Becoming a Neurologist is a long process. Here is the recommended path.  

• Obtain a four-year Bachelor Degree

Generally, Neurologists hold a Bachelor of Science in biology or a pre-med program. If you want to be a Neurologist, you should research medical schools early in your undergraduate degree to ensure you are taking the proper prerequisites. If you intend to stand out amongst medical school applicants, consider working or volunteering in a medical field. 

• Pass the Medical College Admissions Test

Taking the MCAT is essential to get into medical school. Many medical schools share their incoming class's average score, so you have a ballpark figure of the score you need: practice, prep, and study.  

• Attend Medical School for Four Years

All medical schools follow slightly different program structures, but most include science-based coursework and rotations within teaching hospitals. Consider looking into medical schools you might attend and consider which program might suit your personality best.  

• Internship and Residency

Interns spend a year in a hospital and cannot practice medicine without a licensed doctor supervisor. As a resident, you should try and get a residency in a neurology department, challenging. Ensuring you have people willing to write you letters of recommendation will be essential.  

• Licensing

Licensing requirements vary by state, but all states require that you pass some form of a two-part exam.  

• Continued Education and Fellowships

As you continue to work in neurology, you may notice you want to specialize in a particular sub-branch of neurology, such as pediatric neurology. In that case, you can pursue fellowships and continued learning opportunities.  

Important Things to Know Before Becoming a Neurologist
Neurology is an exciting field of medicine, making considerable strides in neurological treatments in the last 20 years. However, there are some things you should know about neurology before jumping in.  

• Sometimes you must deliver bad news

It is not easy to have to look someone in the eye and tell them they have Alzheimer's or Parkinson's disease, which is a challenging part of the job. You need to be able to approach these conversations with empathy and professionalism.  

• You cannot always offer a silver bullet

A substantial portion of your patient will have issues that are either chronic, progressive, or both. The outcomes are not particularly rosy, so it is your job to make sure they feel well taken care of, even if there is no cure for their condition. You can offer them dignity and make sure that whatever time they have left is meaningful and comfortable.  

• It is a male-dominated field

A recent study found that while men and women enter medical school in equal numbers, only 1 in 3 Neurologists identify as females. If you identify as female, prepare to work in a field where you are the minority. 

• It would help if you kept up with current research

Neurology is a relatively new field of science, and further research and therapies are continually coming out. You need to set aside time in your workdays to read journal articles and stay up to date on the latest best practices.