What Education Does a Nephrologist Have to Have?
Many types of doctors practice medicine in the American health care industry. Nephrologists specialize in kidney diseases, transplants and dialysis. Because their jobs require great skill and depth of knowledge, nephrologists must complete specialized education before receiving licensure to practice.
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Undergraduate Education
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Aspiring nephrologists must complete their undergraduate studies at an accredited college or university, majoring in health sciences or a related discipline before beginning their specialized education in internal medicine and nephrology.
Medical School
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To gain entrance to medical school, students should take the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT). After passing the MCAT, students must continue their studies at an accredited medical school and complete two or three years of residency to gain both a theoretical and practical understanding of internal medicine.
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Continuing Education
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After graduating from medical school, graduates must commit to a two- to four-year program concentrating on the field of nephrology. During this time, students spend at least two years caring directly for patients and 20 months working in dermatology or nephrology clinics.
Internal Medicine Licensing
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Before practicing professionally, nephrologists need to obtain a license to practice internal medicine from the American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM). Only then can they pursue certification in the field of nephrology.
Nephrology Training and Certification
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Students complete two to three years training in the field, including one year spent in a clinical practice diagnosing and treating kidney diseases. Then physicians must successfully complete the ABIM nephrology exam.
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