Becoming a doctor requires hard work, costly education, and immeasurable focus and dedication. An aspiring physician must spend at least 11 years before getting a license. On the financial front, the average cost for a four-year medical course is at USD$330,180 in private schools, according to a 2020 report by the Association of American Medical Colleges.
For these reasons, individuals who wish to become one must prepare well and show commitment, as it’s also highly challenging to get accepted into the medical program.
If the medical path resonates with you, consider these the basic steps of becoming a doctor.
Step 1: Prepare Early
It’s crucial to start the pre-med student preparation early to increase your chances of getting accepted into the medical program. Evaluators will assess your high school performance, so ensure your academic grades are impressive.
Your chances of getting accepted will be boosted significantly if you have above-average scores in math, biology, chemistry, and other Science subjects. In addition, exemplary Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) and American College Test (ACT) scores can help you get into a prestigious university for your pre-med course.
Step 2: Get Accepted to a Reputable University For Your Pre-Med Course
As with other types of college applications, you’d have to possess a high grade point average (GPA) and SAT scores if you want to get noticed. For instance, Ivy League schools require a powerful recommendation letter and a well-written personal essay before considering your university application requirements.
Nevertheless, whatever school you choose, research and ask their alumni about the program to get an idea of the quality of education you will get.
Step 3: Check And Comply With All Pre-Med Requirements
Some medical schools don’t have stringent requirements requiring applicants to take a pre-med program before getting accepted. However, it helps to choose universities with reputable science and math programs or take medical-related majors, most notably biology, chemistry, medical technology, and physical therapy, to name a few.
Suppose you took a non-medical course in college; you might be required to earn additional science units, including calculus, before getting accepted or taking the Medical College Admission Test, or MCAT—an entrance exam to medical school.
Step 4: Take And Pass The MCAT
The MCAT measures an applicant’s preparedness for medical school. It’s crucial to ace this test because medical schools give weight to MCAT scores in the screening process. This evaluation exam focuses on science subjects such as biology and chemistry and evaluates your critical analysis and reasoning skills. According to a Princeton review, getting about 510 points puts one in the “safe zone” alongside a GPA of 3.71. After taking the MCAT, your scores will be forwarded to the American Medical College Application Service—the centralized application service for aspiring first-year students.
Step 5: Apply And Get Into Your Preferred Medical School
Medical school application is time-consuming and rigorous. That’s why some university students start working on their admission in their junior year. Suppose you want to streamline the process, research online, or download practical applications to help you choose the best medical school. One of the ways to increase your chances of getting accepted, apart from having impressive scores and GPAs, is to apply to as many schools as you can, even out-of-state.
Step 6: Spend 4 Years In Medical School And Pass The USMLE 1 and 2
If you’re finally admitted to medical school, do your best to perform academically and absorb knowledge in and outside the classroom.
After your second year at medical school, take the United States Medical Licensing Examination USMLE-1, which evaluates your competency to continue your education.
After your second year at med school, take the United States Medical Licensing Examination USMLE-1, which evaluates your competency to continue your education. You'll want to study well for this, making use of resources like this USMLE Step 1 question bank, your own notes, and any other study techniques that you know work well for you.
Senior med students will take elective courses to pursue their chosen area of specialization. Graduating students will take USMLE-2, which, as expected, is more rigid than the first test as it will measure your ability to apply the essential knowledge and skills for patient care. USMLE-2 is also part of the residency program application.
Step 7: Complete A Three-Year Medical Internship And Pass USMLE 3
After graduation, doctors must spend at least three years pursuing an internship or residency program. During these years, you’ll be trained according to your chosen specialty. During residency, doctors take the USMLE-3, preparing them for their future practice.
Step 8: Obtain Board Certifications And A State License
After passing the final licensing exam and completing the medical internship, a doctor can now practice independently and without the intense supervision of a consultant. It’ll be up to you to choose which settings you wish to work in.
While working, you can take a board certification based on your chosen field. Once you’ve earned them, you can now get your state license.
Additionally, you’ll have to update your skills and knowledge by getting continuing medical education.
Final Thoughts
An aspiring doctor must spend much time and money on education before being allowed to practice. But nothing is impossible with proper preparation and steadfast commitment. If you want to become a doctor, study the above points, work hard in school, and never give up on your dream.