Neuropsychology Career Paper

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Biopsychology offers a variety of careers, specifically as a neuropsychologist. The job of a neuropsychologist is to examine how structural changes can have an effect on the brain, observing how nerves, neurotransmitters and brain processes influence, or change, behavior. Usually neuropsychologists deal with patients who have suffered from brain damage or who have neurological diseases. They may work with people who have traumatic brain injuries or those who have had strokes, tumors, toxic or metabolic disorders or neurodegenerative diseases. Typical responsibilities of a neuropsychologist are assessing and assisting those recovering from strokes, administering brain scans and other neurocognitive tests, consulting with pharmaceutical companies …show more content…
Before getting a masters or doctorate, one must have a bachelors degree in a study related to neuroscience, requiring four years (psychologyschoolguide). Most schools with graduate programs in neuropsychology prefer to admit applicants with undergraduate degrees in pre-med, psychology, or biology (psychologycareercenter.org). During the course of study, one should take courses in neuropsychology, neuroanatomy and neuropathology (alleydog.com) with course work also covering foundations of human behavior, psychopathology, psychological measurement, professional and ethical standards, and research methodologies (psychologistlicense.com). Most courses of study also require that students complete a certain amount of practicums with an internship, preferably with a practicing neuropsychologist (learnhowtobecome.org). Because of the amount of courses and need for practicum hours, it takes between three to seven years to complete a doctorate program in neuropsychology (psychologycareercenter.org). The schooling needed to become a neuropsychologist may be rigorous, but it is necessary in order to succeed in the areas of the workforce typical of this …show more content…
Some of these areas include research laboratories, colleges, universities, hospitals, medical clinics, mental health facilities, private clinics, consulting firms, and research offices at pharmaceutical companies. Within a research setting, such as a school or laboratory, neuropsychologists can explore the relationship between brain function and behavior. Another aspect of research a neuropsychologist can take part in is conducting research for drug companies on the effects of new drugs that are being developed. They would be able to investigate if a new drug has any harmful or helpful effects on the way the functionality and cognitive ability of the brain. In addition, neuropsychologists could look at how effective particular drugs are at reducing the effects of certain neurological disorders such as Alzheimer's and depression. Within a hospital setting, a neuropsychologist may be able to find a job in a regional neuroscience center working with those who are learning to live with the effects of trauma, neurosurgery or neurological disease (alleydog.com). Finally, they could work in rehabilitation centers helping to provide treatment to patients after the acute phase has passed. Neuropsychologists could conduct new assessments, to learn more about the

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