You’ll do 4 years of undergraduate study at a college or university. If you accumulate college credits in high school, you may be able to graduate in 3 years. [6] X Research source You’ll attend med school for 4 years to get either an MD (Doctor of Medicine) or DO (Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine) degree. [7] X Expert Source Eric Baron, DOBoard Certified Neurologist Expert Interview. 13 September 2021. [8] X Trustworthy Source University of Rochester Medical Center Leading academic medical center in the U. S. focused on clinical care and research Go to source You’ll intern for 1 year in medicine or surgery, or you’ll intern for 2 years in pediatric neurology. [9] X Research source You’ll spend 3 years in your residency program doing specialty training. [10] X Trustworthy Source University of Rochester Medical Center Leading academic medical center in the U. S. focused on clinical care and research Go to source

If your school allows it, try to still take courses that will give you a broad scientific background. For instance, you should try to take courses in physics, human biology, inorganic and organic chemistry, and psychology. [13] X Research source If you majored in a non-science field or are looking to become a doctor later in life, it’s totally possible. You can use your life experience and different perspective to stand out in your med school applications. [14] X Research source

Each school will have different requirements to fulfill on the pre-med track, but you’ll usually have to complete substantial human biology coursework.

Try to maintain at least a 3. 7-3. 8 GPA in your prerequisite courses. You’ll want to demonstrate a strong academic performance, and a 3. 7-3. 8 GPA will put you in the average range for students admitted to most med schools. [16] X Research source

Find a position through your school’s career center, your pre-med advisors, or a national association looking for volunteers (like the Hospice Foundation of America). [19] X Research source

To prepare for this 6+ hour exam, take practice tests and check out the free guides offered by the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC), the organization which administers the test. [22] X Research source You’ll demonstrate knowledge in four categories on the MCAT: biochemical foundations of living systems, chemical and physical foundations of biological systems, psychological/social/biological foundations of behavior, and critical analysis and reasoning skills. [23] X Research source

While it’s more common for neurologists to get an MD (Doctor of Medicine) degree, you can also choose a DO (Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine) degree if you’re interested in learning an alternative, holistic, mind-body-spirit approach to patient care and medicine. [25] X Research source

If you don’t like your neurology rotation, don’t panic! You may have learned that neuroscience is not the right fit for you. Use your other rotations to find a more appropriate career choice.

Take Step 1 while you’re in your first or second year of med school. [28] X Research source Wait to take Step 2 CK (Clinical Knowledge) until your third or fourth year when you’ve had more practice with clinical skills. [29] X Research source Once you’ve graduated, you can take Step 3 of the USMLE to gain your license. [30] X Research source

You can take Level 1 after your first year of med school. Take the Level 2-CE and Level 2-PE tests after your second year (in any order). Take the Level 3 exam after you’ve received your graduate degree.

Internal medicine interns will primarily focus on diagnosing, treating, and taking care of adult patients. [34] X Research source You’ll apply for your internship and residency through “the Match,” which is run by the National Resident Matching Program. To apply, you must fill out an application through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS). [35] X Research source Compile your CV and letters of recommendation early so you can send them to ERAS when you’re ready. Include your educational history, internships completed, research experience, and list of references. [36] X Research source Once you’ve submitted an application, you may be invited for interviews at residency programs. [37] X Research source Next, you’ll rank your top choices of residence programs, and a computer algorithm will match programs and applicants to optimize top choices. You’ll find out your placement results on Match Day, which occurs in March every year.

When you’re considering a fellowship, evaluate whether the potential higher-income you’ll get from further specialization will outweigh the cost of spending additional years receiving a lower salary and/or taking on debt as you train. [42] X Research source

Since most hiring managers are doctors, don’t be afraid to send multiple follow-up emails in case a busy doctor misses an email.

During your residency, you’ll make around $60,000 per year, with pay increases as you gain more experience. [48] X Research source