How to Become an OB Gyn

An Ob Gyn is an obstetrician and gynecologist, a type of medical doctor who specializes in the treatment of women's reproductive health. A physician in this specialty has received training to both care for pregnant women and treat disorders that can affect reproductive health. Duties may include child delivery, Pap screenings, detection of sexually transmitted diseases and preventative medicine. You need extensive training to become an Ob Gyn.

Things You'll Need

• Medical degree
• Money for education

Instructions

1. Receive an undergraduate degree from an accredited, four-year university. Future Ob Gyns typically pursue degrees in science-related majors, such as chemistry and biology. However, many medical schools may not require you to have a particular major but do expect you have superior grades in all of your courses.

2. Take the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT). This test is the standard used by medical schools to determine who to accept into their medical degree programs. The test gauges your writing and verbal skills and contains science-related questions.

3. Apply to medical school. To become an Ob Gyn, you will attend four years of medical school. The first two years are spent in classroom studies while the last two years involve training at a clinic or hospital.

4. Complete an Ob Gyn residency. After medical school, you need to apply for a residency at an Ob Gyn program through a clinic or hospital. During residency, you will work with a supervisor. Residency programs last an average of four years.

5. Pass the exams. To receive your state license, you'll take an exam, according to Degree Directory, and to receive certification from the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology, you will take a written exam following your residency and an oral exam after two years in practice. Many Ob Gyns work in group practices.

References

• "Becoming an Ob/Gyn" from ObGyn.net
• "How to Become an OBGYN in 5 Steps" and recommended schools from Degree Directory