How To Become A Neurologist: What It Is and Career Path

Q: How hard is it to become a neurologist?

It is very hard to become a neurologist. Becoming a neurologist is a lengthy requirement that requires dedication, intellect, and motivation, which many may find difficult. Typically, prospective neurologists will follow the education path of first receiving a bachelor's degree in a related field. Then, you will need to study for and pass the MCAT to be accepted into an accredited medical program.

Q: What are the pros and cons of being a neurologist?

The pros of being a neurologist are competitive benefits and rewarding work, while the cons include extensive education requirements and frustration surrounding patient progress. Here is a more detailed look at the pros and cons of being a neurologist:

Q: What degree do you need to be a neurologist?

You need a bachelor's degree in neurology to be a neurologist. There are also other medical and science-related bachelor's degrees you can obtain. However, a bachelor's degree alone is not sufficient. You must also obtain a degree from medical school which takes around four years to complete.

Q: What is the career path for a neurologist?

The career path for a neurologist begins with the completion of a four-year medical degree, and then a three-year residency. After completion, neurologists need to complete a fellowship to have specific training in a sub-field of neurology. Fellowships tend to last a year or so.

Q: What should I study to become a neurologist?

You should study biology or a related field as an undergraduate to become a neurologist. This should help you be successful in medical school. However, before attending medical school, one must take the MCAT exam to be accepted into a medical school.

What is a neurologist and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025

3 min read

Quoted Expert

Roger Kelley

The brain is amazing, isn't it? We use it in everything we do, even when we think we are not doing anything at all. The brain processes everything around us, everything we see, smell, taste, feel, and hear. It also allows us to respond appropriately to different stimuli. We don't even realize how much and how fast it is processing because most of the time, we act swiftly. When we encounter problems related to the brain, we go to the neurologist.

Neurologists are doctors who specialize in the brain. Aside from the brain, they also specialize in the spinal cord and the nerves. They treat diseases related to these organs and act urgently, especially if surgery is required. Aside from treating diseases, they are also expected to conduct further research on the brain, spinal cord, and nerves to add to the knowledge of the medical community. It is important for neurologists to be meticulous and careful but to also act swiftly. There are times when decisions need to be made on the spot.

If you are an aspiring doctor who is very much interested in the brain, the spinal cord, and nerves, this is the specialization for you!

What general advice would you give to a Neurologist?

Roger Kelley

Professor and Chairman of Neurology, Henderson State University

There will an impact in “overserved” areas of the country with the pandemic, and this includes places like Boston, New York, and Philadelphia where thousands of local trainees graduate each year and often enter the local job market. There is only so much to go around, and there will be cutbacks in reimbursement for care related to the financial impact of COVID-19 on the economy as well as the competition in the job market tends to drive the reimbursement lower. The higher unemployment rate, in particular areas, will have a definite effect on health insurance coverage. The underserved areas, such as rural and areas of the country with much less in terms of trainees entering the job market, will continue to have a strong demand for healthcare workers to fill ongoing critical needs that are not presently filled. Economic regions, particularly impacted by COVID-19, such as leisure and travel, will certainly suffer in terms of the need for healthcare services related to job loss and relocation.

ScoreNeurologistUS Average

Salary

10.0

Avg. Salary $255,616

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability Level

10.0

Growth Rate 7%

Growth Rate 0.3%

Diversity

1.7

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.16%

Asian 18.54%

Black or African American 5.16%

Hispanic or Latino 9.77%

Unknown 4.47%

White 61.91%

Gender

female 64.66%

male 35.34%

Age - 48

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 48

Stress Level

10.0

Stress level is very high

7.1 - high

Complexity Level

10.0

Complexity Level is advanced

7 - challenging

Work Life Balance

3.6

Work Life balance is poor

6.4 - fair

Key steps to become a neurologist

Explore neurologist education requirements

Most common neurologist degrees

Bachelor's

27.1 %

Doctorate

23.3 %

Certificate

18.3 %

Start to develop specific neurologist skills

Skills	Percentages
Neurology	29.25%
Patients	27.42%
EEG	7.99%
EMR	7.06%
Patient Care	6.80%

Research neurologist duties and responsibilities

Prepare EEG and EMG/NCS machines.
Plan and perform NCV patient testing.
Train for troubleshooting EEG equipment and patient artifact.
Perform nerves blocks, facet blocks, epidurals, and intra articular injections.

Prepare your neurologist resume

When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your neurologist resume.

You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a neurologist resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

Choose From 10+ Customizable Neurologist Resume templates

Build a professional Neurologist resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your Neurologist resume.

Apply for neurologist jobs

Now it's time to start searching for a neurologist job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

What is a neurologist and how to become one

What general advice would you give to a Neurologist?

Neurologist career paths

Key steps to become a neurologist

Explore neurologist education requirements

Most common neurologist degrees

Start to develop specific neurologist skills

Research neurologist duties and responsibilities

Prepare your neurologist resume

Choose From 10+ Customizable Neurologist Resume templates

Apply for neurologist jobs

How Did You Land Your First Neurologist Job

Average neurologist salary

How do neurologists rate their job?

Neurologist FAQs

How hard is it to become a neurologist?

What are the pros and cons of being a neurologist?

What degree do you need to be a neurologist?

What is the career path for a neurologist?

What should I study to become a neurologist?

Search for neurologist jobs