The contribution and significance of the physician’s role to the broader society can’t be overstated. Physicians, responsible for accurately diagnosing and treating patients, preventive care, and educating patients, must endure a rigorous educational training programme before finally earning the title in the United States.
It’s a revered profession. There are not many families across the United States who would admit that they didn’t want their child to grow up to be a doctor. It’s just one of those jobs.
The skills, certifications, and ethical standards learned throughout the rigorous educational process demonstrate a physician’s competence. It’s a role that carries great responsibility, talent, and patience, so it’s only natural that this is represented in the journey towards becoming a physician to best prepare talented young workers for the career that lies ahead.
Let’s chronologically explore the steps an aspiring physician must take to reach their dream role – from starting in higher education all the way to finally being considered by a physician staffing agency.
1. Undergraduate Education
The decision to strive for a career as a physician can’t be made overnight; it must be carefully considered and worked towards for years. After completing their mandatory education, they must achieve strong academic grades to be granted the opportunity to pursue a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.
While a specific major isn’t necessary to become a physician, studying within a science-related field certainly isn’t harmful to an individual’s prospects. Many aspiring physicians major in pre-medical sciences like biology, chemistry, and biochemistry.
To successfully advance to the next steps toward becoming physicians, students must maintain a strong academic record while simultaneously gaining experience within the healthcare industry through volunteer work, research, or internships.
2. Medical School
Once set on continuing to medical school, aspiring physicians must take a Medical College Admission Test, where knowledge of scientific concepts, critical thinking skills, and problem-solving abilities will be tested.
Once accepted into medical school, students will endure a further four years of education. The first two years generally consist of classroom-based learning covering anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, and pathology. Then, after successfully completing examinations, students’ progress into more hands-on styles of learning, whereby experience is gained through various clinical clerkships.
3. U.S. Medical Licensing Examination
While in medical school, an aspiring physician must pass the U.S. Medical Licensing Examination. The exam aims to evaluate one’s suitability for a career as a doctor by testing foundational knowledge and understanding of critical medical standards and practices.
4. Residency Training
After successfully completing medical school, aspiring physicians are required to undergo residency training for their chosen specialty. While obviously still a training process, residency training acts as a bridge between education and gaining experience in the workplace. Residents are responsible for performing procedures on patients, conducting academic research, and teaching younger students.
5. State Licensure
Every American state requires physicians to pass the USLME, complete residency training, and meet background checks on suitability for the role to be awarded a state license as a physician. When this step is passed, the journey to becoming a fully licensed and qualified physician is finally completed.
