The Knowledge Required to Be a Neurologist
A neurologist is a physician with specialized training in diagnosing and treating problems with the nervous system. The nervous system includes the brain and spinal cord, along with peripheral nerves which are scattered throughout the body. The knowledge required to become a neurologist requires at least 11 years of education after high school.
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Academics
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Students who are interested in pursuing a career in neurology should have a strong background in science and math throughout high school. Becoming a physician requires four years of undergraduate study followed by four years of medical school. Medical school consists of two years in classrooms and labs followed by two years of clinical experience working with a licensed physician. Courses are focused on the human body and how it functions, and include microbiology, chemistry, anatomy and physiology, pathology and immunology.
Residency and Internship
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After medical school, candidates to become neurologists serve a one-year internship. This is followed by a residency in neurology, which usually lasts three years. A residency is a form of paid on-the-job training. During this time, students learn to perform a neurological interview and exam. They learn to perform a wide variety of diagnostic tests, including MRI, CT scan, EMG, nerve conduction study and spinal tap. Residents learn to understand the use of clinical and laboratory tests.
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Neurological Disorders
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During training, candidates to become neurologists acquire extensive knowledge of common neurological disorders, along with some familiarity with rare disorders. Common neurological disorders include multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease and cerebral palsy. Training is also received in diagnosing and treating nerve damage, which could be caused by diabetes or a trauma such as a head injury.
Specialization
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After completing a residency, neurologists may enroll in a fellowship program in order to gain more experience in a subspecialty such as dementia or stroke. They may receive more focused training in a particular type of neurology. For example, pediatric neurologists specialize in diagnosing and treating neurological problems in children, while geriatric neurologists specialize in working with the elderly. Neurologists can also focus on treating a single disease or group of diseases such as epilepsy or sleep disorders. Some neurologists are primarily focused on research.
Licensure and Certification
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The knowledge required to be a neurologist includes obtaining licensure and certification. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, all states require physicians to be licensed. Candidates must pass the U.S. Medical Licensing Exam. After completing a residency, candidates can apply for board certification. Certification is offered through the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology, which is a division of the American Board of Medical Specialties. To be eligible for certification, candidates must have an unrestricted state license to practice medicine, have completed the required number of years of residency and have passed the certification exam, which includes both written and oral parts.
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