What are the Different Types of Neurology Programs?

In general, neurology is a diverse medical field with many different types of educational programs available to the prospective student. Completing a neurology program usually should provide the student with accreditation, which will allow them to work in the field. Some of the most common types of neurology programs include residencies and post-graduate fellowship training courses.

Neurology is a specific field of medicine that studies diseases related to the nervous system. Neurologists typically diagnose and treat diseases that are related to problems with the central, peripheral, or autonomic nervous systems. Only someone who has already completed certification as a physician usually is allowed to specialize in neurology.

Many neurology programs are conducted in the form of residencies which can last for approximately three years. Some of these residencies are structured on a rotational basis, meaning that the neurology resident will work in a number of different hospitals. The basic idea of the rotational system is to give the resident a familiarity with working in different hospital environments and put them into contact with different types of neurology patients. Residents often are paired with mentors, who are members of the neurology faculty, in order to provide the students with valuable experience and knowledge.

A didactic curriculum also may be a part of the neurology program. This may include electives or teaching conferences. These curriculums generally are intended to supplement the experiences of the resident with the theoretical aspect of neurology which could help in their practical work.

During residency, some neurology programs may require that students complete a research project. This could include a project on research methodology, usually conducted under the supervision of a mentor. Other neurology programs also may emphasize that the resident gains subspecialty experience and knowledge in one or more disciplines, such as neuropathology, sleep disorders, or multiple sclerosis.

Neurology research also is a type of neurology program. These generally are interdisciplinary programs that may teach basic neuroscience, clinical studies, or translational research. These programs may be taken while one is completing their residency or after completing residency. Researchers who complete the program often may be offered a job as an instructor in the program.

Examinations usually are the final part of any neurology program. Upon successful completion of the exam, the student typically will have accreditation as a neurologist. This accreditation may allow one to work in a hospital or to open a private practice that caters to their subspecialty.