5 answers
sarah
Student
Danbury, Connecticut
1
Question
Asked
2855 views
What are some step on becoming a doctor after I graduate Highschool
I want to know if there are specific step I need to take in order to go to collage. what are some best collages for this field and how can I get a scholarship for them?
Login to comment
5 answers
Doc Frick
Career Coach and Mentor
1616
Answers
California, CA
Updated
Doc’s Answer
Sarah take related AP Courses in High School,
if you're interested in medicine you consider AP courses such as biology, physics, and chemistry. The road to becoming a doctor is a long one. First, you'll need to pursue a bachelor's degree, followed by an Medical Degree, after receiving an MD doctors go through a residency period gaining additional real-world experience.
Step 1:
Earn a Bachelor's Degree
A bachelor's degree is required to attend medical school. Medical students are required to have completed coursework in biology (including anatomy), chemistry (including organic chemistry), biochemistry, and physics. In these classes, you'll learn basic science, which you will use throughout your career.
Step 2:
Gain Practical Healthcare Experience
Medical schools want to make sure students are committed to a career in healthcare. Therefore, real-world experience is necessary to be a competitive candidate for admission into medical school. While some complete these experiences during college, many take a gap year to qualify for medica school scholarships.
Step 3:
Take the MCAT Exam
The MCAT exam is a standardized medical school admissions test covering many subjects. The test is 230 questions long, divided into four sections. The whole test takes about seven and a half hours to complete.
Step 4:
Earn a Medical Degree
Medical school applications are submitted through a central portal called AMCAS. When deciding where to apply, you should consider location, cost, and the school's resources. A medical degree takes four years to complete. The first phase takes about two years and consists of coursework in medical science and basic clinical skills. The second phase takes the rest of medical school and has students rotating as clerks in different specialties, gaining hands-on experience.
Step 5:
Complete a Residency Program
After finishing medical school, graduates are officially considered doctors. An algorithmic system called "The Match" sorts graduates into their first supervised positions working as doctors. This period of work is called residency.
Doctors are responsible not only for treating patients with diseases, but also helping people stay healthy and developing medical science. This makes it perfect for someone not only with interests in science and healthcare, but also a passion for helping others Sarah.
if you're interested in medicine you consider AP courses such as biology, physics, and chemistry. The road to becoming a doctor is a long one. First, you'll need to pursue a bachelor's degree, followed by an Medical Degree, after receiving an MD doctors go through a residency period gaining additional real-world experience.
Step 1:
Earn a Bachelor's Degree
A bachelor's degree is required to attend medical school. Medical students are required to have completed coursework in biology (including anatomy), chemistry (including organic chemistry), biochemistry, and physics. In these classes, you'll learn basic science, which you will use throughout your career.
Step 2:
Gain Practical Healthcare Experience
Medical schools want to make sure students are committed to a career in healthcare. Therefore, real-world experience is necessary to be a competitive candidate for admission into medical school. While some complete these experiences during college, many take a gap year to qualify for medica school scholarships.
Step 3:
Take the MCAT Exam
The MCAT exam is a standardized medical school admissions test covering many subjects. The test is 230 questions long, divided into four sections. The whole test takes about seven and a half hours to complete.
Step 4:
Earn a Medical Degree
Medical school applications are submitted through a central portal called AMCAS. When deciding where to apply, you should consider location, cost, and the school's resources. A medical degree takes four years to complete. The first phase takes about two years and consists of coursework in medical science and basic clinical skills. The second phase takes the rest of medical school and has students rotating as clerks in different specialties, gaining hands-on experience.
Step 5:
Complete a Residency Program
After finishing medical school, graduates are officially considered doctors. An algorithmic system called "The Match" sorts graduates into their first supervised positions working as doctors. This period of work is called residency.
Doctors are responsible not only for treating patients with diseases, but also helping people stay healthy and developing medical science. This makes it perfect for someone not only with interests in science and healthcare, but also a passion for helping others Sarah.
Mahi Patel
Student Advisor and Dental
99
Answers
Davie, Florida
Updated
Mahi’s Answer
Lots of schools have 7 or 8-year dual programs that you should apply to. Otherwise, typically 4 years in undergrad, take MCAT, apply to med schools, attend med school for four years, do residency and past boards/licensing.
Michael Torio
Consultant - Data Reporting & Analysis (HQ Finance)
362
Answers
Alpharetta, Georgia
Updated
Michael’s Answer
Hi Sarah:
Physicians and Surgeons are similar in their responsibilities and duties in taking care of patients and in dealing with hospital staff and medical personnel. The main difference between the two professionals is that Surgeons operate on patients whereas Physicians do not. Physicians diagnose patients and treat their medical conditions. Operations performed by Surgeons can be treating injuries like broken bones, removal of diseases like tumors and cancers, deformities, etc.
While in high school, one will need to focus on science and math classes to prepare to be a Physician or a Surgeon. Chemistry and biology will be the core science courses. For math, algebra, calculus and statistics will be needed. Both concentrations will enable you to focus and refine your analytical skills for research; complex problem solving; investigative and innovative critical thinking; attention to detail; etc.
Other skills that will need to be built upon center around team building, team work and communication. In any work culture, collaboration among team members, staff and partner departments occur on a daily basis. As a Physician or a Surgeon, communication is essential and critical when dealing with hospital staff and patients. A college course in Public Speaking, Communication and English will help with one's communication and writing skills.
To become a Physician or a Surgeon, a Bachelor Degree in Biology, pre-med or another science related field has to be earned at a college or university. Afterwards, a doctorate degree from an accredited medical school has to be obtained. The next phase will be training through a medical residency as well as medical certification and licensing.
For education and training, it will take up to 14 years to become a Physician or a Surgeon. The Bachelor Degree will be between 4-5 years. Medical school will be another 4-5 years. Medical residency, medical certification and licensing can take up to 3-4 years.
Being a Physician or a Surgeon can be a demanding and rewarding profession, especially depending if there is a specialized field or concentration. Remember, as a Physician or a Surgeon, you are the professional who saves lives. Your patients are impacted by you.
While in college, here are some undergraduate degrees to major in order to become a Physician or a Surgeon:
- Organic Chemistry
- Biochemistry
- Biology
- Chemistry
It will be best to seek advice from your high school guidance counselor as well as teachers to help you focus your interests for a specific major in college.
According to U.S. News & World Report, here is an overview of pursuing medical school:
https://www.usnews.com/best-graduate-schools/top-medical-schools
According to U.S. News & World Report, here are the top colleges and universities to consider for Medical School:
- Harvard University
- John Hopkins University
- University of Pennsylvania (Perelman)
- Columbia University
- Duke University
- Stanford University
- University of California (San Francisco)
- Vanderbilt University
- Washington University (St. Louis)
- Cornell University (Weill)
- New York University (Grossman)
- Yale University
https://www.usnews.com/best-graduate-schools/top-medical-schools/research-rankings
When reviewing colleges and universities, it is best to check the following:
- In-State vs Out of State Tuition
- Internships
- Scholarships
- Career Placement upon graduation
- Course work and offered classes
- Post-Graduate Degrees - Master and Doctoral
There are scholarships based on need, academic performance, school activities, sports involvement and community service. So, it will be to your advantage to seek out these types of scholarships. All of the academic staff at your high school that you interact with can write letters of recommendations for you based on what was just stated above. These recommendations can greatly help when filling out college and scholarship applications.
Scholarship applications can start to be submitted during your Junior year and will continue throughout your Senior year in high school. It is best to ask your Academic Advisor/School Counselor on the timeline process as well. Scholarship applications will have specific deadlines and requirements to meet in order to be submitted for review and consideration.
You may want to start to compile your resume/portfolio since a majority of scholarship applications will require academic grade point average (GPA), academic accomplishments, school activities (clubs, sports, etc.), community involvement (volunteer, church, etc.), academic and personal recommendations, etc. There may be essay requirements on why you are a qualified candidate to receive the scholarship, what your future goals are academically and professionally and other questions centering around who you are, your beliefs, etc.
Here are a couple of links for College Scholarships:
https://www.mometrix.com/blog/scholarships-for-college/
https://www.nchchonors.org/students/awards-scholarships/national-scholarships
Also, it will be best to check with the colleges and universities that you will be applying to. You can check with the School/Department of your desired major, the Campus Career Center and the Register's Office for additional information for college scholarships and grants and specific requirements for qualifications.
Best wishes for your education and career path as a Physician or a Surgeon!
Physicians and Surgeons are similar in their responsibilities and duties in taking care of patients and in dealing with hospital staff and medical personnel. The main difference between the two professionals is that Surgeons operate on patients whereas Physicians do not. Physicians diagnose patients and treat their medical conditions. Operations performed by Surgeons can be treating injuries like broken bones, removal of diseases like tumors and cancers, deformities, etc.
While in high school, one will need to focus on science and math classes to prepare to be a Physician or a Surgeon. Chemistry and biology will be the core science courses. For math, algebra, calculus and statistics will be needed. Both concentrations will enable you to focus and refine your analytical skills for research; complex problem solving; investigative and innovative critical thinking; attention to detail; etc.
Other skills that will need to be built upon center around team building, team work and communication. In any work culture, collaboration among team members, staff and partner departments occur on a daily basis. As a Physician or a Surgeon, communication is essential and critical when dealing with hospital staff and patients. A college course in Public Speaking, Communication and English will help with one's communication and writing skills.
To become a Physician or a Surgeon, a Bachelor Degree in Biology, pre-med or another science related field has to be earned at a college or university. Afterwards, a doctorate degree from an accredited medical school has to be obtained. The next phase will be training through a medical residency as well as medical certification and licensing.
For education and training, it will take up to 14 years to become a Physician or a Surgeon. The Bachelor Degree will be between 4-5 years. Medical school will be another 4-5 years. Medical residency, medical certification and licensing can take up to 3-4 years.
Being a Physician or a Surgeon can be a demanding and rewarding profession, especially depending if there is a specialized field or concentration. Remember, as a Physician or a Surgeon, you are the professional who saves lives. Your patients are impacted by you.
While in college, here are some undergraduate degrees to major in order to become a Physician or a Surgeon:
- Organic Chemistry
- Biochemistry
- Biology
- Chemistry
It will be best to seek advice from your high school guidance counselor as well as teachers to help you focus your interests for a specific major in college.
According to U.S. News & World Report, here is an overview of pursuing medical school:
https://www.usnews.com/best-graduate-schools/top-medical-schools
According to U.S. News & World Report, here are the top colleges and universities to consider for Medical School:
- Harvard University
- John Hopkins University
- University of Pennsylvania (Perelman)
- Columbia University
- Duke University
- Stanford University
- University of California (San Francisco)
- Vanderbilt University
- Washington University (St. Louis)
- Cornell University (Weill)
- New York University (Grossman)
- Yale University
https://www.usnews.com/best-graduate-schools/top-medical-schools/research-rankings
When reviewing colleges and universities, it is best to check the following:
- In-State vs Out of State Tuition
- Internships
- Scholarships
- Career Placement upon graduation
- Course work and offered classes
- Post-Graduate Degrees - Master and Doctoral
There are scholarships based on need, academic performance, school activities, sports involvement and community service. So, it will be to your advantage to seek out these types of scholarships. All of the academic staff at your high school that you interact with can write letters of recommendations for you based on what was just stated above. These recommendations can greatly help when filling out college and scholarship applications.
Scholarship applications can start to be submitted during your Junior year and will continue throughout your Senior year in high school. It is best to ask your Academic Advisor/School Counselor on the timeline process as well. Scholarship applications will have specific deadlines and requirements to meet in order to be submitted for review and consideration.
You may want to start to compile your resume/portfolio since a majority of scholarship applications will require academic grade point average (GPA), academic accomplishments, school activities (clubs, sports, etc.), community involvement (volunteer, church, etc.), academic and personal recommendations, etc. There may be essay requirements on why you are a qualified candidate to receive the scholarship, what your future goals are academically and professionally and other questions centering around who you are, your beliefs, etc.
Here are a couple of links for College Scholarships:
https://www.mometrix.com/blog/scholarships-for-college/
https://www.nchchonors.org/students/awards-scholarships/national-scholarships
Also, it will be best to check with the colleges and universities that you will be applying to. You can check with the School/Department of your desired major, the Campus Career Center and the Register's Office for additional information for college scholarships and grants and specific requirements for qualifications.
Best wishes for your education and career path as a Physician or a Surgeon!
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity => Self-Actualization.
6346
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Hey Sarah!
Here's your friendly guide on how to become a doctor after high school. It's a challenging but fulfilling journey that calls for commitment, effort, and a solid educational base. Let's dive into the steps you can take post-high school to chase your dream of a career in medicine:
1. Earn a Bachelor’s Degree: Kick off your journey by earning a bachelor’s degree from a recognized college or university. While there's no hard and fast rule about the major you should pick, most future doctors opt for biology, chemistry, or similar fields to meet the pre-medical course prerequisites.
2. Tackle Pre-Medical Coursework: During your undergraduate studies, you'll need to take on pre-medical coursework. This usually includes classes in biology, chemistry, physics, and math. Plus, getting hands-on with research and volunteering in healthcare environments can give your medical school application a boost.
3. Get Ready for the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT): The MCAT is a standardized test that gauges your understanding of scientific concepts, critical thinking, and problem-solving abilities. A good score on the MCAT is key to getting into medical school.
4. Apply to Medical School: Once you've got your undergraduate degree and met the necessary pre-medical requirements, you can apply to medical schools via the American Medical College Application Service (AMCAS) or the American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine Application Service (AACOMAS). Medical school admissions are quite competitive, so a strong academic record, standout letters of recommendation, and meaningful clinical experience are a must.
5. Finish Medical School: Once you're in medical school, you'll spend four years immersed in rigorous medical education and training. The curriculum usually combines classroom learning with clinical rotations across various specialties.
6. Undergo Residency Training: After medical school, you'll need to complete residency training in your chosen specialty. Residency programs can last anywhere from three to seven years, depending on the specialty.
7. Secure Licensure and Certification: After finishing your residency training, you'll need to get a medical license by passing the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) or the Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Licensing Examination (COMLEX-USA). You may also choose to get board certification in a specific medical specialty.
Top Colleges for Pre-Medical Studies
Check out some of the top colleges for pre-medical studies:
Harvard University
Stanford University
Johns Hopkins University
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
University of California - Berkeley
Columbia University
Duke University
University of Pennsylvania
These schools offer robust pre-medical programs and resources to get you ready for medical school.
Scholarships for Pre-Medical Students
There are plenty of scholarships out there for students pursuing pre-medical studies and aspiring to become doctors. Here are a few:
National Institutes of Health Undergraduate Scholarship Program: This program offers scholarships to students from disadvantaged backgrounds who are committed to careers in biomedical, behavioral, and social science health-related research.
American Medical Association Foundation Physicians of Tomorrow Scholarship: This scholarship helps medical students by offering financial assistance to those attending accredited U.S. medical schools.
The Herbert W. Nickens Medical Student Scholarships: These scholarships are given to five exceptional students entering their third year of medical school who have shown leadership in efforts to eliminate inequities in medical education and healthcare.
Besides these specific scholarships, many colleges and universities offer financial aid packages that may include grants, scholarships, work-study opportunities, and loans to help students pursue their pre-medical education.
By following these steps and exploring opportunities for financial assistance through scholarships and financial aid programs, you can make strides towards your goal of becoming a doctor after high school.
Top 3 Authoritative Reference Publications or Domain Names Used in Answering this Question:
Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC): AAMC offers a wealth of information about the medical school application process, including admission requirements and resources for future doctors.
U.S. News & World Report - Best Colleges: This publication provides rankings and insights into the best colleges for pre-medical studies based on academic quality and resources available for future doctors.
National Institutes of Health (NIH): The NIH website offers information about scholarship programs and funding opportunities for students pursuing careers in biomedical research and healthcare.
These authoritative sources were used to ensure the information about the steps to becoming a doctor after high school, the best colleges for pre-medical studies, and scholarship opportunities for future doctors is accurate and reliable.
God bless you abundantly!
James.
Here's your friendly guide on how to become a doctor after high school. It's a challenging but fulfilling journey that calls for commitment, effort, and a solid educational base. Let's dive into the steps you can take post-high school to chase your dream of a career in medicine:
1. Earn a Bachelor’s Degree: Kick off your journey by earning a bachelor’s degree from a recognized college or university. While there's no hard and fast rule about the major you should pick, most future doctors opt for biology, chemistry, or similar fields to meet the pre-medical course prerequisites.
2. Tackle Pre-Medical Coursework: During your undergraduate studies, you'll need to take on pre-medical coursework. This usually includes classes in biology, chemistry, physics, and math. Plus, getting hands-on with research and volunteering in healthcare environments can give your medical school application a boost.
3. Get Ready for the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT): The MCAT is a standardized test that gauges your understanding of scientific concepts, critical thinking, and problem-solving abilities. A good score on the MCAT is key to getting into medical school.
4. Apply to Medical School: Once you've got your undergraduate degree and met the necessary pre-medical requirements, you can apply to medical schools via the American Medical College Application Service (AMCAS) or the American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine Application Service (AACOMAS). Medical school admissions are quite competitive, so a strong academic record, standout letters of recommendation, and meaningful clinical experience are a must.
5. Finish Medical School: Once you're in medical school, you'll spend four years immersed in rigorous medical education and training. The curriculum usually combines classroom learning with clinical rotations across various specialties.
6. Undergo Residency Training: After medical school, you'll need to complete residency training in your chosen specialty. Residency programs can last anywhere from three to seven years, depending on the specialty.
7. Secure Licensure and Certification: After finishing your residency training, you'll need to get a medical license by passing the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) or the Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Licensing Examination (COMLEX-USA). You may also choose to get board certification in a specific medical specialty.
Top Colleges for Pre-Medical Studies
Check out some of the top colleges for pre-medical studies:
Harvard University
Stanford University
Johns Hopkins University
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
University of California - Berkeley
Columbia University
Duke University
University of Pennsylvania
These schools offer robust pre-medical programs and resources to get you ready for medical school.
Scholarships for Pre-Medical Students
There are plenty of scholarships out there for students pursuing pre-medical studies and aspiring to become doctors. Here are a few:
National Institutes of Health Undergraduate Scholarship Program: This program offers scholarships to students from disadvantaged backgrounds who are committed to careers in biomedical, behavioral, and social science health-related research.
American Medical Association Foundation Physicians of Tomorrow Scholarship: This scholarship helps medical students by offering financial assistance to those attending accredited U.S. medical schools.
The Herbert W. Nickens Medical Student Scholarships: These scholarships are given to five exceptional students entering their third year of medical school who have shown leadership in efforts to eliminate inequities in medical education and healthcare.
Besides these specific scholarships, many colleges and universities offer financial aid packages that may include grants, scholarships, work-study opportunities, and loans to help students pursue their pre-medical education.
By following these steps and exploring opportunities for financial assistance through scholarships and financial aid programs, you can make strides towards your goal of becoming a doctor after high school.
Top 3 Authoritative Reference Publications or Domain Names Used in Answering this Question:
Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC): AAMC offers a wealth of information about the medical school application process, including admission requirements and resources for future doctors.
U.S. News & World Report - Best Colleges: This publication provides rankings and insights into the best colleges for pre-medical studies based on academic quality and resources available for future doctors.
National Institutes of Health (NIH): The NIH website offers information about scholarship programs and funding opportunities for students pursuing careers in biomedical research and healthcare.
These authoritative sources were used to ensure the information about the steps to becoming a doctor after high school, the best colleges for pre-medical studies, and scholarship opportunities for future doctors is accurate and reliable.
God bless you abundantly!
James.
Aisha Taylor
Mortgage Closing Specialist
472
Answers
Detroit, Michigan
Updated
Aisha’s Answer
Is it possible to head straight to medical school after high school? Well, it's a bit of a yes and no situation. You can't directly leap into med school right after your high school graduation.
But don't worry! There are special programs that allow you to enter medical school immediately after earning your Bachelor’s Degree, without the need for additional applications. In some instances, you might not even have to take the MCAT.
1. High School Graduation
The first milestone on your journey to a medical career is high school graduation. Congratulations! You're on the right path. Now it's time to move forward to college.
2. Getting an Associate’s Degree
While an AS or AA Degree isn't a must for becoming a doctor, you may decide to attend a 2-year community college after high school. This can:
Offer a less intense introduction to higher education
Prepare you for the rigors of university life
Help you decide on the medical specialty you want to pursue
Save you some bucks on university tuition for the full 4-6 years
3. Securing a Bachelor’s Degree
Next, you'll need to head to a university to earn your BA or BS. There's no hard and fast rule about the major you should pick. However, if you're eyeing a career in medicine after high school, science and science-related courses will give you a head start.
Some of the science-related majors you might consider include physiology, biology, anatomy, physics, and chemistry.
4. Nailing the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT)
The MCAT is your gateway to medical school. You'll need to pass this test to be considered for enrollment. The MCAT is a multiple-choice exam that assesses your:
Writing Skills
Critical Thinking Skills
Problem-Solving Skills
Understanding of Scientific Principles
5. Graduating from Medical School
Next, you'll need to enroll in a medical school for the Doctor of Medicine (MD) program. This is a four-year commitment, so buckle up and stay focused!
During your time in med school, you'll dive into academic coursework and gain hands-on clinical training. By the end of the four years, you'll have exposure to various medical fields such as:
Surgery
Anatomy
Pediatrics
Obstetrics
Psychiatry
Physiology
Gynecology
Microbiology
Internal Medicine
Medical Ethics and Law
This exposure will broaden your horizons and help you figure out which field you enjoy most, guiding your choice of specialty later on.
6. Completing a Medical Residency Program
A medical residency program is when you, as a medical school graduate, begin your actual training as a doctor. This is your chance to practice medicine in real teaching hospitals with real patients.
And yes, residents do get paid! As a resident, you earn a salary for this mandatory on-the-job training. You're not fully licensed to practice medicine yet, so you'll be under the supervision of experienced physicians during your residency.
The length of your residency program will range from 3-7 years, depending on the specialty you choose, if you choose one.
7. Gaining Licensure
The final step is obtaining medical licensure and certification. This allows you to legally practice medicine in any medical facility.
To earn licensure, you must pass all the required United States Medical Licensing Exams (USMLEs). These are federal-level exams that you need to clear to become a doctor in America.
But don't worry! There are special programs that allow you to enter medical school immediately after earning your Bachelor’s Degree, without the need for additional applications. In some instances, you might not even have to take the MCAT.
1. High School Graduation
The first milestone on your journey to a medical career is high school graduation. Congratulations! You're on the right path. Now it's time to move forward to college.
2. Getting an Associate’s Degree
While an AS or AA Degree isn't a must for becoming a doctor, you may decide to attend a 2-year community college after high school. This can:
Offer a less intense introduction to higher education
Prepare you for the rigors of university life
Help you decide on the medical specialty you want to pursue
Save you some bucks on university tuition for the full 4-6 years
3. Securing a Bachelor’s Degree
Next, you'll need to head to a university to earn your BA or BS. There's no hard and fast rule about the major you should pick. However, if you're eyeing a career in medicine after high school, science and science-related courses will give you a head start.
Some of the science-related majors you might consider include physiology, biology, anatomy, physics, and chemistry.
4. Nailing the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT)
The MCAT is your gateway to medical school. You'll need to pass this test to be considered for enrollment. The MCAT is a multiple-choice exam that assesses your:
Writing Skills
Critical Thinking Skills
Problem-Solving Skills
Understanding of Scientific Principles
5. Graduating from Medical School
Next, you'll need to enroll in a medical school for the Doctor of Medicine (MD) program. This is a four-year commitment, so buckle up and stay focused!
During your time in med school, you'll dive into academic coursework and gain hands-on clinical training. By the end of the four years, you'll have exposure to various medical fields such as:
Surgery
Anatomy
Pediatrics
Obstetrics
Psychiatry
Physiology
Gynecology
Microbiology
Internal Medicine
Medical Ethics and Law
This exposure will broaden your horizons and help you figure out which field you enjoy most, guiding your choice of specialty later on.
6. Completing a Medical Residency Program
A medical residency program is when you, as a medical school graduate, begin your actual training as a doctor. This is your chance to practice medicine in real teaching hospitals with real patients.
And yes, residents do get paid! As a resident, you earn a salary for this mandatory on-the-job training. You're not fully licensed to practice medicine yet, so you'll be under the supervision of experienced physicians during your residency.
The length of your residency program will range from 3-7 years, depending on the specialty you choose, if you choose one.
7. Gaining Licensure
The final step is obtaining medical licensure and certification. This allows you to legally practice medicine in any medical facility.
To earn licensure, you must pass all the required United States Medical Licensing Exams (USMLEs). These are federal-level exams that you need to clear to become a doctor in America.