Requirements to Become a Neurosurgeon
Requirements to Become a Neurosurgeon
Neurosurgeons are medical specialists who treat injuries, diseases and congenital disorders of the brain and spinal cord. They perform surgical procedures to treat and heal a variety of conditions, such as tumors, blood clots and traumatic injuries. Like all medical doctors, they have to be licensed to practice.
Prospective neurosurgeons must undergo a rigorous medical training program, which includes several years of education and an extensive residency. The following table outlines common requirements to become a neurosurgeon. | Common Requirements | Degree Level | Doctorate* | Degree Field | Medicine* | Experience | A year-long internship plus a 6- to 8-year neurosurgical residency is required** | Licensure and Certification | A license is required to practice medicine; voluntary certifications exist and can expand career opportunities* | Key Skills | Strong communication and leadership skills, organizational and problem-solving skills, empathy, compassion, patience, dexterity, physical stamina, knowledge of brain and spinal cord anatomy* |
Sources: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, **American Association of Neurological Surgeons
Step 1: Earn a Bachelor's Degree
While there is not a specific degree required for undergraduate study, aspiring neurosurgeons might choose to concentrate their coursework in advanced biological sciences to meet admission requirements for medical school. They must graduate from an accredited bachelor's degree program with pre-med prerequisite courses, such as microbiology, biochemistry and human anatomy. Most medical schools require a grade point average of at least 3.5 and may choose only those candidates who rank at the top of their graduating class.
During the junior year of study, aspiring neurosurgeons must take the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT). This exam allows medical schools to evaluate a candidate's training through a skills assessment and a set of
Neurosurgeons are medical specialists who treat injuries, diseases and congenital disorders of the brain and spinal cord. They perform surgical procedures to treat and heal a variety of conditions, such as tumors, blood clots and traumatic injuries. Like all medical doctors, they have to be licensed to practice.
Prospective neurosurgeons must undergo a rigorous medical training program, which includes several years of education and an extensive residency. The following table outlines common requirements to become a neurosurgeon. | Common Requirements | Degree Level | Doctorate* | Degree Field | Medicine* | Experience | A year-long internship plus a 6- to 8-year neurosurgical residency is required** | Licensure and Certification | A license is required to practice medicine; voluntary certifications exist and can expand career opportunities* | Key Skills | Strong communication and leadership skills, organizational and problem-solving skills, empathy, compassion, patience, dexterity, physical stamina, knowledge of brain and spinal cord anatomy* |
Sources: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, **American Association of Neurological Surgeons
Step 1: Earn a Bachelor's Degree
While there is not a specific degree required for undergraduate study, aspiring neurosurgeons might choose to concentrate their coursework in advanced biological sciences to meet admission requirements for medical school. They must graduate from an accredited bachelor's degree program with pre-med prerequisite courses, such as microbiology, biochemistry and human anatomy. Most medical schools require a grade point average of at least 3.5 and may choose only those candidates who rank at the top of their graduating class.
During the junior year of study, aspiring neurosurgeons must take the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT). This exam allows medical schools to evaluate a candidate's training through a skills assessment and a set of