- Earn a bachelor’s degree: The first step to becoming a physician is to earn a bachelor’s degree from a four-year college or university. While there is no specific major required for medical school, it is important to complete the necessary prerequisites for medical school, which usually include classes in biology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics.
- Take the Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT): The MCAT is a standardized test required for admission to most medical schools in the United States. It measures your knowledge of the natural, behavioral, and social sciences, as well as your critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
- Apply to medical school: After completing your bachelor’s degree and taking the MCAT, you will need to apply to medical school. The application process is competitive and includes submitting transcripts, letters of recommendation, and a personal statement.
- Complete medical school: Medical school typically takes four years to complete and includes both classroom instruction and hands-on clinical experience. During this time, you will study subjects such as anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, and medical ethics.
- Obtain a medical license: After completing medical school, you will need to obtain a medical license in order to practice medicine in the United States. To do this, you will need to pass a licensing exam, such as the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE).
- Complete a residency program: After obtaining your medical license, you will need to complete a residency program in order to specialize in a particular area of medicine. Residency programs typically last three to seven years and involve hands-on training in a hospital or clinic setting.
- Pass a specialty certification exam: Depending on your chosen specialty, you may need to pass a certification exam in order to become fully licensed in your field. These exams are administered by professional organizations such as the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS).
- Continue your education: As a physician, it is important to stay up-to-date on the latest medical research and techniques. This may involve continuing your education through conferences, workshops, and other professional development opportunities.
- Find a job: After completing your education and training, you will be ready to start your career as a physician. You can work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, private practices, and more.
- Maintain your medical license: In order to continue practicing medicine, you will need to maintain your medical license. This typically involves completing a certain number of continuing medical education (CME) credits each year and possibly renewing your license every few years.