Steps to Become a Doctor: Education and Career Roadmap
Research the requirements to become a doctor. Learn about the job description and read the step-by-step process to start a career as a doctor.
Requirements for Doctors
Doctors provide diagnoses, treatments and counseling to individuals with illnesses, diseases or injuries. Some of their many responsibilities include examining patients, collecting patient information, performing diagnostic tests and discussing test results. Physicians fall into two main categories: medical doctors (M.D.) and doctors of osteopathic medicine (D.O.). Both types of doctors treat patients, but D.O.s also use preventive medicine and holistic care methods. Nearly all doctors complete undergraduate degree programs and four years of medical school. Completion of a residency is also required. The following table contains essential requirements for doctors:
| Common Requirements | |
|---|---|
| Degree Level | Doctorate* |
| Degree Field | Medicine* |
| Licensure/Certification | M.D.s must pass all three parts of the U.S. Medical Licensing Examination and D.O.s must pass the Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Licensing Examination-USA; board certification by the ABMS is optional* |
| Experience | Most doctors complete a residency (between three and eight years)* |
| Key Skills | Skills in problem solving, leadership, empathy and communication* |
| Computer Skills | Medical software, Microsoft Excel, accounting software** |
| Technical Skills | Use a variety of medical and diagnostic equipment (surgical clamps, ophthalmoscopes)** |
| Additional Requirements | Must continue education to maintain licensure or certification; requirements vary by state* |
Sources: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, **O*NET Online.
Step 1: Earn a Bachelor's Degree
A bachelor's degree is required to get into medical school. Medical schools seek applicants who have a broad educational background, a solid foundation in the natural sciences and experience in healthcare settings. While a specific major is not required, all medical school applicants need to complete undergraduate coursework in biology, physics, chemistry and mathematics.
Success Tip:
- Gain healthcare experience while in school. Students can do this by volunteering in hospitals, clinics or other healthcare environments. This is a good way for students to make sure they want to become doctors before committing to medical school.
Step 2: Take the Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT)
MCAT performance scores are required by almost all medical schools in the nation. Content areas that are tested on the MCAT include biology, general chemistry, organic chemistry and physics. The MCAT is a standardized examination that is also designed to assess problem solving, verbal reasoning and writing skills. Students planning on going to medical school can take the MCAT up to three times in a year.
Step 3: Earn a Medical Degree
Medical school programs generally last four years. The first two years usually entail classroom and laboratory work, while the last two years allow students to work directly with patients under the supervision of experienced doctors. Medical school coursework generally covers topics in pharmacology, pathology, anatomy and biochemistry. Students also study the practice of medicine and legal issues related to healthcare. The clinical experiences that students participate in (usually in their third year) cover a variety of specialty areas, including neurology, radiology and medicine. The clinical experiences also give the student a chance to find out what type of residency he or she would prefer to pursue after graduation.
Step 4: Complete a Residency Program
Residency programs offer aspiring doctors the opportunity to work directly with patients in a specialty area of medicine. Some specialty areas include internal medicine, pediatrics, emergency medicine, psychiatry and anesthesiology. Residents may be responsible for a number of patient care activities, including developing problem lists, performing physical exams and compiling medical histories. Depending on the specialty area, a residency can last from anywhere between three and eight years. Most residents usually complete their programs in hospitals.
Step 5: Obtain Licensure
All states require physicians to become licensed before allowing them to practice medicine. Graduation from an accredited medical school is required before qualifying for licensure. Candidates must also complete a residency training program and pass exams. The U.S. Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) is a three-step examination that is required for M.D.s. The Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Licensing Examination (COMLEX-USA) must be taken by D.O.s. For specific state information about licensing, individuals should contact their state's medical board.
Success Tip:
- Seek continuing education opportunities. Doctors applying for license renewal must typically complete at least 50 hours of continuing education before taking the renewal exam. Each state has different licensing requirements, so it may be beneficial to learn what those are as soon as possible.
Step 6: Get Certified
Certification is not required, but it may increase employment opportunities. A professional designation can demonstrate that a doctor is an expert in a specific area of medicine. Certification by the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) involves a thorough process of evaluations and assessments. Continuing education is often required for recertification.
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4 Popular Schools
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Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be a high school graduate or have completed GED
School locations:
- Online Learning
Online Programs
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Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be 21 years of age or older and have completed some college or 24 years of age or older and a high school graduate for a Bachelor's degree
- Masters degree applicants must have a Bachelors degree
- Doctorate degree applicants must have a Masters degree
School locations:
- Online Learning
Online Programs
- Doctorate
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Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Applicants must have a bachelor's degree or higher
School locations:
- Online Learning
Online Programs
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Doctorate
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- Doctorate in Healthcare Management & Leadership
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Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be a high school graduate or have completed GED
School locations:
- Online Learning
- Colorado (2 campuses)
Online and Classroom-Based Programs
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Doctorate
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- Doctor of Management in Health Care Management & Leadership
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Other Popular Schools:
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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
- Undergraduate: Bachelor
- Agriculture
- Architecture
- Biological and Biomedical Sciences
- Business
- Communications and Journalism
- Computer Sciences
- Education
- Engineering
- Liberal Arts and Humanities
- Mechanic and Repair Technologies
- Medical and Health Professions
- Physical Sciences
- Psychology
- Visual and Performing Arts
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Areas of study you may find at University of Michigan include:
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- Graduate: Doctorate, Master
- Undergraduate: Bachelor
- Biological and Biomedical Sciences
- Business
- Communications and Journalism
- Computer Sciences
- Education
- Engineering
- Legal
- Liberal Arts and Humanities
- Medical and Health Professions
- Physical Sciences
- Psychology
- Visual and Performing Arts
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Areas of study you may find at New England Institute of Technology include:
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- Non-Degree: Coursework
- Undergraduate: Associate, Bachelor
- Business
- Communications and Journalism
- Computer Sciences
- Engineering
- Liberal Arts and Humanities
- Mechanic and Repair Technologies
- Medical and Health Professions
- Visual and Performing Arts
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Areas of study you may find at Golden Gate University include:
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- Graduate: First Professional Degree, Master
- Non-Degree: Certificate, Coursework
- Post Degree Certificate: Postbaccalaureate Certificate
- Undergraduate: Bachelor
- Business
- Computer Sciences
- Legal
- Liberal Arts and Humanities
- Medical and Health Professions
- Psychology
- Visual and Performing Arts
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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
- Undergraduate: Associate, Bachelor
- Architecture
- Biological and Biomedical Sciences
- Business
- Communications and Journalism
- Computer Sciences
- Education
- Engineering
- Liberal Arts and Humanities
- Medical and Health Professions
- Physical Sciences
- Psychology
- Visual and Performing Arts
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Areas of study you may find at Texas Tech University include:
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- Graduate: Doctorate, First Professional Degree, Master
- Undergraduate: Bachelor
- Agriculture
- Architecture
- Biological and Biomedical Sciences
- Business
- Communications and Journalism
- Computer Sciences
- Education
- Engineering
- Legal
- Liberal Arts and Humanities
- Mechanic and Repair Technologies
- Medical and Health Professions
- Physical Sciences
- Psychology
- Visual and Performing Arts
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