Hi friends! I'm considering pursuing a medical degree but I'm not quite sure how long it takes to complete. Can someone help me out with the typical timeline for completing a medical degree, including undergrad and graduate studies?
Hello! I'd be happy to help you out with the typical timeline for pursuing a medical degree!
1. Undergraduate studies (4 years): To begin your medical journey, you'll first need to complete an undergraduate degree, typically a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) or Bachelor of Arts (B.A.). Although some students choose to major in biology, chemistry, or other natural sciences, many medical schools don't require a specific major, so you can explore other interests as long as you complete the required pre-med courses.
2. Medical College Admission Test (MCAT): Most aspiring physicians take the MCAT during their junior or senior year of college. This standardized test is required for entry into medical schools in the U.S. and Canada.
3. Medical school application process: During your senior year or after graduating, you'll apply to medical schools. This process can take a few months, and it's common for students to take a gap year, either to gain more experience, volunteer, or complete additional coursework.
4. Medical school (4 years): Medical school typically takes four years to complete. The first two years are devoted to coursework in the basic sciences like anatomy, physiology, and biochemistry. In the third and fourth years, you'll participate in clinical rotations, which expose you to various medical specialties and give you hands-on experience in working with patients.
5. Residency (3-7 years): After completing medical school, you'll enter a residency program to gain specialized training in a specific field of medicine. The length of residency varies depending on the specialty you choose. For example, family medicine and internal medicine residencies typically take three years, while surgical specialties can take up to seven years.
In total, becoming a physician typically takes 11-18 years, including undergraduate studies, medical school, and residency. Keep in mind that some physicians also choose to pursue further subspecialization with fellowships, which can add an additional 1-3 years to their training.
Best of luck as you consider your options for pursuing a medical degree!
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