If you’re wondering how to become a doctor, here’s a comprehensive guide to help you get started. This overview walks you through the key steps, including education and training, how long it takes to become a physician, and the top benefits of pursuing medicine.
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How to Become a Doctor: A Step-by-Step Guide
Let’s outline the steps you need to follow to help you figure out how to become a doctor.
1. Complete a Bachelor's Degree
Before applying to med school, you must complete a bachelor's degree. Your major doesn’t necessarily matter as long as you take the necessary medical school prerequisite courses. Here are some common med school prerequisite courses:
Biology
Chemistry
Physics
Mathematics
English
Although these are commonly required courses, each school may have its own requirements. You should check the requirements of your target schools to help direct your timetable.
2. Take the MCAT
Once you’ve completed the necessary prerequisite courses, you should plan to take the Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT). Most schools require an MCAT score, so taking the exam is a necessary step.
3. Apply for Medical School
Once you’ve completed your bachelor’s degree (or are on track to do so), you can begin gathering your medical school application materials. To apply to medical school, you’ll need:
Every medical school has unique requirements, so you should familiarize yourself with what your target schools are looking for.
4. Complete an MD or DO Degree at an Accredited Medical School
Once you’ve decided on a program, you can complete your DO or MD degree at an accredited med school. You can become a physician with either degree, and the type of medical school you attend will not affect your job prospects.
Most medical school programs are four years long, with the first two years consisting of general science courses and the last two years focusing more on your interest areas.
After your second year, you’ll also take the USMLE Step 1 exam, the first of three licensing exams you’ll need to complete throughout your education. Most students also take the USMLE Step 2 in their last year before residency, a crucial step in family doctor schooling.
5. Match Into Your Desired Residency Program
Once you’ve completed your medical degree, it’s time to match into a residency program. Popular specialties students often consider include internal medicine, pediatrics, general surgery, emergency medicine, and psychiatry.
First, you apply to your target programs with an ERAS application (unless they’ve provided their own separate application). Then you can participate in residency interviews to learn more about programs.
After your interviews, you can use the National Residency Matching Program (NRMP) system to rank programs. Once the residency program’s top choices are considered, the Match pairs each resident with programs on their list.
Before applying to residencies, ensure you research each program. Your list for the match should be well-informed and consider factors like location, pay, length, and program-specific requirements.
6. Complete Your Residency Program
Residency length varies widely by specialty. Some programs, like family medicine and internal medicine, take about three years, while others such as general surgery, neurology, and OB/GYN take four to five years. Highly specialized fields like neurosurgery can take seven years or more. Your residency is where you gain supervised, hands-on clinical training and develop the skills you’ll use as an attending physician.
7. Obtain Your Medical License
Beyond completing the USMLE, medical licensing requirements vary by state. Applying for state licensure typically means submitting your test scores and other information for review. The proper authorities verify the information you’ve provided, and then state licensure is typically granted within 60 days.
8. Participate in a Medical Fellowship (Optional)
A fellowship is optional, but it gives you the chance to train with experts and develop a subspecialty after residency. Fellowships can open doors to more specialized roles, higher earning potential, and advanced clinical experience. They are often selective, and many physicians view being accepted into a fellowship as a meaningful professional milestone.
9. Begin Practicing!
Once you’ve obtained licensure and completed residency, you’re ready to begin looking for jobs.
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Becoming a doctor typically takes 10 to 15 years, depending on your specialty and whether you pursue additional fellowship training:
Four years to complete a bachelor’s degree
Four years of medical school
Three to seven years in a residency program
The exact timeline depends on the length of your chosen residency and any optional fellowships. More specialized fields, like neurosurgery or cardiothoracic surgery, can extend training several additional years beyond general residencies.
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Becoming a physician allows you to care for patients, make a real impact on their health, and pursue a rewarding and in-demand career. Here's a closer look at its top benefits:
Versatility and Variety
Doctors can work in a wide range of specialties, including internal medicine, surgery, pediatrics, psychiatry, emergency medicine, and more. This flexibility lets you explore what interests you, and each day can be different depending on your specialty.
Work With People
If you enjoy interacting with people, listening to their problems, diagnosing their illnesses, and helping them heal, a career as a physician offers regular opportunities to make a real difference. Caring for patients from diverse backgrounds and stories brings both challenges and rewards.
Strong Demand and Job Security
Demand for physicians continues to grow. According to the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC), the United States could face a shortage of 13,500 to 86,000 physicians by 2036. By 2034 the overall shortage may reach between 37,800 and 124,000 doctors. This affects primary care as well as many specialties. Entering medicine now offers a stable and in-demand career path.
Opportunity to Make a Real Impact
Physicians have the power to change lives by diagnosing illness early, managing chronic conditions, improving long-term health, and contributing to public health. Doctors remain a critical pillar of any health care system.
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1. How Many Years Does It Take to Become a Doctor?
Becoming a doctor typically takes 10 to 15 years. This includes four years of a bachelor’s degree, four years of medical school, and three to seven years in a residency program depending on your specialty. Optional fellowships can add additional years.
2. Are There Good Job Opportunities for Doctors in the U.S.?
Yes, there are excellent job opportunities for doctors in the U.S. The U.S. faces a growing physician shortage. According to the Association of American Medical Colleges, by 2034 there could be a shortage of 37,800 to 124,000 doctors across all specialties, creating strong demand for qualified physicians nationwide.
3. How Much Do Doctors Make in the U.S.?
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual wage for physicians and surgeons was at least $239,200 per year. Earnings vary significantly by specialty, area of practice, and experience. For example, specialties like surgery or cardiology often pay more than general practice or internal medicine.
4. How Long Is a Residency Program?
Residency programs vary by specialty. Most general residencies take three to seven years, while highly specialized fields such as neurosurgery can take seven years or more. Residency provides hands-on training under supervision to prepare you for independent practice.
5. Can You Become a Doctor Without Residency?
No. In the U.S., completing at least one year of residency is required to obtain state medical licensure. If you are not accepted into a residency program, you can reapply in the next cycle or explore other healthcare roles while you wait.
6. What Specialties Can I Choose From as a Doctor?
There are dozens of specialties to choose from as a doctor, including internal medicine, surgery, pediatrics, psychiatry, emergency medicine, anesthesiology, radiology, and more. Choosing a specialty depends on your interests, lifestyle goals, and career aspirations.
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Get Into Med School or Residency With Inspira Advantage
As the U.S. is experiencing a shortage of primary care physicians, now is a better time than ever to become a physician. Practicing medicine comes with a strong sense of community and impact, job security, and many other benefits.
If you’re planning to apply to medical school or residency, Inspira Advantage is here to help. Whether you’re wondering how to boost your profile or have any questions, our door is always open!
Dr. Jonathan Preminger was the original author of this article. Snippets of his work may remain.
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