Neuropsychology technician: which jobs, which studies?

Neuropsychology studies the links between the brain and mental functioning: memory, attention, language, reasoning, emotions. It interests many psychology students. In France, neuropsychological assessments are carried out by specialised psychologists, but other posts exist around them, in research and clinical settings, notably for administering tests as part of protocols. This profile is part of our guide to careers in psychology.

What happens in neuropsychology?

Neuropsychology assesses and supports people whose cognitive functioning is impaired: after a stroke or head injury, in neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s, in epilepsy, or in children with neurodevelopmental disorders. It relies on standardised tests, interviews and observation.

Why the title does not officially exist in France

In France, neuropsychological assessment is carried out by psychologists holding a master’s degree specialised in neuropsychology. Unlike Canada or the United States, there is no recognised profession of « technician » administering tests under a neuropsychologist’s supervision. Support tasks do exist, however, under other titles.

The posts that come closest

Research assistant or study technician

In cognitive psychology and neuroscience laboratories, research assistants administer cognitive tasks to participants, collect and code data, and help organise experiments. These posts are often fixed-term contracts linked to a research project.

Clinical research technician or associate

In hospitals, clinical research technicians and associates organise trials and studies: enrolling participants, collecting data, ensuring protocols are followed. In neurology or psychiatry studies, they may help collect cognitive measures according to the protocol.

Psychologist specialised in neuropsychology

To carry out assessments and treatment yourself, you must become a psychologist, with a master’s degree in psychology specialised in neuropsychology. This title is protected by law.

Skills and qualities of a neuropsychology technician

These posts require rigour, precision in following instructions, ease with sometimes vulnerable participants, organisation and a taste for data. Knowledge of statistics and data collection tools is a strong asset.

Studies and training to become a neuropsychology technician

No diploma is required for research support posts, but neuropsychological assessment itself is reserved for psychologists. In practice, research assistant posts are open from a bachelor’s or master’s degree in psychology or neuroscience. Clinical research posts often require specific training (a university diploma in clinical research or a master’s in health).

Studying at ESPÉ

ESPÉ’s programmes prepare for research support posts: the Bachelor in Psychology includes courses in cognitive psychology, neuroscience and research methods.

Pay and working conditions of a neuropsychology technician

Pay depends on status: research contracts in universities and public bodies, hospital pay scales for clinical research, private-sector salaries in health companies.

Career prospects for a neuropsychology technician

These posts are often a stepping stone: they let you discover research, build an application for a master’s or a PhD, or move on to coordinating clinical studies.