Becoming a doctor isn’t easy. It requires preparation, a lot of hard work, patience, and dedication. The process is long and it doesn’t stop right after you’ve obtained your license. Are you planning to become a doctor? Here are the steps to your medical career.

6 Steps to Your Medical Career

1. Complete Your Pre-Med Requirements

Your medical career begins even before you start medical school. If you’ve decided to become a doctor, then you’ll have to start preparing early on. Why? Because medicine is a very competitive field, and medical schools are looking for applicants with a good educational background, especially when it comes to natural science.

Earning a Bachelor’s degree is required, and getting into a college or university with excellent science and math programs can be an advantage.

Most medical schoolsrequire two semesters of biology, math, physics, English, organic chemistry,and inorganic chemistry.

2. Do Well on the Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT)

After you’ve earned a Bachelor’s degree, you’ll have to take and pass the Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT), a standardized examination that tests your knowledge and skills in most natural science subjects.

3. Earn a Medical Degree

If you pass the MCAT, you’ll have a high chance of getting accepted into medical school, where you’ll tackle classroom-based courses and laboratory for two years, as well as practical application with supervision based on your preferred specialty for another two years.

4. Complete a Residency (or Internship) Program

After you graduate from medical school, you’ll need to start a residency program. Take note that although your preference will be noted, you won’t be able to decide on which residency position you’ll get matched with. The residency program can last from three to seven years, depending on your specialization.

5. Pass the Licensure Exam

Before you can independentlypractice medicine, you’ll have to obtain a license. A medical degree from anaccredited medical school and completion of a residency program are requiredprior to taking the exam.

6. Continue Your Medical Education

The learning process doesn't end after you’ve obtained your license. There's always new research and changes in medicine, and you'll have to continue your education to keep up with the latest medical practices. You might also consider getting certified to advance your career.

Becoming a doctor is a lifelong commitment. You’ll have to make sacrifices, school fees can get astronomical, and now and then, you’ll question whether or not you’ve made the right decision. This is why you have to reflect and ask yourself if it’s the right choice for you. If it’s truly what you want and what you dream of becoming, then you’ll find that every effort you make is worth it.

If you need more help gaining clinical experience or are otherwise seeking guidance during your medical career and education, contact C.H.H.A. today.