Education

Bachelor's Degree (4 years)

Focus: You’ll need a bachelor's degree in a science-related field such as biology, chemistry, or neuroscience. While there is no specific major required, coursework in subjects like biology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics is essential to prepare for medical school.
Optional: Some students may choose to major in neuroscience or pre-med, though any major with the appropriate prerequisites for medical school will suffice.

After obtaining your bachelor’s degree, you must attend medical school to earn a Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) degree.
The first two years of medical school typically focus on classroom and laboratory education, covering subjects like anatomy, biochemistry, pharmacology, and pathology.
The final two years involve clinical rotations in different specialties, where you gain hands-on experience working with patients in various medical settings.

After graduating from medical school, you must complete a neurology residency, which typically lasts 4 years.
During the residency, you receive specialized training in neurology, learning how to diagnose and treat disorders of the nervous system, including diseases of the brain, spinal cord, muscles, and nerves.
This phase involves both inpatient and outpatient care, and you’ll work under the supervision of experienced neurologists.

After completing residency, many neurologists choose to pursue additional fellowship training in a sub-specialty of neurology, such as:
Epilepsy
Neurocritical care
Neuromuscular disorder
Stroke
Movement disorders (e.g., Parkinson's disease)
Neuroimmunology

You must pass licensing exams to practice medicine in your states.
After residency, many neurologists choose to become board-certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology (ABPN). Board certification requires passing a rigorous exam in neurology, which demonstrates expertise in the field.