Education · 1 of 5

The path

Twelve years after high school before you practice on your own.

1. 1

   High school

   Grades 11 and 12

   Biology, chemistry, physics and math, with grades good enough for a competitive college.

2. 2

   Bachelor's degree

   4 years

   Any major, as long as you finish the pre-medical science courses and sit the MCAT (Medical College Admission Test).

3. 3

   Medical school

   4 years

   Two years of classroom science, then two years of hospital rotations. You graduate a Doctor of Medicine or a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine.

4. 4

   Intern year

   1 year

   A general year, almost always internal medicine, before neurology training starts.

5. 5

   Neurology residency

   3 years

   Stroke, epilepsy, nerve and muscle disease, intensive care, clinic. Paid and supervised, with more independence each year.

6. 6

   Board certification

   After residency

   The American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology exam. You also need a full license from the state where you work.