Training Pathways
The training pathway to become a Neurointerventionalist depends on your primary specialty: Radiology, Neurology, or Neurosurgery. As Neurointerventional Surgery is a young subspecialty, the SNIS has always, and continues to, actively collaborate with other professional societies and regulatory bodies to better define training pathways and training program accreditation processes. Therefore, the information below is meant to be a general description of the pathways, as specific prerequisites and curricula are being defined, and may currently differ between programs. Refer to our FAQ page for more information.
Which specialty should you choose? Remember that most, if not all, Neurointerventionalists also practice in their other area(s) of expertise. Therefore, it is important to consider which concomitant role you would be most interested in and fulfilled by throughout your training and career.
Radiology
The classic training pathway through Radiology starts with completion of a Radiology residency program. (ERAS Radiology) Following residency, the radiologist would complete a Diagnostic Neuroradiology Fellowship prior to the final Neurointerventional Radiology fellowship.
Approximate duration of training:
Residency: 5 years
Diagnostic Neuroradiology: 1 year
Preliminary endovascular: 1 year
Neurointerventions: 1 year
Interventional Radiology (IR)
The newer IR residency pathway starts with completion of an internship and subsequent Interventional Radiology-specific, 6-year residency program. (ERAS Interventional Radiology) While this is a new pathway, neurointervention-focused training is currently expected to add only one fellowship year after completion of residency.
Approximate duration of training:
Residency: 6 years
Neurointerventions: 1 year
Neurology
The Interventional Neurology pathway starts with completion of a Neurology residency program. (ERAS Neurology) After residency, the neurologist may complete one of two possible prerequisite fellowships: Vascular Neurology (NRMP Vascular Neurology), or Neurocritical Care (SFM Neurocritical Care). These two pathways provide different expertise and perspectives. Generally, a two-year Neurointerventional training would follow.
Approximate duration of training:
Residency: 4 years
Vascular Neurology: 1 year
Neurocritical Care: 2 years
Preliminary endovascular: 1 year
Neurointerventions: 1 year
Neurosurgery
The Endovascular Neurosurgery pathway starts with completion of a Neurosurgery residency program. (ERAS Neurological Surgery) Many neurosurgeons may elect to complete training in both Vascular and Endovascular Neurosurgery, however, they are separate training programs, and not requisites of each other. For many, Endovascular Neurosurgery training adds one year after completion of the Neurosurgery residency, as the introductory year may be enfolded in residency.
Approximate duration of training:
Residency: 7 years
Preliminary endovascular: 1 year, may be enfolded into residency years
Neurointerventions: 1 year
