About Neurology

Neurology is a vast field with latest discoveries and research making it continually expand to new frontiers. The field is mainly concerned with the study and treatment of nervous system complications and figuring out how the nervous system – that consists of the brain, spinal cord, peripheral nerves and muscles – works and functions.

　　Neurology includes the in-depth study of the anatomy, structure, function and disorders of the nervous system, including Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, brain injury, epilepsy, migraine, meningitis, Parkinson’s disease, stroke, and multiple sclerosis.

　　The goal of neurology is to better understand how the brain and central nervous system works and to better understand psychiatric disorders and their relation to the nervous system. There are several options available to you for specialising in a sub-field of neurology or you can choose to become a general neurologist. Besides the formal clinical practice, a study in neurology can aid you for non-clinical work such as research, health education, medical writing and pharmacology.

　　

Is Neurology right for me?

If you are curious about the brain and how it work, then neurology may be the field for you. Neurology students should be open to studying long hours as the subject requires a fair bit of reading and research. Plus, you should ideally have lots and patience and solid interpersonal skills as the field requires working closely with patients of different backgrounds.

　　

Neurology study options and costs

　　Neurology is a specialisation that requires you to have a bachelor’s degree, ideally in medicine or a biology-related field. The typical cost of such programmes is anywhere between $39,000 - $50,000.

　　To pursue post-graduation in neurology in the US you will need to clear the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) to secure admission in a medical college. The duration of medical college is typically 4 years ending with an internship. The cost of medical college is approximately $280,000 in total (tuition fee varies considerably based on what institute and state you’re applying in). Individuals who plan to pursue neurology as a career begin a 3-year neurology residency.

　　After acquiring state licensing, you could continue to specialise in a specific branch of neurology such as neuro-muscular medicine, clinical neurophysiology and so on.

　　Furthermore, one could apply for doctorate programs that are more focused on research, after residency. It takes almost 4-6 years to complete and costs around $40,000 per year.

　　

Future outlook

Increasing pressure on healthcare systems around the world has contributed to the rise in demand for neurologists in medical as well as research fields. Neurologists today are one of the highest paid professionals in the health industry with their average salaries being around $267,600. Their job market is expected to grow by 11.4% by 2026.

　　

Career pathways for Neurology graduates

　　

Pediatric Neurologist

　　A pediatric neurologist is a medical doctor who is concerned with diagnosis, management and treatment of brain and nervous system disorder in children. They specialise in disorders which affect newborns to adolescents.

　　

Neurosurgeon

　　A neurosurgeon is a medical doctor that performs surgeries on the brain, spinal cord and nerves as a treatment option for nervous system disorders.

　　

Neuroradiologist

　　An individual choosing the field of neuroradiology will use imaging methods such as X-ray, MRI, CT and angiography to help diagnose diseases of the nervous system.

　　

Neuroscience Nurse

　　A neuroscience nurse helps care for patients with neurological disorders and assist other neuro-science related professionals in treating patients.