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Doctors are the ones who protect us from all the diseases that are ready and waiting to strike us at any minute. They’re the ones who help us to stay as alive as we can, for as long as is possible. Truly, they are heroes! And, the best thing about these heroes is that they aren’t mythological, nor are they sent from a higher cause — no, they’re just regular human beings. And, what this means is that you can become a doctor and a hero, too, if you really want to. To see just what you’d need to do to do so, make sure to read on. And, sit tight, because there’s a lot you’re going to need to do!
Here is a list of steps to become a doctor:
- Earn a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, such as biology or chemistry.
- Take the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT).
- Attend medical school and earn a Doctor of Medicine (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) degree.
- Complete a residency program in a medical specialty, such as internal medicine, pediatrics, or surgery.
- Obtain a medical license by passing the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) or Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Licensing Examination (COMLEX-USA).
- Consider obtaining board certification in a medical specialty for additional credibility and expertise.
- Complete clinical rotations to gain hands-on experience in various medical settings.
- Participate in research opportunities to enhance your knowledge and skills.
- Develop strong communication and interpersonal skills to effectively interact with patients and other healthcare professionals.
- Pursue continuing education and stay up-to-date on the latest advancements in medicine and healthcare.
Get yourself a bachelor’s degree
Before you can really get your career trajectory heading in the exact direction you want it to be heading in, you’re going to have to get yourself a bachelor’s degree. And, what this degree should consist of is work in fields such as the sciences and mathematics.
Get some experience at the same time
But you can’t just get your degree and hope to be able to leave your time at college or university thinking you’ll be ready to make the next step in your career. No, if you truly want to make the next doctoring step after your time at uni then you’re going to have to gain experience in a caregiving environment whilst you’re there. This means spending time on work experience or work placement whilst as a part of your studies and volunteering your own free time too.
Healthcare professionals look for resources to help them boost their medical careers. Finding useful articles about the practical aspects of a medical career or looking for advice on running a medical practice can be challenging at times.
Tweet ThisTake the Medical College Admissions Test
The MCAT needs to then be taken as this is required to get yourself onto the next step, heading to medical school. What the MCAT will test you on is all the things you learned, or should have learned in your degree as well as specific skills in the world of doctoring, such as general problem solving verbal reasoning, and skills in writing and note-taking. The higher you score on this test, the better your chances of getting into Medical School. That is why it is important to sign up for an MCAT review course online to help you prepare for the test.
Kaplan’s MCAT Complete 7-Book Subject Review 2022–2023 reflects the latest, most accurate, and most testable materials on the MCAT. Streamlined and intuitive layouts facilitate easier review.
Get yourself a Medical degree
Once you succeed in the MCAT you then need to get yourself to medical school in order to obtain a degree specifically in Medicine. This will involve spending two more years in the classroom and laboratories learning all about medicine, and then another two years in hospital environments shadowing other doctors and supervisors.
Complete a residency program
After years of studying, you’re now a resident enrolled in a residency program that lasts three to seven years. During this time, you’ll gain essential experience in providing direct patient care. As a resident, it’s crucial to start thinking about physician loans, especially if you’re burdened with student debt. Even though your income will increase, it may be challenging to afford a home without assistance.
Becoming a doctor is a long and challenging journey, but it can also be incredibly rewarding. From earning a bachelor’s degree to obtaining a medical license and pursuing board certification, the steps to becoming a doctor require dedication, hard work, and a commitment to lifelong learning.
The Ultimate Guide provided a comprehensive overview of the essential steps to becoming a doctor, as well as tips and advice for success. By following the guide’s recommendations and emphasizing clinical experience, research opportunities, and communication skills, aspiring doctors can increase their chances of success in the field. With persistence and determination, anyone can achieve their dream of becoming a doctor and making a positive impact on people’s lives.
