O*NET · 29-1217.00

Neurologists

Diagnose, manage, and treat disorders and diseases of the brain, spinal cord, and peripheral nerves, with a primarily nonsurgical focus.

Also called Adult and Pediatric Neurologist · Adult Neurologist · Child Neurologist · Chiropractic Neurologist · DO Physician · DO Physician (Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine Physician) · Epileptologist · General Neurologist

13 more

Headache Specialist · MD · MD (Medical Doctor) · Neurohospitalist · Neurologist · Neurology Physician · Neurophysiologist · Neurosurgery Physician · Osteopathic Neurologist · Pediatric Neurologist · Pediatric Neurology Physician · Physician · Vascular Neurologist

Job Zone 5 — Extensive Preparation NeededHolland code ISR35 skills on file

Compare with another occupation Compare with Nurse Practitioners

Job Zone

Zone 5: Extensive Preparation Needed

Extensive preparation. Usually a graduate degree, with extensive skill, knowledge and experience — many of these occupations expect more than five years of experience.

Job Zone is O*NET's rating of how much education, experience and training an occupation typically needs — a property of the work, not of anyone doing it.

Occupational interest profile

ISRInvestigative · Social · Realistic — the three strongest interests, in order

I Investigative7.00
S Social5.02
R Realistic4.10
C Conventional3.69
E Enterprising2.39
A Artistic2.08

RIASEC (Holland) interests on O*NET's 0–7 scale: what the work draws on, not what any individual prefers. Hover a row for what each dimension means.

Education and experience

The education level respondents say the job requires, and the most common answer for experience and training.

High School Diploma or the equivalent2%
Master's Degree5%
Doctoral Degree29%
Post-Doctoral Training64%

Related work experience: Over 4 years, up to and including 6 years (28%)
On-site or in-plant training: None (25%)
On-the-job training: None or short demonstration (21%)

Typically associated skills

All 35 O*NET skills, most important first. Importance (1–5) says how much a skill matters here; level (0–7) says how much of it the work calls for, with O*NET's example of a nearby level. Neither is a proficiency rating of a person.

Active ListeningbasicImportance 4.3Level 4.5Level 4 looks like: Answer inquiries regarding credit references
Reading ComprehensionbasicImportance 4.1Level 5.5Level 6 looks like: Read a scientific journal article describing surgical procedures
Critical ThinkingbasicImportance 4.1Level 4.9Level 4 looks like: Evaluate customer complaints and determine appropriate responses
Complex Problem SolvingImportance 4.1Level 4.6Level 4 looks like: Redesign a floor layout to take advantage of new manufacturing techniques
Social PerceptivenessImportance 4.1Level 4.6Level 4 looks like: Be aware of how a coworker's promotion will affect a work group
SpeakingbasicImportance 4.1Level 4.4Level 4 looks like: Interview applicants to obtain personal and work history
MonitoringbasicImportance 4.0Level 4.6Level 4 looks like: Monitor a meeting and revise the agenda to ensure important topics are discussed
Judgment and Decision MakingImportance 4.0Level 4.5Level 4 looks like: Evaluate a loan application for degree of risk
WritingbasicImportance 4.0Level 4.4Level 4 looks like: Write an email to staff outlining new directives
Active LearningbasicImportance 3.8Level 4.6Level 4 looks like: Determine the impact of new menu changes on a restaurant's purchasing requirements
SciencebasicImportance 3.8Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Conduct product tests to ensure safety standards are met
CoordinationImportance 3.8Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Work with others to put a new roof on a house

Show the other 23

InstructingImportance 3.5Level 4.6Level 4 looks like: Instruct a coworker in how to operate a software program
PersuasionImportance 3.5Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Convince a supervisor to purchase new office equipment
Service OrientationImportance 3.5Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Make flight reservations for customers using an online booking site
Learning StrategiesbasicImportance 3.4Level 4.3Level 4 looks like: Identify an alternative approach to help trainees who are having difficulties
Systems AnalysisImportance 3.4Level 3.4Level 4 looks like: Determine how a new piece of equipment will affect production rates
Time ManagementImportance 3.3Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Allocate the time of subordinates to projects for the coming week
Systems EvaluationImportance 3.3Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Identify the reasons why a client might be unhappy with a product
Management of Personnel ResourcesImportance 3.0Level 3.4Level 4 looks like: Direct the activities of a road repair crew with minimal disruption of traffic flow
MathematicsbasicImportance 2.9Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Calculate the square footage of a new home under construction
NegotiationImportance 2.8Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Present justification to a manager for altering a work schedule
Quality Control AnalysisImportance 2.4Level 2.3Level 2 looks like: Inspect a draft email for errors (e.g., grammar, punctuation)
Management of Material ResourcesImportance 2.1Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Reserve a room for a management meeting
Operations MonitoringImportance 2.1Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Monitor completion times while running a computer program
Operations AnalysisImportance 2.1Level 1.9Level 2 looks like: Select a printer for an office
Management of Financial ResourcesImportance 2.0Level 1.8Level 2 looks like: Use available funds to buy office supplies and record the amount of the purchase
Technology DesignImportance 1.9Level 1.0Level 2 looks like: Adjust exercise equipment for use by a customer
TroubleshootingImportance 1.8Level 1.4Level 2 looks like: Identify the source of a leak by looking under a machine
ProgrammingImportance 1.8Level 0.9
Equipment SelectionImportance 1.4Level 0.6
Operation and ControlImportance 1.3Level —
Equipment MaintenanceImportance 1.0Level —
InstallationImportance 1.0Level —
RepairingImportance 1.0Level —

Tasks

22 core · 2 supplemental

What people in this occupation do, as O*NET records it, core tasks first by importance (1–5).

Interview patients to obtain information, such as complaints, symptoms, medical histories, and family histories.Importance 4.9
Order or interpret results of laboratory analyses of patients' blood or cerebrospinal fluid.Importance 4.8
Perform or interpret the outcomes of procedures or diagnostic tests, such as lumbar punctures, electroencephalography, electromyography, and nerve conduction velocity tests.Importance 4.8
Examine patients to obtain information about functional status of areas, such as vision, physical strength, coordination, reflexes, sensations, language skills, cognitive abilities, and mental status.Importance 4.8
Prescribe or administer medications, such as anti-epileptic drugs, and monitor patients for behavioral and cognitive side effects.Importance 4.7
Diagnose neurological conditions based on interpretation of examination findings, histories, or test results.Importance 4.7
Identify and treat major neurological system diseases and disorders, such as central nervous system infection, cranio spinal trauma, dementia, and stroke.Importance 4.7
Prepare, maintain, or review records that include patients' histories, neurological examination findings, treatment plans, or outcomes.Importance 4.6
Inform patients or families of neurological diagnoses and prognoses, or benefits, risks and costs of various treatment plans.Importance 4.6
Develop treatment plans based on diagnoses and on evaluation of factors, such as age and general health, or procedural risks and costs.Importance 4.6
Communicate with other health care professionals regarding patients' conditions and care.Importance 4.6
Counsel patients or others on the background of neurological disorders including risk factors, or genetic or environmental concerns.Importance 4.4

Show the other 12

Interpret the results of neuroimaging studies, such as Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT), and Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scans.Importance 4.4
Refer patients to other health care practitioners as necessary.Importance 4.3
Advise other physicians on the treatment of neurological problems.Importance 4.3
Determine brain death using accepted tests and procedures.Importance 4.3
Coordinate neurological services with other health care team activities.Importance 4.3
Participate in continuing education activities to maintain and expand competence.Importance 4.1
Order supportive care services, such as physical therapy, specialized nursing care, and social services.Importance 4.1
Provide training to medical students or staff members.Importance 4.0
Supervise medical technicians in the performance of neurological diagnostic or therapeutic activities.Importance 3.7
Participate in neuroscience research activities.Importance 3.5
Perform specialized treatments in areas such as sleep disorders, neuroimmunology, neuro-oncology, behavioral neurology, and neurogenetics.Importance 4.2
Prescribe or administer treatments, such as transcranial magnetic stimulation, vagus nerve stimulation, and deep brain stimulation.Importance 3.7

Knowledge

Bodies of knowledge the work draws on.

Medicine and DentistryImportance 4.8Level 6.5Level 7 looks like: Perform open heart surgery
English LanguageImportance 4.2Level 5.3Level 4 looks like: Edit an article for a news website
BiologyImportance 4.1Level 5.1Level 4 looks like: Investigate the effects of pollution on marine plants and animals
PsychologyImportance 4.1Level 5.7
Therapy and CounselingImportance 4.0Level 5.4Level 4 looks like: Provide job counseling to the unemployed
Computers and ElectronicsImportance 3.7Level 4.7Level 4 looks like: Use a computer to format a document
Education and TrainingImportance 3.7Level 5.0Level 4 looks like: Lead a quality improvement seminar
ChemistryImportance 3.6Level 4.6Level 4 looks like: Use the proper concentration of chlorine to purify a water source

Show all 33

Customer and Personal ServiceImportance 3.6Level 4.5Level 4 looks like: Be responsible for 10 children at daycare
MathematicsImportance 3.5Level 4.5Level 4 looks like: Analyze data to determine areas with the highest sales
Administration and ManagementImportance 3.2Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Monitor progress of a project to ensure timely completion
Law and GovernmentImportance 2.8Level 3.2Level 4 looks like: Prepare documents and title papers for the purchase of a new house
Personnel and Human ResourcesImportance 2.8Level 3.7Level 4 looks like: Interview applicants for an administrative position
Sociology and AnthropologyImportance 2.8Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Write an article about cultural differences
AdministrativeImportance 2.7Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Type 30 words per minute
Communications and MediaImportance 2.6Level 2.9
Philosophy and TheologyImportance 2.6Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Understand another culture's religious practices
Foreign LanguageImportance 2.5Level 2.7
Public Safety and SecurityImportance 2.3Level 2.0Level 1 looks like: Use a seatbelt
Economics and AccountingImportance 2.1Level 2.1Level 1 looks like: Answer billing questions from credit card customers
Engineering and TechnologyImportance 2.0Level 1.9Level 1 looks like: Install a door lock
TelecommunicationsImportance 2.0Level 1.5Level 1 looks like: Send an email
PhysicsImportance 1.9Level 1.9Level 1 looks like: Use a crowbar to pry open a box
TransportationImportance 1.9Level 1.8Level 1 looks like: Ride a train to work
Sales and MarketingImportance 1.5Level 1.2Level 1 looks like: Sell cakes at a bake sale
DesignImportance 1.3Level —
GeographyImportance 1.3Level —
MechanicalImportance 1.2Level —
Production and ProcessingImportance 1.2Level —
Building and ConstructionImportance 1.1Level —
History and ArcheologyImportance 1.1Level —
Fine ArtsImportance 1.0Level —
Food ProductionImportance 1.0Level —

Abilities

Enduring capacities the work calls for.

Inductive ReasoningImportance 4.5Level 5.5Level 6 looks like: Diagnose a disease using results of many different lab tests
Deductive ReasoningImportance 4.4Level 5.0Level 5 looks like: Decide what factors to consider in selecting stocks
Oral ComprehensionImportance 4.3Level 5.5Level 6 looks like: Understand a lecture on advanced physics
Oral ExpressionImportance 4.3Level 5.3Level 6 looks like: Explain advanced principles of genetics to college freshmen
Problem SensitivityImportance 4.3Level 5.8Level 6 looks like: Recognize an illness at an early stage of a disease when there are only a few symptoms
Written ComprehensionImportance 4.1Level 5.1Level 6 looks like: Understand an instruction book on repairing Artificial Intelligence systems
Information OrderingImportance 3.9Level 4.3
Near VisionImportance 3.9Level 4.1Level 5 looks like: Read the fine print of a legal document

Show all 52

Speech RecognitionImportance 3.9Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Identify a former customer's voice over the phone
Written ExpressionImportance 3.9Level 4.5Level 4 looks like: Write a job recommendation for a subordinate
Category FlexibilityImportance 3.8Level 4.5Level 3 looks like: Classify flowers according to size, color, and smell
Flexibility of ClosureImportance 3.8Level 4.4Level 4 looks like: Look for a golf ball in tall grass
Speech ClarityImportance 3.8Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Make stadium-wide announcements during a sporting event
Fluency of IdeasImportance 3.6Level 4.4Level 4 looks like: Think of as many ideas as possible for the name of a new company
Perceptual SpeedImportance 3.5Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Read five pressure indicators in 10 seconds to make sure each is within safe limits
OriginalityImportance 3.4Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Redesign job tasks to be interesting for employees
VisualizationImportance 3.4Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Follow a diagram to assemble a metal storage cabinet
Number FacilityImportance 3.1Level 3.4Level 3 looks like: Calculate a discounted price
Selective AttentionImportance 3.1Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Answer a business call with coworkers talking nearby
Speed of ClosureImportance 3.1Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Make sense of messy handwriting
Mathematical ReasoningImportance 3.0Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Decide how to calculate profits to determine the amounts of yearly bonuses
Far VisionImportance 2.9Level 3.4Level 4 looks like: Read the slides on a presentation from across a room
MemorizationImportance 2.9Level 2.9
Visual Color DiscriminationImportance 2.9Level 2.8
Finger DexterityImportance 2.8Level 2.5Level 2 looks like: Put coins in a parking meter
Time SharingImportance 2.8Level 2.8Level 3 looks like: Watch street signs while driving at 30 miles an hour
Auditory AttentionImportance 2.4Level 1.8Level 2 looks like: Listen to a lecture while people nearby are talking
Hearing SensitivityImportance 2.4Level 2.4Level 2 looks like: Notice a doorbell ringing
Depth PerceptionImportance 2.1Level 1.8Level 2 looks like: Merge a car into traffic on a city street
Trunk StrengthImportance 1.9Level 1.6Level 2 looks like: Sit up in an office chair
Arm-Hand SteadinessImportance 1.8Level 1.4Level 2 looks like: Light a candle
Manual DexterityImportance 1.5Level 0.9Level 1 looks like: Screw a light bulb into a light socket
Control PrecisionImportance 1.1Level —
Reaction TimeImportance 1.1Level —
Response OrientationImportance 1.1Level —
Wrist-Finger SpeedImportance 1.1Level —
Dynamic FlexibilityImportance 1.0Level —
Dynamic StrengthImportance 1.0Level —
Explosive StrengthImportance 1.0Level —
Extent FlexibilityImportance 1.0Level —
Glare SensitivityImportance 1.0Level —
Gross Body CoordinationImportance 1.0Level —
Gross Body EquilibriumImportance 1.0Level —
Multilimb CoordinationImportance 1.0Level —
Night VisionImportance 1.0Level —
Peripheral VisionImportance 1.0Level —
Rate ControlImportance 1.0Level —
Sound LocalizationImportance 1.0Level —
Spatial OrientationImportance 1.0Level —
Speed of Limb MovementImportance 1.0Level —
StaminaImportance 1.0Level —
Static StrengthImportance 1.0Level —

Work activities

Kinds of activity the work is made of.

Getting InformationImportance 4.9Level 6.0Level 7 looks like: Study international tax laws
Making Decisions and Solving ProblemsImportance 4.9Level 6.5Level 7 looks like: Make the final decision about a company's 5-year plan
Assisting and Caring for OthersImportance 4.8Level 6.2Level 7 looks like: Care for seriously injured persons in an emergency room
Updating and Using Relevant KnowledgeImportance 4.7Level 6.1Level 7 looks like: Learn information related to a complex and rapidly changing technology
Analyzing Data or InformationImportance 4.6Level 6.1Level 7 looks like: Analyze the cost of medical care services for all hospitals in the country
Documenting/Recording InformationImportance 4.6Level 6.1Level 7 looks like: Maintain information about the use of satellites for industry communications
Interpreting the Meaning of Information for OthersImportance 4.6Level 5.7
Processing InformationImportance 4.6Level 6.0Level 7 looks like: Compile data for a complex scientific report

Show all 41

Identifying Objects, Actions, and EventsImportance 4.5Level 6.4Level 7 looks like: Determine the reaction of a virus to a new drug
Monitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsImportance 4.5Level 6.2Level 7 looks like: Check the status of a patient in critical medical care
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesImportance 4.4Level 5.6
Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsImportance 4.4Level 5.5Level 4 looks like: Maintain good working relationships with almost all coworkers and clients
Providing Consultation and Advice to OthersImportance 4.4Level 5.8
Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with StandardsImportance 4.2Level 5.2Level 4 looks like: Evaluate a complicated insurance claim for compliance with policy terms
Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or PeopleImportance 4.2Level 5.6
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkImportance 4.1Level 5.5Level 4 looks like: Plan and adjust a personal to-do list according to changing demands
Training and Teaching OthersImportance 4.1Level 5.6
Working with ComputersImportance 4.0Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Write software for keeping track of parts in inventory
Communicating with People Outside the OrganizationImportance 3.9Level 5.2Level 4 looks like: Present information to potential clients about available services
Performing Administrative ActivitiesImportance 3.9Level 5.0Level 4 looks like: Complete tax forms for a small business
Scheduling Work and ActivitiesImportance 3.9Level 4.6Level 4 looks like: Prepare the work schedule for salesclerks in a large retail store
Developing Objectives and StrategiesImportance 3.8Level 4.9Level 4 looks like: Develop the plan to complete the merger of two organizations over a 3-year period
Guiding, Directing, and Motivating SubordinatesImportance 3.8Level 5.2Level 4 looks like: Manage a small team of employees in a dynamic workplace
Performing for or Working Directly with the PublicImportance 3.8Level 4.3Level 4 looks like: Sell shoes in a crowded shoe store
Thinking CreativelyImportance 3.8Level 5.1Level 4 looks like: Adapt popular music for a high school marching band
Coaching and Developing OthersImportance 3.7Level 5.1Level 4 looks like: Provide on-the-job training for administrative workers
Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or InformationImportance 3.7Level 4.2Level 4 looks like: Estimate the time required to evacuate a city in the event of a major disaster
Developing and Building TeamsImportance 3.5Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Lead an assembly team in an automobile plant
Coordinating the Work and Activities of OthersImportance 3.4Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Organize the cleanup crew after a major sporting event
Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with OthersImportance 3.3Level 4.5Level 4 looks like: Get two subordinates to agree about vacation schedules
Monitoring and Controlling ResourcesImportance 3.2Level 4.4Level 4 looks like: Work as a chef responsible for ordering food for the menu
Selling or Influencing OthersImportance 2.9Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Make a sales pitch to convince others to buy a product
Staffing Organizational UnitsImportance 2.8Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Interview candidates for a sales position and make hiring recommendations
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialsImportance 2.6Level 2.9
Performing General Physical ActivitiesImportance 2.5Level 2.9
Controlling Machines and ProcessesImportance 2.3Level 2.8
Handling and Moving ObjectsImportance 2.2Level 2.4Level 1 looks like: Change settings on copy machines
Repairing and Maintaining Electronic EquipmentImportance 1.6Level 1.1Level 1 looks like: Use display settings to adjust a television picture
Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and EquipmentImportance 1.5Level —
Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or EquipmentImportance 1.5Level 1.0Level 1 looks like: Drive a car
Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical EquipmentImportance 1.4Level —

Work context

The conditions most characteristic of the work, on O*NET's 1–5 context scale.

Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams5.0
Importance of Being Exact or Accurate5.0
Contact With Others4.9
Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals4.9
Freedom to Make Decisions4.9
Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results4.9
Frequency of Decision Making4.8
Telephone Conversations4.8
E-Mail4.7
Consequence of Error4.6

Technology

29 tools

Software used in this work. In demand: among the tools job postings for this occupation name most. Hot: often named in job postings across the economy.

In demand (1)

Epic Systemshot

Hot (5; 1 more marked hot above)

eClinicalWorks EHR software
Microsoft Excel
Microsoft Office software
Microsoft PowerPoint
Microsoft Word

Other tools (23)

Allscripts PM
athenahealth athenaCollector
Automatic Data Processing AdvancedMD EHR
Benchmark Systems Benchmark Clinical EHR
Bizmatics PrognoCIS EMR
CareCloud Central
Cerner PowerWorks Practice Management
e-MDs software
Email software
Epic Practice Management
GalacTek ECLIPSE
GE Healthcare Centricity Practice Solution
Greenway Medical Technologies PrimeSUITE
HealthFusion MediTouch
IOS Health Systems Medios EHR
Kareo Practice Management
McKesson Practice Plus
Modernizing Medicine Practice Management
NextGen Healthcare NextGen Practice Management
Nuesoft Technologies NueMD
simplifyMD
Vitera Healthcare Solutions Vitera Intergy
WRSHealth EMR

Related occupations

O*NET's own list of the occupations most related to this one, closest first.

ESCO equivalents

From the official ESCO–O*NET crosswalk, strongest match first. A broader occupation takes in this one; a narrower one is a part of it.

Closest occupations

Compare any occupation →

Other O*NET occupations whose importance ratings on the 35 skills both rate are nearest to this one's, with the biggest differences named. A plain rule, not a hidden score.

Nurse Practitioners
Average difference 0.2 points · Operations Analysis +0.9, Operation and Control +0.5
O*NET · Zone 5 · Compare
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Physicians
Average difference 0.2 points · Operation and Control +0.7, Persuasion −0.5
O*NET · Zone 5 · Compare
Physician Assistants
Average difference 0.2 points · Coordination −0.5, Operations Analysis +0.5
O*NET · Zone 5 · Compare
General Internal Medicine Physicians
Average difference 0.2 points · Operations Analysis +0.7, Coordination −0.5
O*NET · Zone 5 · Compare
Hospitalists
Average difference 0.2 points · Management of Material Resources −0.5, Service Orientation +0.5
O*NET · Zone 5 · Compare
Neuropsychologists
Average difference 0.2 points · Coordination −0.5, Reading Comprehension +0.4
O*NET · Zone 5 · Compare
Naturopathic Physicians
Average difference 0.2 points · Coordination −0.7, Science −0.7
O*NET · Zone 5 · Compare
Allergists and Immunologists
Average difference 0.2 points · Coordination −0.8, Operations Analysis −0.7
O*NET · Zone 5 · Compare

Use this in your own job architecture

BlissPoint Organization Viewer can link a role directly to this occupation and suggest these skills as that role's starting requirements.

Try it free →

This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license; O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. ESCO occupations and skills are from the European Commission's ESCO classification, and the occupation crosswalk is the official ESCO–O*NET mapping by the ESCO Secretariat with USDOL/ETA. This service uses the ESCO classification of the European Commission. BlissPoint Analytics has modified all or some of this information: skill, task and descriptor ratings are rounded to one decimal, and ESCO occupations show Job Zone and interests copied from a crosswalked O*NET occupation. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.