After graduating medical school and completing an internship, the doctor enters a neurosurgical residency program. A neurosurgical residency takes 5 to 7 years to complete. The residency program is rigorous and complex covering all areas of neurosurgery. Upon completion of a residency program, some neurosurgeons elect to receive advanced training in a 1- or 2-year fellowship in a particular area of study, such as spinal disorders, cerebrovascular disorders or brain tumors.

Neurosurgeons continue their medical education and training throughout their careers. There are many opportunities for neurosurgeons to stay current with neurosurgical, technical, and medical advances, such as neurosurgical meetings and scientific journals.

Most neurosurgeons are board certified. This means they have completed training in an accredited residency program and, after 2-3 years in practice, have successfully completed an examination process given by the American Board of Neurological Surgery.