How to Become a Doctor: Step-by-Step Guide
Becoming a doctor requires many years of training, including undergraduate, graduate and clinical residency education. The total length of training varies and depends on the area in which a physician chooses to specialize. In most cases, becoming a doctor requires 11-15 years of education and training.
Step 1: Obtain a Bachelor's Degree
Most aspiring doctors will earn a Bachelor of Science degree in one of the basic sciences, like biology, social science or chemistry. These 4-year degrees offer a rounded education in conjunction with pertinent basic medical learning. Many schools offer a pre-medicine track that students can complete in conjunction with their major. Regardless of a student's major, undergraduates interested in medicine should take courses in chemisty, mathematics, biology and physics.
Step 2: Pass the Medical College Admission Test
To apply to medical school, students must take the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT). The MCAT is a comprehensive computer examination that tests students' knowledge of medical concepts and terminology. According to the Association of American Medical Colleges, roughly 50% of students who apply to medical school are accepted, so scoring well is important (www.aamc.org).
Step 3: Complete Medical School
Completing a Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) degree program, also known as medical school, usually takes four years. The programs are generally divided into two sections with different learning experiences and objectives. The first two years of medical school consist of classroom and lab work in courses such as anatomy, physiology, medical laws and ethics, microbiology and pharmacology.
The third and fourth years of medical school are spent completing clinical rotations or clerkships in different medical departments. These rotations help students decide which area they wish to practice in by allowing them to experience multiple areas of medicine. Clinical rotations are typically completed in hospitals and health clinics, with students' work always conducted under the supervision of doctors. The areas of medical practice prospective doctors are exposed to include pediatrics, internal medicine, general practice, osteopathy, psychiatry and surgery.
Step 4: Complete a Medical Residency
After graduating from medical school, aspiring physicians must enter residency programs. In residencies, medical students receive paid, on-the-job training. These residencies typically last for 3-7 years, depending on the specialized area of practice. Training usually takes place in hospitals under the supervision of senior physician educators. Residents treat patients, prescribe medications and work in different areas of their hospitals.
Doctors who want to sub-specialize may also have to complete a fellowship program after residency. Fellowships are similar to residencies, but even more focused. They typically last 1-3 years. Some specialty areas for fellowships include gastroenterology, child psychiatry, oncology and vascular medicine.
Step 5: Obtain Licensure
All doctors, regardless of their specialties, must obtain licensure in order to practice medicine in the United States. Licensure must be obtained from the jurisdiction or state in which the physician will practice. Physicians must pass the United States Medical Licensing Exam (USMLE). Graduating from an accredited medical school is a prerequisite for the USMLE (www.usmle.org). Doctors who are licensed can legally work in the U.S. and related territories.
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Areas of study you may find at Iowa State University include:
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- Graduate: Doctorate First Professional Degree Master
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Areas of study you may find at University of Michigan include:
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Areas of study you may find at New England Institute of Technology include:
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Areas of study you may find at Golden Gate University include:
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- Graduate: First Professional Degree Master
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Areas of study you may find at University of South Florida include:
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- Graduate: Doctorate First Professional Degree Master
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Areas of study you may find at Texas Tech University include:
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Areas of study you may find at Grand Valley State University include:
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Areas of study you may find at Northern Arizona University include:
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- Graduate: Doctorate Master
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