Neurologist

Your Fit

Income

$286K

Preparation

Extensive

Growth

3.2%

Definition
Your fit with this career
How much they earn
What they do
Job satisfaction
How to become

What is a Neurologist?

Neurologists are medical doctors specialized in diagnosing, treating, and managing disorders of the brain and nervous system. They address a range of conditions from headaches and sleep disorders to more complex issues like stroke, epilepsy, or multiple sclerosis.

Sample job titles:

Adult and Pediatric Neurologist, Neurologist, Pediatric Neurologist, Physician

Your test results

Why this fit score?

The fit report shows your areas of fit and misfit with Neurologist.

Fit report

Test scores

The scores report summarizes what we learned about you. It shows your results on everything measured in the career test.

Scores report

How much does a Neurologist earn

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, typical income (in USD) in 2024 was...

Bottom 10%	Bottom 25%	Median (average)	Top 25%	Top 10%
$84K per year	$141K per year	$286K per year	NA per year	NA per year

Compared to other careers: Median is $237K above the national average.

See income by country/state/province

What does a Neurologist do?

Work environment

Neurologists typically work in hospitals, private clinics, and academic medical centers. They may also be involved in research at universities or pharmaceutical companies. The work often involves collaboration with other healthcare professionals and may include on-call duties for emergency situations.

Quick task list

Conducts neurological exams to assess motor and sensory skills, balance, reflexes, and cognitive abilities.
Diagnoses and treats neurological disorders.
Orders and interprets tests like MRI, CT scans, and electroencephalograms (EEGs).
Provides or recommends treatment, including medication, rehabilitation therapy, or surgery.
Consults with other medical professionals and participates in multidisciplinary teams.

See full list of tasks with expert relevance ratings

Areas of specialization

Pediatric Neurology: Focusing on neurological disorders in children.
Neuro-oncology: Specializing in brain and spinal cord tumors.
Neuromuscular Medicine: Dealing with disorders that affect the muscles and the nerves that control them.
Epilepsy: Focusing on the treatment of seizure disorders.
Stroke Care: Specializing in prevention and treatment of stroke.

Description

Neurologists play a vital role in healthcare, often dealing with some of the most complex and challenging medical conditions. Their work is both diagnostic and therapeutic, requiring a deep understanding of the nervous system's structure, function, and disorders. Neurologists must keep up with rapid advancements in their field, as new technologies and treatments are continually developed.

The role demands strong analytical skills, as neurologists interpret various test results and clinical findings to make diagnoses. They must also be adept in patient care, offering not only medical treatment but also emotional support to patients and families dealing with potentially life-altering diagnoses.

Neurologists often work in a team environment, collaborating with other healthcare professionals to provide comprehensive care. This can include working with primary care doctors, neurosurgeons, physical therapists, and others. The profession is also well-suited for those interested in research, as there are many opportunities to contribute to the understanding of neurological disorders and their treatments.

Job Satisfaction

Sources of satisfaction

Making a significant impact on patients' quality of life.
The intellectual challenge of diagnosing and treating complex neurological conditions.
Opportunities for continuous learning and staying at the forefront of medical science.

You might make a good Neurologist if you are...

Fascinated by the complexities of the brain and nervous system.
A strong problem-solver with excellent analytical skills.
Compassionate and empathetic, with good communication skills to support patients and families.
Interested in a career that combines patient care with the potential for research.
Detail-oriented, especially when it comes to patient assessment and treatment planning.

Pros:

High level of intellectual stimulation and challenge.
Rewarding patient interactions with the potential for significant impact on patient health.
Strong demand for specialists in neurology and opportunities for subspecialization.

Cons:

Lengthy and demanding educational and training process.
Emotional challenges of dealing with patients with serious, often chronic conditions.
On-call duties and potential for long, irregular hours.

How to become a Neurologist

Typical education

Becoming a neurologist usually requires 4 years of undergraduate education, 4 years of medical school, and a residency in neurology, which typically lasts 3-4 years. Many neurologists also complete a fellowship in a subspecialty area, which can take an additional 1-2 years.

High school preparation

Courses:

Advanced science courses, especially biology and chemistry, to build foundational knowledge.
Mathematics for developing analytical and problem-solving skills.
Psychology to gain an understanding of brain-behavior relationships.

Extra-Curricular Activities:

Volunteering in healthcare settings, like hospitals or clinics.
Participating in science clubs, fairs, or research projects.
Engaging in activities that develop communication and empathy skills, such as debate or volunteering.

Preparation after high school

Complete an undergraduate degree, preferably in a science-related field.
Attend medical school to obtain a Doctor of Medicine (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathy (DO) degree.
Complete a residency program in neurology.
Consider a fellowship for further specialization.
Obtain board certification in neurology.

More resources

American Academy of Neurology (AAN) - Offers resources, education, and advocacy for neurologists and neurology professionals.
Neurology Journal - The official journal of the American Academy of Neurology, featuring latest research and clinical studies.
World Federation of Neurology (WFN) - Provides a global perspective and resources for neurology professionals.
American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology (ABPN) - Offers certification and maintenance information for neurologists.
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) - A leading source for research and education in the field of neurology.

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