8 answers
Henry
Student
Capitol Heights, Maryland
5
Questions
Asked
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Why do you need a school degree to be a doctor?
i wish to be a doctor but dont want to go to college
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8 answers
Paul Goetzinger MPA
Academic and Career Consultant and Freelance Writer
745
Answers
Seattle, Washington
Updated
Paul’s Answer
Yes, you will need a degree. One primary reason is that the American Medical Association (AMA), which sets up standards and certification requirements for physicians, in the United States, will require you to have a degree.
Plus, advancement into medical school will also require a bachelors degree. The profession basically establishes the certification requirements, and there is no way around them.
Plus, advancement into medical school will also require a bachelors degree. The profession basically establishes the certification requirements, and there is no way around them.
I am really grateful you took the time to answer this question.
Henry
Michel Davis
Medical student
171
Answers
Cranston, Rhode Island
Updated
Michel’s Answer
You need to go to school because being a doctor is not a game. Four years of prereq classes to make sure it is selecting for people that have the dedication and aptitude to become a doctor. After that you need to take a large test to make sure you are capable of handling the rigor of medical school. After that four years of education and after that 3-7 years of schooling to specialize in your respective field. All during that time people are still asking questions and trying to improve their education. So why do you need to go to school because your entire life in medicine will revolve around learning and questioning why things are the way they are.
Karen Spencer DNP ACNP-BC
Nurse Practitioner and College Professor
14
Answers
Waldorf, Maryland
Updated
Karen’s Answer
School is not for everyone. You have to go to college to become a physician or nurse because every time we walk into the clinical place we work, we hold people's lives, literally not figuratively, in our hands. I have delivered babies, and given CPR to people that were dead but lived. I have changed dressings deep enough to fit my entire hand it them, held mothers, fathers and children as they lost loved ones. But I've also been there when cancer patients got the news they were in remission, stitched boo boos and handed out bandaids with Superman on them. I've caught mistakes before they caused harm, and say on birds to prevent and analyze errors. I really feel like healthcare is an AMAZING career and encourage people to go after it. There are so many ways to be in the field. Computers for those who may not be so people oriented, hands on for those who are.
It's a constant roller coaster. You have to understand with depth how the human body and mind work. How the different body systems work together and separately. You have to be able to calculate drug doses and as a physician or nurse practitioner determine the diagnosis and what medication to prescribe.
It's hard work, but work l love. Because l love it l have never found it difficult. Being in the medical field is NOTHING like what you see on TV. Are you sure you really understand what physicians do?
I recommend you seek opportunities to shadow one of us for a day or two. Perhaps your guidance counselor can assist you with this.
It's a constant roller coaster. You have to understand with depth how the human body and mind work. How the different body systems work together and separately. You have to be able to calculate drug doses and as a physician or nurse practitioner determine the diagnosis and what medication to prescribe.
It's hard work, but work l love. Because l love it l have never found it difficult. Being in the medical field is NOTHING like what you see on TV. Are you sure you really understand what physicians do?
I recommend you seek opportunities to shadow one of us for a day or two. Perhaps your guidance counselor can assist you with this.
Furman Downer
2
Answers
Updated
Furman’s Answer
Hey, Henry! The reason you would need a school degree to become a doctor is because it is required in order for you to meet all the standards required within the school of medicine and laws as well. This is because you are essentially responsible for another persons well being when they come to you which is a lot of responsibility for someone. Going through school and getting a degree and then pursuing medical school not only prepares you for the the life of being a doctor but it also teaches you many other values such as work ethic, foundational knowledge, effective communication, and other life skills that would just give you a upper hand in your career. Medicine is a good career ! If that is you goal, stay focused. You got it!
Thank you, this is amazing! I really needed it.
Henry
nicole goldsmith
2
Answers
Simpsonville, South Carolina
Updated
nicole’s Answer
Always remember, mastering the necessary skills is the key to providing successful care for your patients. Keep going, you're doing great!
Thank you, nicole i really apreciate the advice im genuinly looking forward to that job
Henry
Danielle Joiner
1
Answer
Columbia, South Carolina
Updated
Danielle’s Answer
When it comes to caring for someone, it's essential to be well-informed. Education is your key to gaining this knowledge. So, embrace learning with enthusiasm, as it will empower you to provide the best care possible.
I will use this advice as I prepare for my career.
Henry
Yaz M
Recruit
50
Answers
Orlando, Florida
Updated
Yaz’s Answer
You need a college degree to be a doctor to make sure you have the knowledge, certifications, and possible bedside manner for this career.
Being a doctor is an important job because you are caring for someone's life, and have the ability to change it for better or worse. You deal with life and death. You wouldn't want someone who only knew basic algebra and a couple of Minecraft cheat codes to operate on someone requiring a kidney transplant. You would want someone who has lots of knowledge and practical experience to operate. There are other medical careers that do not take 10+ years in college you can consider. There are careers like medical coding, dental assistants, and others that can be completed in less than 4 years of college if you are interested.
Being a doctor is an important job because you are caring for someone's life, and have the ability to change it for better or worse. You deal with life and death. You wouldn't want someone who only knew basic algebra and a couple of Minecraft cheat codes to operate on someone requiring a kidney transplant. You would want someone who has lots of knowledge and practical experience to operate. There are other medical careers that do not take 10+ years in college you can consider. There are careers like medical coding, dental assistants, and others that can be completed in less than 4 years of college if you are interested.
Michelle M.
Entertainment Industry
1879
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Henry !
Yes, you will have to attend about 12 years of college in order to become a doctor and there are no alternatives for that.
If you want to be a doctor and do not want to go to college, after you do research and watch some videos about being a doctor, you will get a well-informed understanding of what a doctor is and why college and medical school, rotations and a residency are needed. There are many other careers in the health care field that do not require twelve years of college, but first you will have to have a full understanding about the particular careers. I would advise watching some presentations on video and reading about the complex education that each path will take you and you can choose what will suit you best. If you do not want to attend college, you will have to choose jobs that do not require a college degree. Become familiar with what companies are looking for in an applicant by reading employment notices on employment websites. If you don't want to study, it would be wise that you find out what jobs are available in your region for non-degreed and non-certified or non-licensed applicants. You can find out best by doing the research yourself and keep notes about what you find.
You may not want to go to college now, but you may change your mind later so use this time to think about it so you can make an informed choice about your future. I have a feeling that one day you will be one of the most effective and successful doctors contributing greatly to your community. I also think as time goes on, you will explore colleges and a career in medicine. Whatever you choose, I wish you all the best and hope that your career exploration is exciting as you discover the information about becoming a doctor !
Yes, you will have to attend about 12 years of college in order to become a doctor and there are no alternatives for that.
If you want to be a doctor and do not want to go to college, after you do research and watch some videos about being a doctor, you will get a well-informed understanding of what a doctor is and why college and medical school, rotations and a residency are needed. There are many other careers in the health care field that do not require twelve years of college, but first you will have to have a full understanding about the particular careers. I would advise watching some presentations on video and reading about the complex education that each path will take you and you can choose what will suit you best. If you do not want to attend college, you will have to choose jobs that do not require a college degree. Become familiar with what companies are looking for in an applicant by reading employment notices on employment websites. If you don't want to study, it would be wise that you find out what jobs are available in your region for non-degreed and non-certified or non-licensed applicants. You can find out best by doing the research yourself and keep notes about what you find.
You may not want to go to college now, but you may change your mind later so use this time to think about it so you can make an informed choice about your future. I have a feeling that one day you will be one of the most effective and successful doctors contributing greatly to your community. I also think as time goes on, you will explore colleges and a career in medicine. Whatever you choose, I wish you all the best and hope that your career exploration is exciting as you discover the information about becoming a doctor !
Thank you for taking the time to help.
Henry
You are very welcome, Henry !
Michelle M.