How to Become a
Neurologist
A career as a Neurologist requires significant formal education and extensive training. You have come to the right place to learn about the education, job duties, salaries, certification and licensure to see if this is the right career for you.
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What Does a Neurologist Do?
Neurologists are licensed physicians who diagnose and treat patients with nervous system disorders. Some Neurologists may also work in research or as university professors. This career requires extensive medical training and may be a good choice for those with a passion for learning about and treating diseases that affect the brain, spinal cord and peripheral nervous system.
Neurologists generally work in hospitals, clinics or universities to treat patients, or conduct research or teach students. They diagnose and treat neurological disorders like stroke, dementia and neuromuscular diseases. As they are also clinicians, their jobs entail examining patients and possibly ordering and interpreting diagnostic tests in order to determine a diagnosis and corresponding treatment. As researchers, they may participate in clinical studies and write articles for medical journals as well as present findings at professional meetings. Some common Neurologist duties and responsibilities include:
Patient Examination and Treatment, neurologists may work with primary care physicians on a consulting basis when a patient has symptoms that suggest a neurological issue.
They would also need to counsel patients or others on the background of neurological disorders including risk factors, genetic or environmental concerns.
Some neurologists work in research, to develop and administer clinical trials to expand neurology knowledge.
It is important for Neurologists to remain current in their fields and remain certified, in order to provide their patients with the best care for brain and central nervous system disorders.
Neurologist Skills
Neurologists are highly motivated and dedicated people, they are specialists who work with some of the most difficult medical conditions under highly stressful situations. Neurologists work in hospitals, private practice or a combination of both. The basic work hours for neurologists in a clinical practice may vary depending on patient needs and issues. They work shifts, weekends and have on-call responsibilities. A typical day involves seeing patients and completing paperwork. Although it can be an emotionally demanding career it can also be highly rewarding. A typical day for a researcher might be morning conferences, checking in with your team in the morning and research or clinic visits in the afternoon, and checkout rounds. Some Neurologists may only work 4 days a week depending on the size of their team and their seniority.
Other key Neurologist skills include:
The intellectual capacity to apply concepts of neurological medicine
The ability to find solutions to problems, dealing with people and directing the work of others
A self-assured and a strong decision maker
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
Ability to empathize with others
Emotional strength and maturity
Able to work under pressure and have the stamina for work long hours
Strong ethics
How Do You Become a Neurologist
Education and Training
It is a rather lengthy process to become a Neurologist. It involves many years of concentrated schooling. For those who want to become a Neurologist they must begin by first completing a Bachelor's degree. Although there is no prescribed undergraduate degree, it is beneficial to major in a scientific field like biology, chemistry or physics. Alternatively one can choose to major in pre-med which is a degree that includes all the necessary subjects required to apply to a medical school.
Once you become a qualified medical practitioner, those who would like to specialize in neurology must complete a one-year internship gaining experience in many different areas of medicine. When the internship is complete, prospective Neurologists should complete a three year residency where they will learn more about neurology while working with patients under the supervision of a licensed Neurologist. This residency may include rotations in related specialties like behavioral neurology, multiple sclerosis and child neurology. After the residency is complete, clinical fellowship programs in neurology are available for those doctors who wish to further advance their specializations in areas like epilepsy and neuroscience.
Because the majority of employers prefer that Neurologists are board certified, prospective Neurologist candidates should consider certification by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology (ABPN). The ABPN offers a board certification to eligible Neurologists who have passed a written, multiple-choice exam. Becoming board certified shows a level of professionalism and instils confidence in patients.
All states in the U.S. require that physicians and surgeons, including neurologists be state licensed. To qualify for this state license, all education requirements should first be met preceded by an exam. Thereafter passing the U.S. Medical Licensing Examination will allow one to be nationally licensed.
Finding a job
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics employment opportunities for physicians and surgeons, including neurologists, are expected to increase by 14 percent through 2024. The job growth is much faster than the average for all occupations as medical doctors are in high demand. This projection is based on an increased demand for healthcare services by a growing and aging population.
A well-crafted resume that showcases your skills and experience is the first step in any successful job search. For guidance on creating a resume, take a look at our library of Neurologist resume samples.
The next step in your online search for Neurologist job opportunities is to look for job openings. As you do this remember to leverage the professional network you have built up during your internship or any relevant work experiences.
Do not underestimate the advantage a well-articulated cover letter can give you. A cover letter should express your interest in the position and highlight your qualifications and what you can bring to the role. If you need some cover letter inspiration, check out our collection of cover letter samples.
Insights from a Neurologist
The path towards a career as a Neurologist is a long road. Consider all aspects before making the decision. Get some insight into the daily life of a Neurologist in the next section.
What is the common career path for a Neurologist?
The first thing you need is a Bachelor's Degree in a related field. During this time you might want to consider being part of a shadowing program or volunteer which you can add to your resume later. The next step should be taking the MCAT, get into medical school and obtain a medical degree. Next, you should complete an internship or get into a Neurosurgical Residency Program. After completing a residency program your next objective should be to get certified and acquire a state license.
What should someone consider before becoming a Neurologist?
Being a Neurologist requires much patience and time. It can be challenging to find a balance between taking care of the patients and the management and productivity aspects of the job. Some branches of Neurology require you to be fully working in a hospital. Other branches allow you to have a private practice.
What type of person excels in this job?
People with a diligent attitude and willingness to help others, sincere, and empathetic, have great potential of becoming excellent Neurologists.
What are some of the most important skills for Neurologists to have?
The most important skill a Neurologist needs to have, is the ability to care and communicate with patients and their family in a compassionate, sincere and empathetic fashion.
What do you find to be the most rewarding aspect of being a Neurologist?
The most rewarding aspect is seeing the smiles on the patient's faces when they visit. Knowing that your work is improving their lifestyle is a great gift.
How Much Do Neurologists’ Get Paid?
Salaries for physicians and surgeons are among the highest of all occupations. As reported by the BLS, physicians and surgeons with a variety of specializations, such as neurology, were paid a mean annual wage of $157,670 when working at hospitals in 2015, and those who worked for colleges and universities averaged $99,450 that year.
Top 10 States for a Neurologist Salary
Neurologists’ in the following states make the highest median annual wage in the U.S.
Neurologist Resources
If a career as a Neurologist intrigues you but you would like to know more then we have put together this list of additional resources to help you as you continue to explore your career choice.
On the Web
American Association of Neurological Surgeons
an organization that represents clinical and academic neurologists in the USA
American Academy of Neurology
members have access to publications, tools to help track and maintain certification, and notices of annual meetings
Industry Groups
American Academy of Neurology
Provides clinical practice guidelines and information on neurological conditions
World Federation of Neurology
promotes education and research in Neurology by encouraging preventive measures and treatment
Neurologist Books
Common Neurosurgical Conditions in the Pediatric Practice
creates a framework for neurosurgical conditions
Genetic Neuromuscular Disorders
a collection of cases on genetic neuromuscular disorders