How to become a neuropsychologist in India (2024)

Neuropsychology is a connection between the mind and behavior. For those intrigued with the aid of the minute information of the human brain, a profession as a neuropsychologist gives a super route.

Neuropsychologists improve the quality of life and provide treatment for people with neurological disorders. They enhance the lives of those with neurological conditions by assisting. 

This field, which examines the genetic and environmental influences on mental fitness, is well-known for its high demand and lucrative opportunities. One of the areas of psychology that is expanding the fastest right now is neuropsychology. 

In this blog, you'll learn about this area how to become a neuropsychologist in India, and career opportunities after pursuing a neuropsychologist route.

What is Neuropsychology?

Professionals who study the connection between cognition and behavior in the brain are known as neuropsychologists and the study is called Neuropsychology. They differ from neurologists and neuroscientists as they are professionals with specialized education. 

Aspiring neuropsychology students receive training to handle challenging real-world scenarios brought on by unusual ideas and brain damage.

What does a Neuropsychologist do?

• One of the most important aspects of becoming a neuropsychologist is to administer and conduct different tests. These tests include personality, language assessment, mental exams as well as cognitive assessment. The test results provide information about the patient’s memory, attention, personality, and IQ.
• Neuropsychologists work with people of all age groups, including children, adults, and seniors. They do it by working with a multidisciplinary team.
• Neuropsychologists treat brain injuries that affect patients' cognitive functions such as untreated learning difficulties or early dementia symptoms. 

Types of Neuropsychologist

Here are some career options types of a neuropsychologist 

Clinical Psychologist

A Clinical Psychologist plays an important role in diagnosing and treating mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders. This professional involves counseling clients, assessing their condition, and monitoring progress. A career in Clinical Psychology involves working closely with clients to enhance mental health and provide education.

Child Psychologist

Specializing in young patients, a Child Psychologist conducts psychological tests and gives treatments to assist teenagers and adults in addressing various issues. This professional is dedicated to counseling young patients and helping them overcome mental challenges and disorders.

How to become a Neuropsychologist?

Here are the steps to become a Neuropsychologist in India**

Step 1: Pursue your undergraduate studies

Complete your undergraduate studies by meeting the criteria of eligibility of neuropsychologist in India, opting for a Bachelor's degree in Psychology, Neuroscience, or related fields. The program will cover essential topics like cognitive psychology, neuroscience, and research methodology.

Step 2: Complete Master’s degree

Pursue a Master's degree in Neuropsychology or Clinical Psychology to gain in-depth knowledge of the brain and behavior, a prerequisite for a career in neuropsychology.

Step 3: Pursue an Internship

Gain hands-on experience through internships at hospitals or clinics specializing in neurological conditions. This exposure involves assessing, diagnosing, and treating patients with brain injuries or disorders.

Step 4: Study Optional Doctorate Degree

Undertake an optional Ph.D. in Neuropsychology, involving a minimum of three years of research on the brain and behavior to gain expertise in the field.

Step 5: Get License

Obtain licensure from the Rehabilitation Council of India (RCI) by passing the RCI exam and meeting other requirements.

Step 6: Begin your Professional Career

After completing your neuropsychologist course, you can start applying to suitable jobs on Docthub where top recruiters enlist their job vacancies.

Top Colleges for Neuropsychology in India

Here are some of the best colleges for Neuropsychology in India and these neuropsychologist top universities are the way for your successful career in neuropsychology.

• All India Institute of Medical Science (AIIMS Delhi) - Delhi
• Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) - Manipal
• Amity University, New Delhi
• Christ University, Bangalore
• Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI), New Delhi
• Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh
• Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU), Delhi
• Lovely Professional University (LPU), Jalandhar
• Banaras Hindu University (BHU), Varanasi
• Chandigarh University, Chandigarh

Career Prospects of Neuropsychology

The career scope of a neuropsychologist is diverse and holds promising opportunities in various domains. Here are some of the neuropsychologist career opportunities:

Clinical Neuropsychologist: Specialized in assessing and addressing brain-related disorders, using diagnostic techniques like CT scans, MRI, and PET scans. They play a vital role in preventing and rectifying brain symptoms.

Forensic Neuropsychologist: Trained professionals contributing to legal matters, serving as witnesses in injury cases. In India, their demand is increasing, particularly in identifying individuals accused of crimes and supporting mental health defenses.

Cognitive Neuropsychologist: Focus on the relationship between the brain and functions such as memory, attention, perception, and more. They engage directly with patients, providing counseling programs to address various cognitive aspects.

Pediatric Neuropsychologist: Specialized in assessing brain and behavior in newborns and children, identifying brain damage and functional disorders. They offer counseling sessions to children, parents, and teachers, guiding them on growth while dealing with disorders.

Neuropsychologists in India can work across diverse settings, including hospitals, clinics, research institutes, and universities.

You can also find Neuropsychologist jobs on Docthub and apply to them directly.

In India, neuropsychologist pay depends upon factors like experience, job title, and location. On average, neuropsychologists can expect to earn an annual salary ranging from INR 4 to 5 lakhs.

The career scope for neuropsychologists is dynamic, offering avenues for specialization, research, and meaningful contributions to the understanding and treatment of neurological conditions.

Start your neuropsychologist career by applying to top jobs in India from Docthub.com

FAQs

1. What Is Neuropsychology?

Neuropsychology is a field of psychology that explores the relationship between the brain's structure and function and how it impacts cognition, behavior, and emotion.

2. How to become a neuropsychologist in India after 12th?

To become a neuropsychologist in India after the 12th, you can pursue a neuropsychology undergraduate course followed by a postgraduate course.

3. What qualification is required to be a Neuropsychologist?

Some of the general qualifications that are required to be a Neuropsychologist are that students must complete their 12th standard in the Science stream and the major subjects have to be Biology, Chemistry, and Physics.

4. What is the difference between a neuropsychologist and a neurologist?

While both neuropsychologists and neurologists study the brain, neuropsychologists focus on the relationship between the brain and behavior, whereas neurologists diagnose and treat neurological disorders.

5. What is the scope of practice for a neuropsychologist?

The scope of practice for a neuropsychologist involves assessing and treating cognitive and behavioral issues resulting from neurological conditions, injuries, or disorders.