Steps to Become a Doctor: Education and Career Roadmap

Should I Become a Doctor?

Degree Level	M.D. (medical doctor) or D.O (doctor of osteopathic medicine)
Degree Field(s)	Pre-med (bachelor's degree) then medical school
License/Certification	All states require licensure; certifications available
Experience	3-7 year residency (required for licensure)
Key Skills	Problem solving, leadership, empathy, and communication; proficiency with specialized tools and technology; emotional stability and ability to handle stress

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

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. Within the medical field, doctors most often have a field of specialization.

There is great reward in being able to help people feel better and perhaps even save their lives. The education required to become a medical doctor is long and may be expensive. Few doctors are able to limit their work hours to normal business days; most work irregular hours including during the night and on the weekends. The financial potential in the field of medicine is great; all doctors, but especially those working in private practice, are able to earn high incomes. The job is stressful and requires emotional stability.

Doctors also need the following skills; problem solving, leadership, empathy and communication and proficiency with specialized tools and technology. It takes many steps to become a doctor; let's go over those in order. The first thing you need to do to become a doctor is:

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.

Students can gain healthcare experience while in school 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.

After completing your bachelor's degree, you will have to:

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.

If you do well, you will be accepted into medical school.

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.

After graduating from medical school, you'll start a residency program.

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 anywhere from three and seven 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.

Licenses must be renewed periodically. 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 to Advance Career

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.

                                                            Best of luck!