Initial Educational Steps
Becoming a neurosurgeon starts right after high school and involves lots of studying for many years. Step 1: Earn an Undergraduate Degree in Four Years Image by marcus (License) Prospective neurosurgeons usually major in biology, chemistry or neuroscience as undergrads to prepare for medical school. It is important to note that getting a high GPA and relevant clinical experience at this time are key factors in what is the most competitive part of the medical school application.
Medical School Requirements
On completion of your undergraduate work, the next leg lands you in medical school, which is an additional four years. Medical school is extremely competitive to gain admission into and a student must have great GPAs, high MCAT scores, and notable recommendations. The medical school curriculum is divided into the Preclinical (the 1st and 2nd Years) which are comprised of learning in the class room and laboratory in advanced science courses: The clinical years (3rd year and beyond), these years include rotations in different specialities.
Extensive Residency Training
After medical school follows the hardest form of training: residency. Residency The training route after medical school: Residency in neurosurgery is known for being hugely grueling and lengthy, at typically 7 years. A few programs might stretch this out to eight years, if they include an extra year for research or a fellowship in a pediatric neurosurgery or spinal surgery.
Certification and More of the Board
After residency, neurosurgeons have to take a written exam and oral test administered by the American Board of Neurological Surgery. This certification is a necessity to practice solo and proves that the surgeon has received an extensive training and can treat all types of diseases surgically.
7) The Learning Process and Developing Expertise
They never stop learning or becoming specialized, even after they have achieved board certification. These residents must also go to workshops, seminars, and other educational courses to keep their neurosurgical knowledge and skills up to date.
Total Time Commitment
Overall, the journey from high school to a full-fledged neurosurgeon takes a range of 14 to 16 years, including undergraduate college, medical school, residency and the time needed to pass the board certification.
If you are wondering how long does it take to become a neurosurgeon after high school, the truth is that this extensive training is needed in order to adequately prepare for the complexities and enormous responsibilities of neurosurgery. Training is long, the level of skill and knowledge needed to perform intricate surgeries on the human nervous system requires a commitment that is both daunting but priceless.