How to Become a Fertility Specialist

Requirements for becoming a ferility specialist.

Fertility specialists are medical professionals who specialize in helping women become pregnant and give birth. Initially, these specialists examine patients to determine and diagnose any diseases or abnormalities that are causing infertility. Fertility specialists prescribe or recommend fertility medications, in vitro fertilization or surgery to help a patient get pregnant. To become a specialist, applicants must go through years of education and training at the undergraduate, graduate and specialist levels. According to Indeed.com, as of 2010, the average salary for a fertility specialist is $84,000 per year.

Instructions

1. Graduate from an undergraduate degree program with a credential in biology, chemistry or in a related science area. A science related area is important, because the courses are going to help prepare you for medical school. Because medical school is very competitive, it's important to perform well and earn high marks.

2. Take the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT). The result of the MCAT determines your readiness for medical school. This test assesses your knowledge and abilities in science, writing, problem solving and critical thinking. Medical schools determine an applicant's acceptance through your MCAT score, grade point average and letters of recommendations.

3. Enroll in a medical school program. Medical school offers you a foundation in the various areas of medicine and is a prerequisite for your specialized work in reproduction. Medical school covers areas in surgery, pediatrics, cardiology, respiratory system, neurology and psychology.

4. Participate in a residency program. A residency program is going to teach you about the different areas of reproduction, such as gynecology, urology, obstetrics and endocrinology. This four-year program gives you a broad understanding of these areas and prepares you for specialization in this field.

5. Complete a fellowship in reproductive endocrinology. A fellowship focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of fertility issues. You learn to become proficient in sonography, in vitro fertilization, hysteroscopy surgery, ovulation induction, microsurgery and laparoscopic surgery. Opportunities are also available in laboratory and clinical research.

6. Pass your board certification in obstetrics and gynecology and reproductive endocrinology. You must first earn your certification in obstetrics and gynecology, which requires you to pass an oral and written exam. Once you have completed your fellowship can you become board certified in reproductive endocrinology, which requires you pass another set of exams in fertility. Only becoming board certified in these areas allow you to become a fertility specialist.

References

• Infertility Specialist: Fertility Specialist Job Description
• SOCREI.org: Fellowship and Board Certification
• Indeed: Salary