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The practice of neurology mixes medical and psychiatric techniques. It comprehends how nervous system malfunctions happen, the symptoms, and their treatment. Neurology is now a sought-after discipline for recent medical graduates. It integrates surgery, providing a wealth of prospects. So, let us get started and learn about the stages of becoming a Neurologist.
What is Neurology and How to Become a Neurologist?
Neurology is the study of illnesses affecting the human neurological system. Neurology doctors specialize in treating medical diseases caused by nervous system problems. The course requires intensive training and expertise. The neurologist’s study deals with the brain, spinal cord, and a vast network of muscles and nerves in the body. The Department of Science deals with illnesses like-
- Alzheimer’s
- Parkinson’s disease
- cerebral palsy
- issues with coordination
- trauma
A Neurologist’s salary in India varies on their area of expertise and the company they work for. A prominent neurologist makes an average income of Rs 1,850,209 per year. While a neurosurgeon typically makes Rs 2,757,165 per year in compensation. However, earnings in neurosurgery can be influenced significantly by professional experience and specialty.
Roles and Responsibilities of a Neurologist
Being a neurologist is never boring! They are experts in studying and treating illnesses that affect our brains and nerves. Their job involves understanding the different symptoms people experience and figuring out what is causing them. Neurologists work in hospitals and clinics, using extensive training to help patients. But what does a neurologist do daily? They analyze the results and come up with a diagnosis. Sometimes, they prescribe medication or recommend treatments to help their patients feel better. The common roles and responsibilities of a neurologist are discussed below:
- The nerve specialist analyzes the test results to establish a diagnosis.
- They recommend a course of therapy for the problem.
- A neurologist can check out a patient who may have experienced a stroke in the emergency room.
- Neurologists visit hospitalized patients one or two times daily.
- Every patient visit presents a range of illnesses and diseases. A neurology doctor deals with migraines, traumatic brain injury, and memory problems.
- They also deal with advanced issues like Parkinson’s disease and Epilepsy.
- A neurologist updates patient medical records for those in the clinic and hospital. He calls patients with test results and renews medications.
- A neurologist also gives medical records to insurance companies with evidence.
Path to Become a Successful Neurologist in India
Neuroscience is a fruitful career choice for health care and nervous system enthusiasts. But, aspirants often deal with questions like how to become a neurologist after the 12th. How many years to become a neurologist? So, we will go over the entire process of learning the steps to achieve your career destination.
6 Steps to Become a Neurologist
One must finish several academic and training requirements to become a neurologist. A pre-medical undergraduate degree is the best preparation for a career in neurology. It includes a +2 Science degree in physics, chemistry, and biology. The next phase is medical school. Students study several correlated topics, including anatomy, physiology, neuroscience, ethics, nutrition, and immunology.
Here is a detailed process to pursue the career of your dreams in Neuroscience and How to Become a Neurologist :
Step 1: Ace the School Exams
After graduating high school, students must know the right path to neurologists. The first step is to pass your 10+2 in science from a recognized board with a grade of 50%. This includes physics, chemistry, and biology subjects. It will act as the base for your future medical education.
Step 2: Appear for the Competitive Examinations
Candidates must take medical admission exams to pursue a neurology course in India. The performance of the students in the entrance exams is crucial. Several universities and schools of neurology admit students based on it. Other universities and institutions offer seats based on the merit of the 10+2 passing rate.
The candidates must clear the National Eligibility Cumulative Entrance Test. The institutions determine the test results for admission to the MBBS program. The tests include questions from physics, chemistry, and biology in the MCQ format. Various colleges use the All-India Ranks and scores to determine eligibility for admission. You must pass the entrance exam (NEET-UG) to get admitted to a medical college in India. Here are some other entrance exams for enrolling in prestigious higher institutions.
Step 3: Enroll in Undergraduate Neurology Course at a Medical School
Here are some neurology courses you can opt for to start a career in neurology.
- BSc (Bachelor of Science) Neuroscience
- BPT (Bachelor of Physiotherapy) Neurology
- BOT (Bachelor of Occupational Therapy) Neurology
- MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery)
Wondering how to become a neurologist without MBBS? Well, you must first complete your MBBS to become a neurologist.
Applying for the M.D. degree after completing the MBBS degree is a must. It includes compulsory training of one year and six months. However, certain academic institutions also grant admission based on MBBS course marks. They often consider the employment history of ambitious individuals. You should enroll in a medical college after passing NEET-UG. Then finish a 5.5-year Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) program. An obligatory internship lasting a year is part of this program. Here are some leading institutions to consider:
- Institute of Human Behaviour & Allied Sciences (IHBAS)
- Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education & Research (PGI)
- Smt. N.H.L. Municipal Medical College
- Bangalore Medical College and Research Institute
Step 4: Attend the NEET-PG exam
You must pass the NEET-PG to get into a postgraduate medical program. Then pursue a three-year postgraduate degree in General Medicine or Paediatrics. You can go for an MD, MS, or DNB from an accredited medical college. You must pass the other admission tests to specialize in neurology.
Step 5: Achieve A Postgraduate Degree
After graduation, candidates can choose from the two best options in the field.
- Option 1: Candidates post a bachelor’s degree can get jobs in an entry-level capacity. They can continue their education by enrolling in a master’s program after gaining some experience.
- Option 2: Candidates can choose a master’s degree curriculum after their undergraduate studies. After completing a master’s degree program, individuals are employable in the sector.
Enroll in a three-year Doctor of Medicine after passing the admission exam. You will gain expertise in the subject of neurology with specialized training. The study of neurology is often pursued as a postgraduate specialty. You can even continue your studies at the doctoral level.
- D.M Neurology
- D.N.B Neurology
- Fellowship in Neurology
- M.P.T Neurology
Step 6: Get registration and authorization
Registration with the relevant State Medical Council is a must in India. The Medical Council of India legalizes your practice as a neurologist. The application process requires you to submit several official papers. It includes medical degree proof, identity, place of living, and registration costs. After verification, you receive a registration number from the MCI. This you will have to provide on all prescriptions and official papers.
The aspirants can be well on their way to establishing a prosperous career as a neurologist in India. They can work in reputable public and private hospitals like AIIMS and others. A neurosurgeon with strong entrepreneurial skills can establish a Neuro Clinic themselves.
Skills Required on How to Become a Neurologist
To become a successful neurologist, there are important skills you should develop. These skills will help you provide excellent care and positively impact people’s lives.
Strong Medical Background:
A neurologist needs to understand the human nervous system, how it works, and the different parts of our bodies.
Critical Thinkers:
Neurologists need to be great problem solvers. They must carefully analyze medical information, find patterns, and come up with effective treatments for their patients.
Time Management:
Being a neurologist means having many patients and responsibilities. It’s important to manage time well and stay organized to provide proper care to everyone.
Research Skills:
Keeping up with the latest discoveries in neurology is crucial. Neurologists should read and understand new information and use it to improve their medical practice.
Pay Close Attention:
Neurological problems can have subtle symptoms, so being observant is vital. Neurologists must be able to notice and understand these signs to make accurate diagnoses.
Excellent Communication Skills:
Neurologists need to be good at talking and explaining things clearly. They have to make sure that everyone understands the diagnosis, treatment plans, and what to expect. Good communication helps everyone work together as a team.
Empathy is everything:
People with neurological illnesses and their families may feel scared or sad. A neurologist should be able to understand their feelings and give emotional support. Being kind and caring is very important in this job.
High Patience Level:
Neurologists need to be patient. They have to spend time with patients and be willing to adjust their plans if needed. It’s important to be patient and not rush through things.
Ability to work well under pressure:
Neurologists have to handle difficult situations and make quick decisions. They need strategies to handle stress and perform their best, even when things get tough. Finding ways to stay focused and calm is crucial in the busy and challenging clinical setting.
By developing these skills, young aspiring neurologists can pave the way for a fulfilling and successful career in the field of specialized medicine. Remember, learning and practicing these skills will take time and dedication, but the rewards are worth it when you can make a difference in people’s lives as a neurologist.
Career Prospects in Neurology
Neurology is a field of medical science that is all about exploring and understanding the brain. Instead of treating or curing ailments, neurologists focus on finding answers and learning more about the brain’s workings. This makes their work exciting and enjoyable for many people. Neurology offers many job opportunities, but you need to gain experience and develop important skills to become a successful neurologist. One interesting aspect of neurology is using advanced MRI technology, which helps us see how the brain functions. By using MRI, neurologists can discover fascinating things about the brain and its activities. It’s like diving into an ocean of knowledge and discovery!
Career Prospects In The Field:
Neurology doctors are qualified to write for and publish in medical journals like other health science specialists. A Neurologist can work in a public or private hospital. Neurologists with the necessary training and expertise can work independently and make a fair living.
Neurologist
Neurologists are medical professionals who focus on diseases of the neurological system. It takes extensive scientific training to become a neurologist. People passionate about understanding and treating illnesses affecting the brain, spinal cord, and peripheral nervous system should consider this one of their top career options. The average annual pay for a Neurologist in India is around 1,162,300 INR.
Pediatric Neurologist
A pediatric neurologist is a doctor who helps children with brain and nervous system problems. They work with kids from newborns to teenagers. They treat issues that can be inherited or happen while growing up. Some of the problems they help with are also seen in adults. Pediatric neurologists earn an average salary of 26.8 lakhs, usually between 25.3 lakhs and 35.9 lakhs.
Vascular Neurologist
Some neurologists study and care for problems related to the blood vessels in the brain. They help diagnose, treat, and study conditions that affect how the blood flows in our brains. These doctors, also known as stroke doctors, are experts in treating illnesses like stroke. They have a lot of knowledge about how to help people who have had a stroke. Some of them choose to get extra training in a specific area called vascular neurology, which focuses on the latest ways to manage strokes. It takes them one to three years to finish this training. Being a stroke doctor is a popular career and can offer a salary of around 3.2 lakhs per year.
Neurosurgeon
A neurosurgery specialist is a neurosurgeon. Those with back and neck pain can receive surgical treatment from a neurosurgeon. The average yearly salary for neurosurgeons in India is 15.0 lakhs, one of the most demanding careers in the contemporary world.
Clinical Psychologist
A clinical psychologist helps patients recognize and manage emotional, behavioral, and psychological issues and obstacles. They could diagnose these conditions and create patient treatment plans. Clinical psychologists can also do research in the field of psychology and instruct classes on a range of psychological subjects. The average yearly income of clinical psychologists ranges from 0.4 Lakhs to 8.0 Lakhs.
Biostatistician
Experts in the field of neuroscience conduct different studies and experiments to understand how our brains work. They also test new medicines and treatments to help improve medical science. Biostatisticians, who analyze data from these studies, play an important role. They help scientists make sense of the numbers and statistics involved. These experts earn around 20 lakhs per year on average, with some making between 18 lakhs and 47 lakhs annually.
Build a Successful Career In Neuroscience and How to Become a Neurologist
Neurologists in India earn 87.1% more than the average American worker, but medical careers attract few applicants. Licensed neurologists can run private practices and offer consultations during set hours. They may also work with various hospitals, providing hourly services on specific days. Over the past decade, neurologists have driven significant healthcare advancements in India, making sophisticated diagnostic procedures like scans and blood tests widely available. This has improved diagnostic precision and expanded the range of treatable conditions. With the growth of hospitals and medical facilities, the demand for neurologists in both the public and private sectors is rising. Graduates have numerous job opportunities as the field continues to evolve and expand.
Evaluate numerous career choices to choose the right career path for yourself. Dive into our guide on Career Advice.
Frequently Asked Questions ( FAQ’s )
Can I become a Neurologist without MBBS?
No, you must first complete your MBBS to become a neurologist. Candidates must hold a 5-and-a-half-year MBBS degree and then complete a 2- to 3-year MD (Medicine) / DNB course. Candidates who want to specialize in the discipline of neurology must complete a D.M. (Neurology) after receiving their master’s degree.
Is a Neurologist highest paid?
Yes, India’s average monthly Neurologist’s salary is roughly 1,50,000 INR. The salaries fall into a range of categories. The number varies from region to city. Neurosurgeons with an MD degree working in the private sector earn more money and have better benefits compared to the public sector. But, overall, the number of job opportunities under the umbrella of Neuroscience is generally high.
How can I become a neurosurgeon after 12th?
To become a neurologist in India, you must take medical admission exams. Different universities and neurology schools have their entrance exams to assess students. After completing intermediate, you have to appear for a national-level entrance exam and get admission into a top college for your undergraduate studies. Once you finish your undergraduate course, you need to take another entrance exam for postgraduate studies in neurology. This is important to become a qualified neurologist.
What is the highest qualification in neurology?
The highest qualification in Neurology is a neurology course called Doctor of Medicine in Neurology (DM Neurology). Doctors need to take national entrance exams like AIIMS-PG or NEET-PG, and based on their scores in these exams, they can get admission into the DM Neurology program. It’s a way for doctors to become experts in studying and helping people with neurological conditions.
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