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What are the steps to follow to become a neurologist (college, medical school, residency, etc.)?

I want to be a neurologist or a pathologist, both of which require time and I want to know what are the steps to become one and possibly what majors will better help me fulfill my requirements to get into medical school. #college #medicine #pre-med #medical-school

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Rachel’s Answer

Neurology is a great field requiring a medical doctorate. This means that you will have to complete college with a bachelor’s degree as well as all of the Pre-med requirements (1 year biology, 1 year inorganic chemistry, 1 year organic chemistry + labs, physics, calculus, and biochemistry). GPA should probably be 3.5 or better (preferably >3.8). You will also have to score well on the MCAT. Once accepted to medical school, as long as you pass your classes and perform reasonably well during your four years of medical training, you can apply for a neurology 4 year residency. Following that, you can apply for a fellowship. This career path requires 12+ years of school after high school but is very fulfilling and challenging work.
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Richard’s Answer

In the US, to apply to medical school, you need a bachelor's degree. Any 4-year university should suffice.

Pick a college that suits your personality and a major that interests you. You will need to get good grades in college in order to apply for medical school. At the medical school I attended, the average GPA is reported to be 3.85, so even one or two B's can hurt your chances of acceptance.

Aside from this, any major is acceptable as long as you complete the prerequisite courses.

Typical medical school prerequisites include:
Biology: Lecture – 4 semesters; Lab – 1 semester
General Chemistry: Lecture – 2 semesters; Lab – 1 semester
Organic Chemistry: Lecture – 2 semesters; Lab – 1 semester
Biochemistry: Lecture – 1 semester
General Physics: Lecture – 2 semesters; Lab – 1 semester
Math: Statistics – 1 semester
English: Rhetoric (Composition) and Literature – 2 semesters



During college study for and complete the MCAT. Apply to medical schools during your last year of college.

Medical school takes 4 years to complete.

After medical school neurologists complete a residency for additional training. These last 3-4 years.
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Michelle’s Answer

Students from many types of majors get admitted to medical school and I really do not think it matters whether you are an arts major, science major, pharmacy, nursing , etc. I think it comes down to being passionate and interested in the courses that are within your major and your grades in such courses will reflect such enthusiasm for the subject matter. On top of high GPAs, medical schools are looking for some extra curriculars, volunteer work in hospitals/clinics, research projects, etc. to show you are well rounded, a critical thinker, and have leadership skills as well. I also suggest doing some career shadowing at some point with doctors (if you can with a neurologist or pathologist) is also helpful to explore the clinical side of medicine and see if this is the right path for you.


Since you have a strong interest to become a neurologist/pathologist, I would suggest pursuing majors in behavioral neuroscience or physiology as you get an opportunity to learn more about neurological research from the basic science perspective and acquire skills regarding histopathology by dissecting and analysing brain tissue from animals such as rats, etc. You can also pursue masters and PhD research in areas such as neuroscience if you decide you like research more than pursuing a career in clinical medicine.

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Estelle’s Answer

college usually takes 4-5 years to complete degree requirements along with premed requirements
medical school is 4 years
residency is 4 years (one year internal medicine followed by 3 yrs neurology)
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