How to Become a Doctor of Medicine

Most doctors take at least seven years of medical school training.

Ask the average medical doctor how she got the job, and you'll probably be told about the many years of schooling. Most doctors have to graduate with top grades from an undergraduate program, then go on to four to seven years of medical school depending on the practice. However, while the road to becoming a medical doctor is long and hard, it can also be richly rewarding.

Things You'll Need

• Medical school acceptance
• Passing USMLE scores

Instructions

1. Attend an accredited medical school in the United States. There are more than 120 medical schools that grant medical doctor degrees. The first two years consist largely of basic science courses.

2. Take the United States Medical Licensing Examination after at least two years of medical school. This standardized exam tests the student's knowledge in basic sciences, ranging from anatomy and physiology to pathology. Candidates need a score of at least 185 out of 300 to pass the exam.

3. Complete a third year of medical school, which will likely include practical work in a field such as family medicine, surgery or internal medicine.

4. Take and pass the USMLE Step 2 CK and CS exams. Most medical students take these standardized exams during their fourth year of medical school.

5. Perform three years or more as a resident physician. This duty, which is usually done in a teaching hospital, will train the doctor in her speciality before that doctor goes on to private practice or hospital duty.

References

• AAMC
• AAMC: Admission Requirements

Resources

• United States Medical Licensing Examination