How to Become a Doctor in 5 Steps: Your Ultimate Guide

Do you dream of working in a caring profession? If you have an aptitude for science and find that you enjoy helping people, you may want to look into how to become a doctor.

Right now, the U.S. is facing a doctor shortage, which includes both primary care doctors and specialists. It’s estimated that we may have a shortage of up to 140,000 doctors by 2033. So the demand for new doctors will likely continue well into the next decade.

Here are five steps to becoming a doctor so you have an idea of what’s required and how to prepare for medical school and beyond.

1. Study Pre-med in College and Keep Your Grades High

To become a doctor, keep a straight-A GPA in high school and especially college. Take as many science courses as possible and explore career options on sites like www.ultimatemedical.edu.

Ideally, it would be best if you spent time researching terms like how to become a surgeon, how to become a nurse, doctor education, medical education, and how to get into medical school. Your goal should be to graduate from a top pre-med program and be able to get recommendations from your professors. Medical school is competitive, so you’ll want to be at your best when you apply!

2. Take the MCAT

Your application will include your MCAT, or Medical College Admission Test, scores. At a minimum, expect to study around 300 hours before taking this test. It’s an essential part of your application, so take it extremely seriously and prepare well.

3. Apply to Medical School

Applying to medical school is a process that involves researching schools you’d like to attend, among other things. You’ll probably want to explore the campuses of the schools you’re considering and find out about financial aid and loan options. Expect to spend time filling out applications, interviewing, and submitting all required grades, test scores, and letters of intent.

4. Graduate and Take Your Licensing Exams

Once you’ve finished all your medical school classes, you’ll take your final exams and graduate. After graduation, you’ll need to sit for state licensing exams, also known as board exams. Once you pass, you’ll be able to call yourself a doctor officially.

5. Complete a Residency

All new doctors have to complete a residency or a stint in an actual clinical setting. This could be in a hospital or other setting like an operating room. Residents are doctors-in-training who work with patients while supervised by more experienced colleagues.

Once you complete a residency, you’ll be eligible to take other licensing exams to prove that you’ve mastered a specialty area. After passing, you’ll be able to go into business for yourself and start your own practice.

Knowing How to Become a Doctor is the First Step

Knowing how to become a doctor is empowering because it outlines your career path and helps you set goals. It’s the first step towards a rewarding career. If you want to help people feel well and live healthily, then you’ll love being a doctor and you should go for it! If you’ve found this article informative and useful, check out the rest of our blog for m