia and memory loss start appearing. This will fuel strong, ongoing demand for neuropsychology specialists for the foreseeable future.
5. Become Professionally Certified as a Neuropsychologist
Finally, you should consider earning a professional certification in neuropsychology. The American Board of Professional Psychology is a national certification body that includes the American Board of Clinical Neuropsychology (ABCN) among its specialty boards. The Board focuses on clinical applications of neuropsychology. Still, it also offers verification and endorsement of your knowledge and skills in the field, which will be a mark of distinction regardless of your practice area.
Board certification is the ultimate stamp of approval on your qualifications as a neuropsychologist.
It's not an easy credential to get, however. Even if you've already earned your doctorate, completed an APA-accredited internship, and become state-licensed as an independent clinical psychologist, there are some hoops to jump through:
- You must have documented training in 8 core areas of neuropsychology knowledge, including functional neuroanatomy, neuroscience, and neuropathology
- Have taken at least half of your hours of postdoctoral training in a clinical neuroscience setting
- Pass rigorous written and oral examination, Board
Board certification is the final significant step to show you've made it as a professional neuropsychologist. As of 2025, there were only 1,399 board-certified clinical neuropsychologists holding jobs in the United States. In some sense, all of them contribute to pushing the boundaries of what's possible in neuropsychology.
Neuropsychologist vs. Clinical Psychologist: Key Differences
Many students wonder about the differences between neuropsychology and clinical psychology. While both fields involve working with patients, there are essential distinctions in focus, training, and career paths.
| Aspect | Neuropsychologist | Clinical Psychologist |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Focus | Brain-behavior relationships, cognitive function, and neurological disorders | Mental health disorders, emotional issues, behavioral problems |
| Education Required | PhD/PsyD with neuropsychology specialization (8-10 years) | PhD/PsyD in clinical psychology (6-8 years) |
| Postdoctoral Training | Often 2 years in a neuropsychology fellowship | Typically, 1 year in a clinical setting |
| Primary Assessment Tools | Neuropsychological tests, cognitive assessments, and brain imaging interpretation | Psychological tests, diagnostic interviews, behavioral assessments |
| Common Work Settings | Hospitals, research facilities, VA centers, neurology clinics | Private practices, mental health clinics, hospitals, schools |
| Typical Patient Conditions | Traumatic brain injury, dementia, stroke, epilepsy, and learning disabilities | Depression, anxiety, PTSD, personality disorders, relationship issues |
| Median Salary 2024 | $106,420 | $96,100 |
Both career paths require state licensure and offer rewarding opportunities to help people. If you're interested in learning more about clinical psychology careers, visit our comprehensive guide on how to become a clinical psychologist.
Work Settings and Career Options for Neuropsychologists
Healthcare facilities and universities are the natural habitat for neuropsychologists. The profession is tied to academia through its strong involvement in research. On the clinical side, neuropsychologists are sought-after staff in hospitals, long-term care facilities, and clinics that specialize in various neurological issues.
You can also subspecialize as a neuropsychologist, taking on treatment of pediatric or geriatric patients as your focus, or focusing on certain kinds of neuropsychological damage or disorders, such as traumatic brain injury. That's true whether you work on the academic or clinical side. Many neuropsychologists are involved in both research and treatment, since much is learned from actual cases.
Initially, neuropsychologists mainly worked in hospital settings, starting in VA centers, where those in the military during WWII had sustained head injuries in combat. Since then, as medical and mental health communities have come to understand better the connection between brain functioning, behavioral and emotional health, and the general health of the rest of our bodies, the role of neuropsychologists in hospitals has expanded to physical medicine and rehabilitation, neurology, neurosurgery, oncology, and other medical services.
Some hospitals employ neuropsychologists to work with inpatients. Other hospitals and clinics employ neuropsychologists on an outpatient basis to, for example, follow up with and monitor inpatients who have sustained concussions. With the availability of school neuropsychology certification, neuropsychologists specializing in the evaluation and treatment of children with learning difficulties are increasingly found in school settings. Other neuropsychologists work in private practice settings, where they may specialize in treating specific populations or offer additional care options to patients.
A Day in the Life of a Neuropsychologist
What does a typical day look like for a neuropsychologist? The answer depends on whether you work primarily in clinical practice, research, or both.
Clinical Neuropsychologists typically spend their days:
- Conducting assessments: Administering comprehensive neuropsychological tests that can take 2-6 hours per patient, evaluating memory, attention, language, visual-spatial skills, and executive functioning
- Reviewing medical records: Examining brain imaging results, medical history, and previous evaluations to understand the full context of a patient's condition
- Writing reports: Preparing detailed assessment reports with test results, interpretations, and recommendations for treatment or rehabilitation
- Consulting with medical teams: Meeting with neurologists, psychiatrists, and other healthcare providers to discuss patient care and treatment plans
- Patient feedback sessions: Explaining test results to patients and families, providing guidance on cognitive strengths and weaknesses
Research-focused neuropsychologists may spend their time:
- Designing studies: Developing research protocols to investigate brain-behavior relationships
- Collecting data: Running experiments, administering tests, and recording observations
- Analyzing results: Using statistical methods to interpret findings and draw conclusions
- Writing publications: Preparing manuscripts for peer-reviewed journals and presenting findings at conferences
- Securing funding: Writing grant applications to support ongoing research
- Teaching: If in an academic setting, instructing graduate students and supervising their research
Many neuropsychologists split their time between clinical and research activities, using insights from patient care to inform research questions and bringing research findings into clinical practice.
How Much Does a Neuropsychologist Make?
But it's not possible to say precisely how lucrative neuropsychology careers are, since specific salary data for neuropsychologists isn't tracked separately. Neuropsychologist salaries are tracked under the Bureau of Labor Statistics category "Psychologists, All Other," an unclassified grouping that includes a range of specialized roles outside conventional clinical, counseling, and school psychology. According to BLS data, the median salary for this category was $106,420.
You can see how neuropsychologists might stand out from the crowd by looking at data specific to different industries of psychological practice. The average salary in scientific research and development services for this category of psychologists, for example, is $115,750. In general and medical surgical hospitals, that number is $95,810.
Salary by Experience Level:
- Entry-level (0-2 years): $70,000-$85,000
- Mid-career (3-6 years): $90,000-$110,000
- Experienced (7-12 years): $110,000-$130,000
- Senior (13+ years): $130,000-$150,000+
The top 10% of psychologists in this category can earn more than $138,860 per year. Getting paid well is a matter of perspective. From most perspectives, all psychologists earn competitive salaries, and neuropsychologists, who study some of the most complicated aspects of psychology and neurology, are no exception.
Factors Affecting Neuropsychologist Salaries:
- Geographic location: Major metropolitan areas typically offer higher salaries to match the cost of living
- Work setting: Private practice and research institutions often pay more than hospitals or clinics
- Board certification: ABCN certification can increase earning potential by 15-25%
- Subspecialization: Certain specialties, like forensic neuropsychology, may command premium rates
- Research funding: Academic neuropsychologists with grant funding can supplement their salaries
Networking Opportunities and Organizations
The American Psychological Association (APA) has a Neuropsychology Division that provides information on the field in general, as well as opportunities to network with other professionals interested in general neuropsychology or practice with special populations, e.g., pediatrics and geriatrics. The APA Neuropsychology Division also has several online listservs, specific to areas of interest, that are helpful for networking with other professionals. Other organizations include:
- The National Academy of Neuropsychology (NAN)
- The International Neuropsychology Society (INS)
"The impact of neuropsychologists continues to grow as the medical community comes to discover and accept an undeniable connection between how brain functions impact behavior."
– Lee Ann Grisolano, PhD
Continuing Education for Neuropsychologists
There are a variety of sources for neuropsychologists to further their education. The International Neuropsychological Society offers courses, including Oversimplification in the Study of Emotional Memory, Impairments in Social Cognition Following Severe Traumatic Brain Injury, and Neuropsychology and Clinical Neuroscience of Persistent Post-Concussive Syndrome. The American Psychological Association also offers courses suitable for neuropsychologists seeking continuing education.
Frequently Asked Questions About Becoming a Neuropsychologist
What qualifications do you need to be a neuropsychologist?
Neuropsychologists almost always need at least a doctoral degree in psychology, usually with a neuropsychology concentration, plus a year or more of supervised experience. To practice clinically, they need to apply for a state license and pass the EPPP (Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology). The test is a comprehensive 225-question exam developed by the Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards (ASPPB) that covers every aspect of psychological education and skills, from biology to ethics to assessment.
How many years does it take to become a neuropsychologist?
The path to a doctoral degree includes four years earning a bachelor's degree and another four to seven years working toward the doctorate itself (which may or may not contain two years for a master's). It's typical to take another year or two in internships or fellowships, getting the supervised experience required for licensure and additional training specific to neuropsychology. All told, you're looking at anywhere from 10 to 13 years total.
Do you have to go to med school to be a neuropsychologist?
No. Neuropsychologists are not medical doctors and can't prescribe medications or operate on patients. Although they investigate the brain and nervous system, they do so with statistical or psychological methods that don't require a medical license. Neuropsychiatrists are qualified and licensed medical doctors with psychological training. Neuropsychiatrist salaries are generally higher than those of neuropsychologists, but so is the cost of their education.
Do neuropsychologists get paid well?
Yes, neuropsychologists earn competitive salaries. The median salary is $106,420 per year, with the top 10% earning more than $138,860 annually. Salary varies based on experience, location, work setting, and board certification status. Entry-level positions typically start at $70,000- $85,000, while experienced neuropsychologists with board certification can earn $130,000 or more.
What does a neuropsychologist do daily?
Daily activities depend on the work setting. Clinical neuropsychologists spend their days conducting comprehensive assessments (2-6 hours per patient), reviewing medical records and brain imaging, writing detailed reports, consulting with medical teams, and providing feedback to patients and families. Research-focused neuropsychologists design studies, collect and analyze data, write publications, secure grant funding, and teach graduate students.
What's the difference between a neuropsychologist and a clinical psychologist?
Neuropsychologists focus on brain-behavior relationships and cognitive function, working primarily with patients who have neurological conditions like traumatic brain injury, dementia, or stroke. Clinical psychologists focus on mental health disorders, emotional issues, and behavioral problems like depression, anxiety, and PTSD. Neuropsychologists require additional specialized training (typically 2-year fellowships) and use different assessment tools focused on cognitive and neurological functioning.
Can neuropsychologists prescribe medication?
No, neuropsychologists cannot prescribe medication. They are doctoral-level psychologists, not medical doctors. Only psychiatrists (medical doctors) and, in some states, specially trained clinical psychologists with prescriptive authority can prescribe medications. Neuropsychologists focus on assessment, diagnosis, and non-medical interventions like cognitive rehabilitation.
Where do neuropsychologists work?
Neuropsychologists work in various settings, including hospitals (especially neurology and rehabilitation departments), VA medical centers, university medical schools, research facilities, private practices, long-term care facilities, schools (as educational neuropsychologists), and forensic settings. Many split their time between clinical practice and research.
Is a career in neuropsychology at APA a promising career?
Yes, neuropsychology offers a rewarding career combining clinical work with scientific research. The field has strong job growth prospects due to an aging population with increased rates of dementia and neurological conditions. It offers intellectual challenges, competitive salaries, and the satisfaction of helping patients understand and cope with cognitive changes. However, it requires significant educational commitment and ongoing professional development.
What's the job outlook for neuropsychologists?
The job outlook is positive. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects growth in psychology careers, particularly for specialists in neuropsychology. Factors driving growth include an aging Baby Boomer population at higher risk for dementia and stroke, increased awareness of traumatic brain injuries (especially sports-related concussions), and advances in neuroimaging technology, creating new research and clinical opportunities.
Key Takeaways
- Education Required: Doctoral degree (PhD or PsyD) in psychology with neuropsychology specialization – 8-10 years total education from bachelor's to doctorate
- Licensing Essential: Must pass the EPPP exam and complete 1-2 years of postdoctoral supervised experience in all states for clinical practice.
- Competitive Salary: Median salary of $106,420 per year, with top 10% earning over $138,860 and experienced board-certified neuropsychologists earning $130,000+
- Growing Demand: Strong job outlook driven by aging population, increased awareness of brain injuries, and advances in neuroscience technology
- Diverse Work Settings: Opportunities in hospitals, research facilities, universities, VA centers, private practices, and schools – many positions combine clinical work with research
- Specialization Options: Can focus on pediatric neuropsychology, geriatric care, traumatic brain injury, forensic neuropsychology, or research-focused positions
- Board Certification Advantage: Optional ABCN certification demonstrates expertise and can increase earning potential by 15-25%
Ready to Start Your Neuropsychology Career?
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Additional Resources and Further Reading
- Stanford Neuropsychology Clinic
- National Academy of Neuropsychology
- International Neuropsychological Society
- Neuropsychology Central
- American Board of Clinical Neuropsychology
- Burke Rehabilitation & Research - Neuropsychology
2024 US Bureau of Labor Statistics salary figures and job growth projections for Clinical and Counseling Psychologists, Industrial-Organizational Psychologists, School Psychologists, and Psychologists-All Other are based on national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed October 2025.
