Pre-Med Question! What exams do I need to become a doctor?

I’m a junior and definitely see myself in the medical field in the future. What's the journey like? Are there any exams I need to take during or after my undergrad to become a doctor?

If you're planning on pursuing a career as a doctor, it's good to know what to expect. Your journey will begin in undergraduate college, where you'll complete a pre-med track, often pursuing a Bachelor's degree in a science-related field (though you can choose other fields, as long as you fulfill pre-med course requirements). Key courses typically include biology, chemistry, physics, and math, among others.

After completing your bachelor's degree, the next major step is taking the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT). This is the exam required to apply to medical school. The MCAT is a challenging exam that tests knowledge of the natural sciences, critical reading skills, and problem-solving abilities.

Once accepted into medical school, you'll pursue four years of study, divided into two parts: pre-clinical (usually the first two years) and clinical (the last two years).

After graduating from medical school, you will take the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE), which is a three-step process. The Step 1 tests your understanding of the concepts learned in medical school. Step 2, Clinical Knowledge (CK) and Clinical Skills (CS), assesses your ability to apply it in real-life settings while providing patient care effectively. Lastly, Step 3 checks your ability to practice medicine unsupervised.

After that, you'll typically spend the next 3-7 years in residency, and depending on your specialty, you might also take further specialty board exams for certification. It's a lengthy process, but it's quite rewarding for those with a passion for medicine. Let me know if you need further information!