Training and Education Needed to Become a Doctor in the U.S.
Doctors are licensed medical practitioners who have undergone 11-15 years of training to gain a license. This usually includes four years of undergraduate education, followed by four years of medical school is divided into two years of classroom training in medicine and two years of clinical training. Prospective doctors must then complete a 3-7 year residency program before their training is finished.
How to Become a Doctor in Five Steps
Step 1: Earn an Undergraduate Degree
The path to becoming a doctor begins with a bachelor's degree program. Prospective doctors should choose an education program with a pre-med focus, which ensures that necessary science-based core curriculum is covered prior to the candidate's progression to medical school. These programs typically have a heavy focus on biology and chemistry, with plenty of physics, math and English courses to prepare a student to apply to med school.
Step 2: Pass the MCAT
The Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) is a multiple choice exam taken before admission into medical school. The MCAT tests an aspiring doctor's knowledge of the physical and biological sciences and verbal reasoning and writing skills. The test is computerized, and it takes approximately five hours to complete.
Step 3: Attend Medical School
The initial two years of medical school are spent in classrooms and laboratories, where students take the necessary courses to prepare them for diagnosing and treating patients. During the second year of medical school, students must pass the first of a series of the United States Medical Licensing Examinations, referred to as 'The Boards,' which are administered by the National Board of Medical Examiners. During the second half of their training, prospective doctors practice under the tutelage of attending physicians to learn the realities of practicing medicine. During their fourth year of medical school and first year of residency training, doctors take their remaining medical licensing examinations.
Step 4: Complete Residency Training
In their fourth year of medical school, candidates are paired with a residency training program in a rite of passage called 'Match Day.' Depending upon his or her specialty, a candidate may spend between three and seven years in residency at a medical facility. They work under the direct supervision of an attending physician and focus on practical training in general medicine and their chosen specialty.
Step 5: Get Licensed
In order to become a doctor, a candidate must obtain a license to practice medicine. Requirements for medical licensing differ from state to state and all states issue their own licenses based on state regulations. Licensing generally requires completing medical school and successfully passing all medical licensing examinations.
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Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be a high school graduate or have completed GED
School locations:
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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:
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- 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:
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- 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
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Areas of study you may find at University of Michigan include:
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- Graduate: Doctorate, Master
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Areas of study you may find at New England Institute of Technology include:
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- Non-Degree: Coursework
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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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- Undergraduate: Bachelor
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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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- Graduate: Doctorate, First Professional Degree, Master
- Undergraduate: Bachelor
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