How to Become an Osteopathic Doctor
An osteopathic doctor is licensed by her state to treat general health conditions and perform surgery. These types of doctors can also choose to specialize in a specific area such as internal medicine, neurology and oncology. But to become an osteopathic doctor, you must earn your bachelor degree and graduate from medical school. You must then complete a residency lasting at least two years in duration. Here's a guide to becoming an osteopathic physician.
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Instructions
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Earn your bachelor degree with a focus on pre-medicine. This will require that you to study inorganic chemistry, organic chemistry and physics. Some medical schools will also require pre-medical students to have a year or more of calculus.
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Schedule a date to take the Medical College Admissions Test. Currently, all accredited medical schools require applicants to submit a MCAT testing score. To register to take the MCAT, visit their website (see Resources section) or call (202) 828-0690.
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Submit medical school applications. After you've completed your pre-medicine program and earned your bachelor degree, it's time to apply to medical schools. For a directory of accredited medical schools, check out the American Association of Medical Colleges. The AAMC's directory includes more than 130 medical schools in the country. Expect to spend four years attending medical school full-time. When attending medical school, you'll need to complete an internship as well.
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Spend at least two years as a resident in osteopathic medicine. Once you've completed your general education, you'll need to serve a residency in the area of osteopathic medicine. During this time, you'll be working many hours; shifts adding up to more then 60 hours in a week.
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Pass your state medical board examination. After completing medical school, your internship and residency, you're qualified to sit for your state medical board exam. Contact your state's medical board to schedule a date and time to take the exam.
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Tips & Warnings
Find out more information about medical school requirements by checking out the Medical School Admission Requirements Resources. This is a book that lists pre-medicine requirements for all accredited U.S. universities.
Negotiate your compensation offer. According to salary.com, an osteopathic physician can expect to earn an average of $149,136-$276,684 annually. Make sure to negotiate the first offer you receive to secure the best compensation package.
