Becoming a Neurosurgeon in New York is a huge opportunity for individuals who would like to be brain surgeons. It’s however not an easy job as those who have been through the process have said.
Most neurosurgical procedures only last an hour or so in duration, however, more complicated procedures may take up to 15 hours.
We have therefore created an extensive checklist of the steps you need to take to become a Neurosurgeon in New York and also the payments that are paid to Neurosurgeon working in New York.
Firstly, let’s find out who a Neurosurgeon really is…
Who is a Neurosurgeon?
Neurosurgeons are not just brain surgeons, they are medical neurosurgical specialists who can also help patients suffering from back and neck pain as well as a host of other illnesses.
These include illnesses ranging from trigeminal neuralgia to head injury and Parkinson’s disease. Therefore, a Neurosurgeon is a physician who specializes in neurosurgery in general.
You may, however, be wondering what the difference between a Neurologist and a neurosurgeon is right?
A neurosurgeon can perform surgery on the brain and spinal cord, whereas a neurologist is typically not able to do so.
In addition to performing surgical procedures, neurosurgeons are also able to help you navigate through your diagnosis, your treatment plan, the actual surgery, and post-recovery options.
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What is the Average Salary of Neurosurgeon in New York ?
The average Neurosurgeon in New York salary is $755,001 as of September 27, 2021. However, the range typically falls between $568,401 and $955,301.
Being the rarest, the salaries of Brain Surgeons in New York City, however, range from $31,054 to $918,887, with a median salary of $101,596.
The middle 50% of Brain Surgeons make between $78,555 and $100,936, with the top 83% making $918,887.
Salary ranges can vary widely depending on many important factors.
Including education, certifications, additional skills, the number of years you have spent in your profession.
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How Much Does it Cost to Pursue a Neurosurgeon Degree in New York?
In most cases, the cost of becoming a surgeon in New York will run from around $250,000 to over $500,000.
The median cost of four years of Neurosurgeon program attendance in 2019 – 2020 was a bit low. As it was, however, $250,222 at public institutions and $330,180 at private colleges.
However, take note that these tuition fees may vary as a result of a lot of different things and reasons.
These reasons amongst all may include, the Universities involved and their ranking in the New York medical school board.
How to Become a Neurosurgeon in New York (8 Steps)
To become a successful Neurosurgeon in New York, aspirants must follow the steps listed below. Preferably in the order, it is below, as this is the approved order in New York.
These steps include;
Step 1. Attend a High School for Science in New York
All doctors need to understand how the human body works, how chemicals and forces act and react to it.
Doctors need to know how to calculate dosages of medicine, read graphs, and understand trends in a patient’s recovery. Strong math skills facilitate these responsibilities.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Occupational Outlook Handbook states that pre-med students should complete undergraduate work in math.
It follows that high school students who anticipate becoming neurosurgeons should take as many math classes as possible.
Therefore, students who wish to become physicians are to, take science classes in high school. With, however, a focus on biology, chemistry, and physics.
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Step 2. Pursue a Neurosurgeon Bachelor’s Degree
While there is no specific degree for undergraduate study, aspiring neurosurgeons tend to concentrate their coursework in advanced biological sciences. This is to meet admission requirements for medical school.
They must graduate from an accredited bachelor’s degree program with pre-med prerequisite courses, such as microbiology and biochemistry.
Also recommended are classes in English, advanced mathematics, and statistics. Most medical schools require a grade point average of at least 3.5 and may choose only those candidates who rank at the top of their graduating class.
During undergraduate study, it is also important for students to gain experience that will set them apart from other medical school applicants and prepare them for their chosen careers.
This experience may include volunteering at a hospital, performing community service, and doing research work.
Step 3. Take the Medical College Admissions Test
During their junior year of undergraduate study, prospective neurosurgeons must sit for the Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT) administered by the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) and the American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine (AACOM).
Through a set of multiple-choice questions, this standardized exam allows medical schools to evaluate a candidate’s training and skill set.
Many schools share their incoming student MCAT score average on their website to inform undergraduates of how well they need to score to compete with other applicants.
Step 4. Go for a Medical School & National Licensing in New york
Neurosurgeons obtain either a Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree or a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) degree.
Medical school is a very challenging four years of study that is in two parts. The first part, comprising the first two years of schooling, is focused on course and lab work that prepares students intellectually for patient interaction.
This training is in the biological and natural sciences, physiology, chemistry, medical ethics, and the art and practice of medicine.
Students who wish to become neurosurgeons typically tailor their studies to include advanced classes in medical diagnostics, clinical research, surgical practice, and disease management.
To test their grasp of this portion of training, in the second year of medical school students pursuing an MD must take and pass the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE).
As they complete rotations, students tend to find out that they gravitate towards certain specialties or environments that fit their particular interests and skillsets.
This time must inform their decision of specialty or subspecialty so that they find complete satisfaction as a physician.
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Step 5. Go for an Internship as a Neurosurgeon in New York
After finishing medical school, graduates who wish to pursue a career in neurosurgery are required to spend one year as a hospital intern.
Interns do not have the right to practice unsupervised medicine and must practice within the confines of the training program in which they are enrolled.
Step 6. Attend Residency
Following completion of an internship, physicians enter a residency program in neurological surgery, which typically lasts between six and seven years.
The focus of years one and two is training in neurosurgery, neuropathology, and neuroradiology. In years three and four, some programs offer a choice of laboratory research or experience in a subspecialty of neurosurgery.
During the final year or two, primary duties commonly include administrative responsibility for all residents, acting as chief resident in neurosurgery, and assisting in surgeries.
Neurosurgery residencies are assigned through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS), administered by the American Association of Medical Colleges.
Step 7. State Licensing & Continuing Education
All physicians in every state need to be state-licensed. To be eligible to sit for a state’s licensing exam, candidates must have completed medical school and a residency program.
While licensing rules and regulations vary from one state to another, periodic license renewal and continuing education are common requirements.
The continuing education component can be fulfilled by committing to a fellowship or by attending classes and seminars held by medical schools and professional organizations.
Step 8. Acquiring Board Certification (optional)
Board certification is offered by the American Board of Neurological Surgery (ABNS).
Though not mandatory, passing the Board’s examination and earning its credential establishes a surgeon’s commitment to excellence in the field and increases credibility and marketability in the medical community.
The ABNS publishes its requirements for certification on its website ().
Conclusion
As a neurosurgeon, you stand a great chance of earning handsomely while gaining respect from everyone. However, you must be ready for the hard work. Because, as they say, no pain no gain.
