Hey guys, I'm interested in going pre-med and eventually becoming a doctor. Can anyone tell me how many years I'll be spending in school to achieve this dream? I'd really appreciate any help!
Hello! I'm glad to hear that you're interested in pursuing a career in medicine. Becoming a doctor typically involves several stages of education and training. Here's a general breakdown of the number of years you can expect to spend in school and training:
1. Undergraduate education (Bachelor's degree): Most prospective doctors complete a four-year undergraduate program, often in a pre-med or science-related major, although any major can be chosen as long as you complete the necessary prerequisites for medical school.
2. Medical school: After obtaining a Bachelor's degree, you'll need to attend medical school, which typically takes 4 years to complete. The first two years of medical school are focused on foundational coursework in medical science, while the last two years involve clinical rotations in various medical specialties.
3. Residency: Upon completing medical school, you'll enter a residency program, which involves hands-on training in hospitals and clinics under the supervision of experienced physicians. Residency programs vary in length depending on the chosen specialty, with most programs taking between 3 to 7 years to complete. For example, family medicine and internal medicine residencies usually take 3 years, while more specialized fields like surgery or neurology can take 5 to 7 years.
4. Fellowship (optional): Some doctors may choose to pursue additional training in a sub-specialty after completing their residency, called a fellowship. Fellowships vary in duration, typically ranging from 1 to 3 years, depending on the specialty.
In summary, it takes at minimum 11 years of schooling and training after high school to become a primary care physician (4 years of undergraduate, 4 years of medical school, and 3 years of residency). If you're considering a more specialized field or a sub-specialty, it may take a few more years. Keep in mind that throughout your medical career, you'll also participate in continuing education to keep your skills and knowledge up-to-date. Good luck on your journey to becoming a doctor!
CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.