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This question is about what a neurosurgeon does.
What degree do you need to be a neurosurgeon?
You need a Doctor of Medicine degree to be a neurosurgeon. The first step to becoming a neurosurgeon is obtaining a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university. You might consider a pre-med or related major such as biology or chemistry. You will then need to take the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT).
After obtaining your undergraduate and taking the MCAT exam, it is time to apply for medical school. Your medical school education will likely last four years and will train you in a number of areas. Laboratory experience, clinical experience, and patient care will be key components of your education.
In the first two years, you will focus on topics like pharmacology, microbiology, pathology, and anatomy. The final two years will be spent working closely with doctors and patients in real-life situations. You will also take courses in specialized areas of medicine, such as neurology.
After medical school, you will enter into a residency program in neurological surgery which typically lasts seven to eight years. The first year will involve an internship in general surgery, while the second and third years will provide training in neurosurgery, neuropathology, and neuroradiology.
In years four and five, some programs offer a choice of laboratory research or experience in a subspeciality area of neurosurgery. During the final two years, your primary duties might include attending to administrative duties for all residents, acting as chief resident in neurosurgery, or assisting with surgeries.
To be a practicing surgeon, you will need to pass the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE). This licensing is required by all 50 states. Board certification in neurological surgery is offered by the American Board of Neurological Surgery. Though not mandatory, board certification is a highly desirable professional credential.
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