Are you fascinated by the intricacies of the nervous system and how it impacts our thoughts, movements, and overall well-being? If so, a career as a neurologist might be your calling!
As you learn more about how to become a neurologist, you’ll soon discover it requires tons of dedication. However, despite the challenges, many medical students find the journey incredibly rewarding. This field of medicine offers opportunities for sub specialization and the prospects of conducting research that could lead to groundbreaking discoveries.
If neurology interests you, I’ll provide everything you need to know to turn your passion for neuroscience into a fulfilling career. This guide highlights what you can expect from the journey ahead, including a step-by-step guide to the educational requirements and frequently asked questions.
This post is all about how to become a neurologist.
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Ultimate Guide: How To Become A Neurologist
What does a Neurologist do?
Neurologists are medical doctors who specialize in diagnosing and treating conditions affecting the brain, spinal cord, muscles, and peripheral nerves. They treat complex disorders ranging from headaches, migraines, seizures, and strokes to neurodegenerative diseases such as dementia, multiple sclerosis, and Parkinson’s disease. Most neurologists work in medical settings, including hospitals and outpatient clinics. They often work with patients of all ages, from children to seniors.
Neurologists perform initial exams to assess coordination, reflexes, and muscle strength to gain a clear understanding of how well your nervous system is functioning. They may use advanced diagnostic techniques, including MRI or CT scans, to spot abnormalities and tests such as electromyography or lumbar punctures to evaluate muscle and nerve issues. By piecing together these assessments, neurologists can identify and manage a variety of neurological conditions.
Neurologist vs. Neurosurgeon? What’s the difference?
Though both of these professionals deal with the nervous system, their roles and training are quite different!
A neurologist diagnoses and treats neurological disorders through medical management. They focus on conditions and disorders affecting the brain, spinal cord, and nerves. Their approach involves medication, therapy, and various non-surgical treatments to help manage these conditions. However, neurologists do not perform surgical procedures.
On the other hand, a neurosurgeon, as the name implies, specializes in performing surgery on the nervous system, including brain and spinal surgeries. So, if a patient requires surgical intervention, for example, removing a tumor or repairing a herniated disc, they would be referred to a neurosurgeon.
Becoming a neurosurgeon is quite the commitment. It typically involves around six years of residency after medical school, primarily to prepare for performing surgeries, compared to neurologists, who usually spend about three years in residency. As a result of the added training and experience, neurosurgeons generally command a significantly higher salary.
How Long Does It Take to Become a Neurologist?
Becoming a neurologist is a rewarding journey, but it does require a significant time investment. Here’s a quick breakdown of the timeline.
- Undergraduate Education: 4 years to earn your Bachelor’s degree.
- Medical School: 4 years of medical training.
- Intern/Transitional Year: 1 year of general clinical training.
- Neurology Residency: 3 years explicitly focused on neurology.
- Fellowship (Optional): 1-2 additional years if you choose to specialize further.
In total, you’re looking at approximately 12 to 14 years to become a fully practicing neurologist. It’s a long road, but your impact in this field may be well worth it!
What Education is Needed to Become a Neurologist?
So, what does it take to become a neurologist? I’ll walk you through the details of each educational step on this exciting journey.
1. Complete Your Undergraduate Requirements
Most medical schools require students to graduate with a Bachelor’s degree. Focus on biology, chemistry, and mathematics courses to build a solid foundational knowledge essential for medical studies. Maintain a lofty GPA and acquire valuable experiences to increase your chances of being accepted into the medical schools of your choice.
2. Take the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT)
In your junior year, prepare for and take the MCAT, a comprehensive (and behemoth) 7.5-hour standardized exam. This test evaluates your problem-solving abilities, critical thinking, and familiarity with critical natural, behavioral, and social science concepts. A score of around 511 or higher will boost your chances of acceptance into most medical schools.
3. Attend an Allopathic or Osteopathic Medical School
Enroll in a medical school with either an MD or a DO program. Medical school typically lasts four years. Traditionally, the first two years will focus on acquiring basic medical knowledge through lectures and lab work, which then lays the groundwork for your clinical education during the remainder of your education. However, some medical schools, including the University of Colorado, where I attend, use a hybrid approach in which you attend lectures and already get out into the field in our second year.
4. Obtain State Medical Licensure
To practice medicine, you’ll need to be licensed in the state where you complete your internship or residency. This involves passing the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) Step 1 and Step 2 for MD students or the COMLEX Level 1 and Level 2 for DO students. Ensure that your medical school is accredited to meet this requirement.
5. Complete a One-Year Internship
After medical school, all aspiring neurologists must undertake a one-year internship at a teaching hospital. This is often referred to as the “Intern Year.” Most students will complete their internships in internal medicine. Though you’ll also rotate through various departments to gain a broad range of exposure to different medical specialties.
6. Complete a Three-Year Neurology Residency Program
Once your internship is complete, you’ll enter a three-year residency program focused on the clinical aspects of neurology. During this time, you’ll strengthen your skills and knowledge while working closely with patients and engaging in lectures and discussions about real case reports.
7. Consider a Fellowship in a Neurology Subspecialty (Optional)
Some neurologists opt to further their education through a fellowship program. Fellowships, which can last up to four years, are highly competitive and usually available only to outstanding neurology residents. They allow for specialization in areas like epilepsy, stroke, or neuromuscular diseases.
8. Become Board Certified
While board certification isn’t required for licensure, it is necessary for most employers, including hospitals and clinics. To become board-certified in neurology, you’ll need to pass the certification exam. This is being administered by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology (ABPN).
How Hard Is It to Become a Neurologist?
As you can see, becoming a neurologist can be quite a journey. Also, it starts with gaining admission to medical school. This first hurdle can be incredibly challenging due to limited seats and fierce competition, resulting in low acceptance rates. So, put in the time and energy to do what it takes to present a well-rounded application that showcases a solid GPA, an impressive MCAT score, and meaningful extracurricular activities that highlight your dedication to the field.
Looking for step-by-step strategies to boost your chances of acceptance into medical school? Attend my upcoming workshop! I’ll provide the exact tips and insights that helped me land 10 medical school acceptances (despite a lower GPA):
Once you’re in medical school, the challenges continue, as students often report neurology as one of the more difficult specializations due to its intricate diagnoses and the foundational neuroscience concepts. However, as students gain more hands-on experience, they usually find that the complexities of neurology become more manageable. Plus, the opportunities are promising due to a growing demand for neurologists and a relative shortage of new professionals entering the field.
How Much Does It Cost to Become a Neurologist?
On average, the total cost of becoming a neurologist in the U.S. can reach around $360,966. This includes both undergraduate and medical school expenses.
When applying to medical school, you’ll encounter costs like application fees, which can add up quickly. Then, once you’re in medical school, the average tuition can range from about just below $40,000 for in-state students at public institutions to around $65,000 annually for out-of-state students at private schools. Also, factor in living expenses, textbooks, and other fees, which can significantly inflate your budget.
Once you graduate, you’ll enter a residency program that typically lasts four years, during which you will receive a salary. However, it’s going to be considerably lower than what you might expect as a fully qualified physician. These expenses, paired with a low wage initially, can lead to significant student debt. So plan accordingly and consider your financial situation throughout your training.
Nevertheless, keep in mind that there are numerous medical school scholarships and financial aid opportunities out there. These can make the investment into a career as a neurologist less daunting!
How To Save Money During Application
One way you can already save thousands of dollars is taking full control of your medical school application – so you only have to apply ONCE. The first time I applied, I had absolutely no idea what I was doing. I made so many unnecessary mistakes during the application cycle. I ended up with zero acceptances and had to go through the whole process again. This was not only very frustrating, but double my costs of applying which I would have gladly avoided! If you don’t want to leave anything to chance, my (very affordable) course Road to Acceptance gives you guidance for each and every step in the application process. So you can save thousands of dollars, hundreds of hours on research and make sure you maximize your chance of acceptance, right the first time.
Consider Shadowing a Neurologist to See If It’s Right for You
If you’re questioning whether a career as a neurologist could be the path for you, consider shadowing a physician in the field. It’s one of the best ways to determine if it’s the right fit for you. When I shadowed a doctor for the first time, it was life-changing. Suddenly, I could clearly see that I wanted a career in medicine.
For your journey, spending time with experienced neurologists can allow you to gain invaluable insight into their daily routines and the intricacies of patient interactions. As you shadow, focus on building rapport with the neurologist and ask thoughtful questions to make the most of your time.
Keep in mind that neurology is a non-surgical specialty that relies heavily on strong interpersonal skills. Neurologists dedicate a significant amount of time to communicating with and diagnosing patients who have complex neurological conditions. To thrive in this field, you’ll need to be open to cultivating qualities such as empathy, sincerity, and responsiveness.
To find shadowing opportunities, start by reaching out to local hospitals, clinics, or academic institutions. Use your network to connect with neurologists who might offer you a chance to observe their work. This experience will enhance your medical school applications by showing your commitment to the field and helping you make more informed decisions about your future.
FAQs
As you decide if becoming a neurologist is the right career for you, here are answers to a few of the most often-asked questions about this field of medicine.
What major do you need to become a neurologist?
While a relevant major can undoubtedly help, it’s not the only path to medical school. Many students opt for biology or chemistry because these subjects lay a great foundation, but there’s no one-size-fits-all requirement. Ultimately, what matters most is doing well in your coursework, taking all the required courses and preparing for the MCAT during your junior year.
What is the average neurologist’s salary?
As for the financial side of becoming a neurologist, as of August 2024, the average annual salary for neurologists in the United States is around $347,715, translating to about $167 per hour. However, depending on where you look, you’ll find some variation in this amount, as estimates tend to range from $255,510 to $360,000. The location can also significantly impact earnings. New York boasts the highest average salary at approximately $413,043, followed by Pennsylvania at $378,217 and New Hampshire at $369,842.
How many hours does a neurologist work daily?
When considering a career as a neurologist, it’s wise to consider the work hours. As you may have predicted, neurologists typically work long hours, often extending beyond the typical 9-to-5 schedule. Their daily hours can vary significantly based on factors including their specialty, the type of healthcare setting they’re in, and the specific needs of their patients. In your career, you’ll likely experience a mix of regular office hours along with on-call responsibilities. So, be prepared for a demanding yet still rewarding work life!
Final Thoughts on Becoming a Neurologist
As we wrap up our journey to becoming a neurologist, it’s clear that this path is both challenging and tremendously rewarding. The road to practicing neurology involves about 12 years of dedicated study and training, but for those who are passionate about the brain and its complexities, it’s so worth it.
With about 1 in 6 people affected by neurological disorders, the impact you can have on patients’ lives is profound. From managing chronic pain to diagnosing conditions that change lives, the role of a neurologist is filled with opportunities to make meaningful contributions to healthcare. If you’re drawn to this field, embrace your passion for neurology. You’ll be stepping into a vital role that can truly change lives!
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