For me to become a neurosurgeon, do I have to complete my residency ?

Hi Jamia,

The process to become a neurosurgeon can take 14 years or longer. The steps in the progression include four years of studying as an undergraduate and earning a bachelor's degree. Next, prospective neurosurgeons will need to apply to and get accepted into medical school which will take another four years. The last portion of the process is a six year residency program.

Neurosurgeons begin their education obtaining a bachelor's degree. A pre-med degree is often the degree of choice for future doctors, but there is no mandatory major needed to get into medical school. If the degree chosen is not pre-med, then students will need to complete prerequisite coursework in biology, chemistry, and math.
After graduating with a bachelor's degree, one must apply to a medical school. It can be quite difficult to gain entry into a medical program; therefore, it is essential that students attain excellent grades throughout their undergraduate careers. When applying to medical school, students must provide letters of recommendation and receive above average scores on the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT).
Once accepted into medical school, students will undergo about two years of coursework and then two years performing clinical rotations in areas such as surgery, pediatrics, and obstetrics and gynecology. For those wishing to specialize in neurosurgery, choosing coursework during medical school in surgical practice and clinical research could be beneficial.
After finishing medical school, graduates who wish to pursue a career in neurosurgery will need to spend one year as an intern in the field, and then complete another four or five years as a neurosurgery resident.

Neurosurgeons can obtain board certification through the American Board of Neurological Surgery after several years of being in practice. Although it is not mandatory to do so, being board certified as a neurosurgeon establishes a surgeon's commitment to excellence in the field and increases marketability and credibility in the medical community.

All physicians in every state need to be state licensed. Once completing all of the necessary elements of medical school and a residency program, prospective neurosurgeons can take an exam and upon passage, can apply for state licensing as a medical doctor. Licenses must be renewed periodically. Each state has different rules and regulations regarding licensing, so medical doctors must follow the guidelines put forth in their respective states.

The job outlook for neurosurgeons is expected to be good. The demand for all medical doctors and surgeons is projected to increase by 18 percent from 2012 until 2022. The reasons for the positive job outlook are due to the large number of people who now have access to healthcare services as a result of healthcare legislation, and because of the aging population of the country who have a greater need for medical services.

In: http://www.wikiprofessional.org/Neurosurgeon

All the Best!