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What type of education will I need to become an oncologist
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Paula’s Answer
Oncologists typically need a bachelor's degree, a degree from a medical school, which takes 4 years to complete, and, 3 to 7 years in internship and residency programs. Medical schools are highly competitive.
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alan’s Answer
Your focus needs to be on getting into med school. Getting high grades from an accredited university majoring in biology would be your best course of action. Oncology would be a decision you make toward the end of your medical school.
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Julie’s Answer
Biology Degree, then apply to medical school to be a doctor. After you become a doctor then you know where to go afterwards
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Rachel’s Answer
Hi Zeinabu,
Oncology is a great field requiring a medical doctorate. This means that you will have to complete college with a bachelor’s degree as well as all of the Pre-med requirements. GPA should probably be 3.5 or better. You will also have to score well on the MCAT. Once accepted to medical school, as long as you pass your classes and perform reasonably well during your four years of medical training, you can apply for an internal medicine 3-year residency. Following that, you will apply for a 3-year hematology and oncology fellowship. 4 years college + 4 years med school + 3 years IM + 3 years Heme Onc = 14 years of school after high school.
Oncology is a great field requiring a medical doctorate. This means that you will have to complete college with a bachelor’s degree as well as all of the Pre-med requirements. GPA should probably be 3.5 or better. You will also have to score well on the MCAT. Once accepted to medical school, as long as you pass your classes and perform reasonably well during your four years of medical training, you can apply for an internal medicine 3-year residency. Following that, you will apply for a 3-year hematology and oncology fellowship. 4 years college + 4 years med school + 3 years IM + 3 years Heme Onc = 14 years of school after high school.
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Nicole’s Answer
Oncologists go through a 4 year college program to obtain a bachelor’s degree after high school. They then attend medical school for 4 years and residency. After medical school you apply for residency in internal medicine that is 3 years long then a fellowship that is anywhere from 2-4 years long. The length of time you are In fellowship will depend on what area of oncology you want to practice. It is all worth it in the end if it is your passion.
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Nate’s Answer
While Biology seems like a logical choice for undergrad, I actually recommend a degree that can serve as a backup plan such as Clinical Lab Science or Nursing. Both programs will afford you the opportunity to take the prerequisites for medical school but are also in demand career paths if (for some reason) you don't get into medical school. Medical schools also like people with unique life experiences and those that have shown dedication to the industry such as working nurses. I was pre-med in college and so were many of my classmates, those who got degrees in biology and didn't get into medical school struggled to find gainful employment after college.