How to Become a Surgery Doctor

Become a surgeon.

Surgeons specialize in treating injury and disease through performing operations. As of 2008, the job growth for doctors and surgeons is expected to increase 22 percent by 2018, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. However, before launching a surgeon career, you need to complete a bachelor's degree, medical program and residency, and pass the required examinations.

Instructions

1. Earn a bachelor's degree. The first step in becoming a surgeon is a bachelor's degree, which takes four years of full-time study to complete. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, most medical schools prefer to accept students with majors in biology, chemistry or mathematics.

2. Sign up to take the Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT). During your junior year of study, take this test. You can sign up on the MCAT website (see Resources). They also offer inexpensive study guides that can help you focus your MCAT study efforts.

3. Enroll in a medical school. After taking your MCAT exam, it's time to apply to medical schools. Medical school takes three years of full-time study to complete. If you aren't sure which school is right for you, check out the Medical School Admission Requirement book. This book is available at most libraries. Your pre-medicine advisor may also have a copy.

4. Pass the United States Medical Licensing Exam (USMLE). Before starting a residency, you'll need to pass this exam. You can sign up for the test at the USMLE website. The cost to take the exam, as of 2010, was $2,655.

5. Complete a residency. People interested in becoming a surgeon can expect to spend up to seven years in residency training, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Partner with your medical school to find residencies in your area.

6. Seek board certification. The American Board of Surgery offers board certification for a variety of specialties, such as general surgery, pediatric surgery and vascular surgery. To qualify, you must have completed at least five years of residency training. You must submit an application, which includes a recommendation from your residency program director. You must also pass a written examination. Request application materials and a testing date by contacting the ABS (see Resources).

Tips & Warnings

• Negotiate your salary. General surgeons earn $52,159 to $245,283 annually, according to PayScale. Make sure to negotiate your offer to maximize your compensation.

• Surgical residencies can have grueling requirements, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Expect to work up to 80 hour work weeks during your surgical residency.

References

• Bureau of Labor Statistics: Doctors and Surgeon
• PayScale: Surgery Salary

Resources

• Medical College Admission Test: Testing Information
• USMLE: Registration Information
• American Board of Surgery: Certification Information