Best Residency Programs & Medical Schools for Neurology (2025)

Neurology is one of the most fascinating (and demanding) specialties in medicine. It’s where cutting-edge science meets some of the most complex challenges in human health, from epilepsy and stroke to Alzheimer’s and multiple sclerosis. If you're drawn to solving puzzles, understanding how the brain works, and making a deep impact on patients’ lives, a career in neurology might be the perfect fit.

But choosing this path means more than just interest; it means training at the right places. Whether you’re planning ahead for med school or narrowing down your residency choices, where you train can shape everything from your research opportunities to your subspecialty exposure.

This guide breaks down the best medical schools and residency programs for neurology in 2025. We’ll help you figure out which institutions offer the strongest clinical training, mentorship, and long-term career support, so you can make smart, confident decisions about your future in this exciting field.

Best Neurology Residency Programs in the US (2025)

Choosing where to train as a neurologist is about fit, mentorship, research opportunities, and the kinds of patients and conditions you’ll work with every day. Below are 10 top neurology residency programs in the U.S. that consistently deliver outstanding clinical training, research support, and career pathways in neurology.

1. Johns Hopkins Hospital – Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery

• Key Programs:
  • 3-year Adult Neurology
  • 3-year Pediatric Neurology
  • 7-year Neurosurgery

The Sheikh Zayed Tower offers unmatched neuroimaging and surgical resources, and the Kennedy Krieger Institute partnership provides deep exposure to autism and developmental neurology.

Johns Hopkins is looking for more than intellect, as it values leadership and service. Highlight experiences with underserved or disabled populations, especially if aligned with Kennedy Krieger’s mission.

Few programs match Johns Hopkins in reputation, research depth, and history of academic leadership. You’ll be trained by leaders in neuro-oncology, neurocritical care, and neuromodulation, in one of the most research-intensive environments in the country.

2. Columbia University – Neurological Institute of New York

• Key Programs:
  • 4-year Adult Neurology
  • 5-year Child Neurology

The residency program at Columbia University blends tradition with innovation. You’ll train in the hospital that helped define child neurology as a field while also exploring modern tracks in global health and medical education.

The Residency Tracks program allows you to personalize your training toward one of four focus areas, including quality improvement and global health.

This is a program that values reflection and systems thinking. In your application, go beyond clinical exposure, talk about how you’d contribute to Columbia’s bigger mission of integrating neurology into broader healthcare impact.

3. UCSF Medical Center – Department of Neurology

• Key Programs:
  • 4-year Adult Neurology
  • 5-year Child Neurology

If you’re aiming for an academic career or want room to explore cutting-edge research, UCSF’s neurology residency gives you both the structure and flexibility to get there. You’ll train across multiple hospital systems, including a county hospital and the VA, giving you broad clinical exposure.

UCSF offers a flexible fourth year, where residents can dive into a six-month funded research project with access to NIH resources.

UCSF is known for producing future clinician-scientists. If you’re serious about research, don’t just mention it, but show how your past experiences align with UCSF's academic priorities. Referencing departmental leaders like Andrew Josephson (neurovascular research) shows you’ve done your homework.

Read: UCSF Medical School: Admissions, Programs, and Tuition Costs

4. NYU Langone Health – Department of Neurology

• Key Programs:
  • 3-year Adult Neurology
  • 5-year Child Neurology
  • 6-year Neurology & Psychiatry

The neurology programs at NYU Langone are known for their balance of research and real-world clinical exposure. Whether you’re in the adult, child, or neuro-psychiatry track, you’ll work with some of the most diverse patient populations in the country, while being supported by cutting-edge resources like NYSIM and faculty mentors tied to nationally funded research.

You’ll gain access to a full simulation training center built with emergency and neuro-intensive scenarios. NYU also offers a structured research mentorship track, ideal for residents interested in academic careers.

Read: NYU Grossman School of Medicine: Admission Requirements and Application Process

5. Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine

• Key Program: 4-year Adult Neurology

Northwestern University's program is all about future-forward training. From neurorehabilitation to neuroradiology, residents benefit from tight integration between research labs, clinical teams, and advanced imaging.

Residents train at the Shirley Ryan Ability Lab, a global leader in neuroplasticity and rehab science. The program also has a strong emphasis on cross-specialty collaboration, particularly in neuroimaging.

If you have prior exposure to radiology, neuroimaging, or rehabilitation, this is the place to emphasize it. Northwestern values applicants who understand the brain from multiple angles.

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6. UConn Neurology Residency Program

• Key Program: 4-year Adult Neurology

UConn is very strong in clinical diversity and the breadth of hospital systems you’ll train in, from tertiary care centers to community-focused hospitals.

Residents rotate through Hartford Hospital, Saint Francis, and Hospital for Special Care, gaining high-volume, hands-on experience with real autonomy.

This is a strong fit for residents who want rigorous training and early exposure to patient care, especially if you value flexibility and a strong support system over national rankings.

7. Mayo Clinic – College of Medicine and Science

• Key Program: 4-year Adult Neurology

Mayo Clinic's residency program combines world-class resources with an emphasis on personalized mentorship and progressive clinical responsibility.

Residents rotate through highly specialized neurology subspecialties while benefiting from a uniquely patient-first culture. Mayo’s integrated care model allows for cross-disciplinary collaboration across neurology, radiology, psychiatry, and surgery.

This is the program for residents who want top-tier subspecialty exposure and the chance to become clinical leaders. Emphasize your long-term vision and interest in mentorship.

Read: Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine: Admission Requirements and Application Process

8. SUNY Downstate – Department of Neurology

• Key Program: 4-year Adult Neurology

SUNY Downstate is Brooklyn’s academic heart, with a deep commitment to serving a medically diverse and often underserved population. Residents rotate through three distinct hospitals. Each offering unique experiences in trauma, stroke, and general neurology. Downstate emphasizes health equity and public service.

If you’ve worked with underserved communities or have ties to Brooklyn, this is your moment. Show that you care about health disparities and are ready to lead in urban medicine.

9. Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai

• Key Program: 4-year Adult Neurology

Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai offers strong clinical training combined with a research-rich culture. Residents get exposure to a wide range of pathologies and participate in research from day one. The program emphasizes resident well-being and mentorship. Faculty actively involve residents in research, leadership development, and patient-centered care initiatives.

Mount Sinai looks for residents who will thrive in a fast-paced, high-volume academic setting, but who also understand the importance of empathy and balance. Be prepared to talk about how you manage both.

10. University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB)

• Key Program: 4-year Adult Neurology

UAB offers a well-rounded program backed by strong research and mentorship from a faculty of over 90 neurologists.

Residents are exposed to a broad range of neurological conditions with access to advanced diagnostic and therapeutic tools. The training environment is known for being collegial, patient-centered, and research-aware.

Highlight how you thrive in collaborative settings. UAB values team players who engage respectfully with faculty, patients, and peers.

Bottom Line

Neurology is a rewarding specialty, and choosing the right neurology residency program is crucial to your career as a neurologist. With this guide, we hope you've gained insights into the best neurology residency programs in the US, what to look for when selecting a program, and the benefits of completing a neurology residency.

By choosing the right program and putting in the hard work, you can build a successful and fulfilling career in neurology. Good luck!

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Neurology Residency FAQs

What is the best university for a neurologist?

• Many consider Harvard University one of the best choices for aspiring neurologists, thanks to its world-class hospitals, broad access to patients with neurological disorders, and unmatched research opportunities.

Which university is best for neurology?

• For neurology, top universities like Harvard, UCSF, and Johns Hopkins are highly respected. They offer strong clinical training across areas such as outpatient neurology, emergency neurology, and specialized fields like movement disorders and stroke care.

What are the top-ranked neurology residency programs in the U.S.?

• Top programs often include Massachusetts General Hospital (Harvard), UCSF, Johns Hopkins, Mayo Clinic, and NYU Langone. These residencies offer elite training in areas like traumatic brain injury, cognitive neurology, and vascular neurology.

How competitive is neurology as a specialty?

• Neurology is moderately competitive. A strong application typically includes excellent performance in internal medicine rotations, solid Step scores, research experience, and a demonstrated passion for treating the brain and nervous system.

Should I prioritize research or clinical exposure early on?

• Both are important, but early clinical exposure, especially in movement disorders, emergency neurology, and outpatient neurology, helps build strong clinical skills. Research is crucial too, particularly if you aim for academic programs with advanced research programs.