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What would be my full process of becoming a neurosurgeon Do I look into a bachelor's program??

I am going into my senior year and will graduate high school with my AA degree, what is the next step?

+25 Karma if successful
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To: Friend
Subject: Career question for you

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James Constantine’s Answer

Dear Madi,

Embarking on a Neurosurgery Career: A Comprehensive Guide to Education and Training

Embarking on a career in neurosurgery requires a significant commitment to education and training. Here's a comprehensive, step-by-step guide to help you navigate the journey to becoming a neurosurgeon:

1. Undergraduate Education: Kick-start your journey with a bachelor's degree. While there's no specific major required for medical school, most neurosurgery hopefuls opt for pre-medical or science-related fields like biology, chemistry, or biochemistry. Remember, maintaining a high GPA during your undergraduate studies is crucial.

2. Medical School: Once you've bagged your bachelor's degree, it's time to head to medical school. This four-year journey will encompass both classroom learning and clinical rotations, where you'll get a taste of various medical specialties, including neurosurgery.

3. Residency Training: After medical school, you'll dive into a neurosurgery residency program. These programs usually span seven years and offer hands-on training in surgical techniques specific to the brain and nervous system.

4. Fellowship (Optional): If you wish to dive deeper into a specific area, consider a fellowship after your residency. This additional training can help you specialize in areas like pediatric neurosurgery, spine surgery, or cerebrovascular surgery.

5. Board Certification: To officially don your neurosurgeon hat, you'll need to obtain board certification from the American Board of Neurological Surgery (ABNS). This requires passing written and oral exams that test your knowledge and skills in neurosurgery.

6. Licensure: Lastly, you'll need to secure a state medical license to practice as a neurosurgeon. The requirements for licensure differ by state, but typically involve passing the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) and meeting other state-specific criteria.

In a nutshell, your journey to becoming a neurosurgeon will involve earning a bachelor's degree, attending medical school, completing a neurosurgery residency program, obtaining board certification, and securing a state medical license.

Top 3 Credible Sources Consulted:

1. American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS): A professional organization offering insights into the educational pathways and requirements for future neurosurgeons.

2. Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC): A resource-rich platform providing guidance on the medical school application process and career paths in medicine.

3. American Board of Neurological Surgery (ABNS): The authority setting standards for board certification in neurosurgery and providing details on the certification process for budding neurosurgeons.

These sources were carefully consulted to ensure the information provided about the journey to becoming a neurosurgeon is accurate and reliable.

May God Bless You,
JC.
Thank you comment icon God Bless You Karissa! James Constantine Frangos
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Rita’s Answer

4 years high school
4 years college
4 years medical school
Internship and residency-I don't know how many years

I want you to know that Neurosurgery is very challenging. Most surgical fields are challenging. They are long hours and you are competing with the best and the brightest. I also want to share that my sister's friend is married to a neurosurgeon and he is constantly being threatened by lawsuits. You need to have thick skin.
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Karissa’s Answer

James laid out a great path for you to follow. Right now you need to get into Biology, Chemistry, Organic Chemistry and Physics classes. You may have already taken these as part of your AA program. The MCAT, the exam to get into medical school, covers Biology, Chemistry and Physics.
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