Have you ever wondered how our brain functions, and how it sends signals to different parts of our body? We have all learned about the basics at school. But what if something goes wrong? What if our nervous system stops functioning normally?
If you are curious to know more about this, you should definitely consider pursuing a career as a Neurologist.
In this blog, we will discuss with you how to become a Neurologist, what you need to study, the skills you need, and much more! Read on!
Who Is A Neurologist?
A Neurologist is a doctor who specializes in D.M. Neurology. Neurologists treat disorders, diseases, or illnesses of the nervous system which are also known as neurological illnesses. Since neurologists are experts in the field, they can identify symptoms that indicate a neurological disorder and then treat the underlying cause of those symptoms.
Learn more: How to become a Neurosurgeon
How To Become A Neurologist?
Step 1: Stream Selection
Upon completion of 10th, you need to study Physics, Chemistry, and Biology (PCB). Therefore, you must opt for Science and complete your 10+2.
Step 2: Educational Qualifications
How To Become A Neurologist After 10th?
Once you have successfully completed your 10th-grade exams, get admission into the Science stream. Simultaneously, start preparing for your medical entrance exams.
How To Become A Neurologist After 12th?
After successfully completing 10+2 with Science – PCB, you now need to appear for the entrance exam to start an undergraduate program in medicine. These are the medical entrance exams you can give for getting admission to the undergraduate courses.
- National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET)
- AIIMS MBBS Exam
Here are a few undergraduate diploma courses you can take if you want to learn how to become a Neurologist.
- Undergraduate Diploma Neurology Courses In India
Courses | Duration |
Diploma in Neuro Technology | 2 years |
Diploma in Neuro Nursing | 2 years |
Diploma in Neurology | 3 years |
- Undergraduate Neurology Courses In India
To become a Neurologist, you need to first complete MBBS. After completing this four-and-a-half-year MBBS degree course one year and six months of mandatory training, one must apply for M.D. (Medicine).
Aspiring MBBS doctors must take Post Graduate Medical Entrance Tests such as NEET PG and the Jawaharlal Institute of Post-graduate Medical Education and Research Entrance Exam. Although, some academic institutions also offer admission based on the aspiring candidates’ MBBS course grades and work experience.
- Top Medical Colleges In India
Institute Name | Location |
All India Institute of Medical Sciences | Delhi |
Christian Medical College | Vellore |
Maulana Azad Medical College | Delhi |
Kasturba Medical College | Manipal |
University College of Medical Sciences | Delhi |
King George’s Medical University | Lucknow |
Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research | Puducherry |
Institute of Medical Sciences, BHU | Varanasi |
Kasturba Medical College | Mangalore |
Government Medical College and Hospital | Chandigarh |
Also read: How to become a Dermatologist
- Undergraduate Neurology Courses Abroad
The eligibility to study to become a Neurologist abroad is similar to that of India. Therefore, if you want to study MBBS abroad, you will have to clear the NEET exam and also qualify for the MCAT to be eligible for medical courses abroad. You will also need a good score on the English language proficiency tests such as IELTS, TOEFL, etc. Later you can pursue a specialization in Neurology.
- Top Medical Colleges Abroad
Institute Name | Location |
Harvard University | United States of America |
University of Oxford | United Kingdom |
University of Cambridge | United Kingdom |
Stanford University | United States of America |
Johns Hopkins University | United States of America |
Karolinska Institute | Sweden |
University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) | United States of America |
University College London(UCL) | United Kingdom |
Yale University | United States of America |
Imperial College London | United Kingdom |
University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) | United States of America |
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Step 3: Certificate and Project Courses
If you want to know more about how to become a Neurologist, here are some certificate courses you can take to enhance your knowledge.
- Introduction to Brain and Behaviour
- Computational Neuroscience Neuronal Dynamics of Cognition
- Fundamentals of Neuroscience Part 1 The Electrical Properties of the Neuron
- Fundamentals of Neuroscience Part 2 Neurons and Networks
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Step 4: Job Preparation
After completing your MBBS and mandatory training, you can pursue your specialization in Neurology after which you can start your career as a Neurologist. Although, you need to procure a medical license to start practising as a full-time Neurologist. For this, you need to complete a certain number of hours of the internship.
Most graduates opt to join a hospital to start their professional careers. You also have to option to start your own practice.
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Skills Required To Become A Neurologist
- Good communication skills are required in the medical environment to build effective and healthy relationships with colleagues, staff, and patients.
- A thorough understanding of the medical subjects covered in the course is required.
- In a medical setting, teamwork is essential for ensuring patient care.
- High emotional intelligence, strong leadership abilities, and problem-solving abilities.
How Much Does A Neurologist Earn In India?
Neurologist salaries in India range from 1.3 Lakhs to 86.2 Lakhs per year, with an average annual salary of 12.0 Lakhs.
How Much Does A Neurologist Earn Abroad?
Salary | Country |
USA | $270,200 |
UK | £55960 |
Canada | CA$356,000 |
Australia | AU$278,000 |
New Zealand | NZ$303,000 |
Read more: How to become a Forensic Pathologist
Top Recruiters In India
- AIIMS
- Apollo Hospitals
- Artemis
- Fortis
- Indian Armed Forces Medical Services
- Max Hospital
Top Recruiters Abroad
- Mayo Clinic – Rochester
- Hôpital Universitaire Pitié Salpêtrière
- National Hospital For Neurology and Neurosurgery – Queen Square
- Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin
- Massachusetts General Hospital
- Fondazione I.R.C.C.S. Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta
- Cleveland Clinic
- Asan Medical Center
- The Johns Hopkins Hospital
- Juntendo University Hospital
That’s all you need to know about how to become a Neurologist and how you can pursue a career in Neurology. We have to have helped you answer all the questions about how you can become a neurologist. Good luck!
FAQs about how to become a Neurologist
Which country is best to become a Neurologist?
In 2019, the United States remained first in terms of the number of neurological papers published, followed by Germany, the United Kingdom, Italy, and Japan. Canada and Japan, two of the most productive countries, did not increase the percentage of GDP spent on research over time.
What is the difference between a neurologist and a neurosurgeon?
Neurologists specialize in the treatment of neurological disorders such as epilepsy, Alzheimer’s disease, peripheral nerve disorders, and ALS. Neurosurgeons, on the other hand, deal with brain injuries, tumour removal, and carpal tunnel syndrome.
Is Neurology a good career path?
Neurology is a medical speciality with numerous job opportunities both in India and abroad. Candidates specializing in neurology are in high demand as new technologies and medical advances emerge.
How many hours do neurologists work a day?
An average of 40-50 hours per week is typical. A neurologist will see approximately 20-25 patients per day on a typical office day. Neurologists, like most physicians, take four to six weeks off per year for vacation, with an additional week or two off for CME coursework.
What subjects are needed for neurology?
They must have completed an accredited Bachelor’s degree program that included pre-med prerequisite courses like microbiology, biochemistry, and human anatomy. English, advanced mathematics and statistics classes are also recommended.
Should I be a neurologist or neurosurgeon?
While both neurologists and neurosurgeons diagnose and treat neurological conditions, neurologists do not perform surgery. Neurologists are interested in diagnosing neurological conditions that can be treated with medications or other therapies or that require close monitoring.
What are some major employment areas for Neurologists?
Armed Forces Medical Services
Government Hospitals
Medical Colleges
Private Hospitals
Private Practice
Railways Medical Facilities
Spine and Brain Hospitals
Specialist Hospitals