Similar to other physicians, neurologists must begin their careers by going to college and then attending medical school. As an undergraduate, aspiring doctors who major in a science, such as biology, chemistry or physics, will be better prepared for a medical school curriculum. Although most colleges do not have a pre-med major because medical schools do not require any specific major, some schools do offer a pre-med concentration that may include the biology, chemistry, physics and math courses required by medical schools.
After college, aspiring neurologists must attend a medical school accredited by the Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME) and then pass the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE). At that point, a doctor enters a residency in neurology that usually lasts three or four years. This residency may include rotations in related specialties and subspecialties like behavioral neurology, multiple sclerosis and child neurology. After the residency is complete, clinical fellowship programs in neurology are also available for doctors who wish to specialize further in such areas as epilepsy, movement disorders and neuroscience.
Because the majority of employers prefer that neurologists be board certified, neurologist candidates should consider certification by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology (ABPN). The ABPN offers board certification to eligible neurologists who have passed a written, multiple-choice exam.
