How Many Years Does It Take to Become a Neurosurgeon?

How to Citings Neurosurgeon

To become a neurosurgeon is a long, arduous journey requiring many years of education and training. It is not just about having the strength to last through a training period that lasts longer than most professional programs, but learning the exceptionally complicated technical skills needed to operate on the brain, spine and nerves.

Educational Timeline

Undergraduate Education

Earning a Bachelor's Degree As the initial stage in the process of becoming a neurosurgeon, undergraduate degree is crucial. The majority of those who seek to become neurosurgeon begin with a pre-med curriculum, including biology, chemistry, physics, and math. This one takes, with full-time study, about four years as well.

Medical School

For example, after achieving a bachelor degree you may then go to medical school. How long is medical school Read an overview of med school's four-year program Years one and two: scientific subjects in the classroom and laboratoryLed to clinical rotations in years three and four of medical school.

Residency Program

The residency program is the most extensive and grueling step in neurosurgical training. Residency training in neurosurgery usually takes seven years. During this period, residents receive extensive training as they are carefully instructed in numerous neurosurgical procedures and techniques by experienced neurosurgeons.

Fellowship

However, not every neurosurgeon goes onto fellowship training after residency, though many desire to specialize in fields like: pediatric neurosurgery spine surgery or neuro-oncology. Fellowships are often for one to two years.

Total Commitment

When you add all these elements of education together, it generally takes 16-17 years to become a full-fledged neurosurgeon: four years of undergraduate education, four years of medical school, and seven years in residency, plus a few more if you complete a fellowship.

Continuous Learning

Even as neurosurgeons complete their formal education and training, they must continue learning and updating their skills throughout the entirety of their career. The dawn of new medical technology and more experienced surgical techniques necessitates continuous training and practice.

If you wish to learn more, check out how many years of school for neurosurgeon to read about the educational requirements and overall timeline to become a Neurosurgeon

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