The path to becoming a doctor begins with a bachelor's degree program. There is relative flexibility in the subject studied, but undergraduate schooling for doctors should include a pre-med focus, which ensures that necessary science-based core curriculum is coveLred 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.
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.
Doctor education and training continues with medical school. The initial two years 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 doctors' education, 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 medical doctor 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.
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. Beyond taking classes to become a doctor, this gives them on-the-job experience. They work under the direct supervision of an attending physician and focus on practical training in general medicine and their chosen specialty.
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. How many years does it take to become a doctor? It usually takes between 11 and 15 years to meet all the education and training requirements. This includes an undergraduate degree, medical school, and a residency. Once a prospective doctor finishes all the necessary education and physician training, they should see a number of job opportunities, as job growth is expected to rise 13% from 2016-2026 and a rewarding salary should also be anticipated.
