To become a doctor, the typical educational path and duration are as follows:
- Undergraduate Degree: 4 years of full-time study, usually in a science-related field to prepare for medical school.
- Medical School: Typically 4 years, divided into two years of academic and lab study followed by two years of clinical training and rotations. Some accelerated or combined programs may shorten this to 6 years total (undergraduate + medical education) or 4 years for graduate-entry programs.
- Residency Training: After medical school, a residency program lasting 3 to 7 years (or more for specialties) is required for practical, supervised training in a chosen medical field.
Overall, becoming a fully licensed practicing doctor usually takes 11 to 16 years from starting undergraduate studies to completing residency, depending on the specialty and country
. Where to Study:
- Medical schools are available worldwide, with programs often lasting 4 to 7 years depending on the country and program structure.
- Examples of international medical schools with 6-year MD programs include those in Poland (Szczecin), United Arab Emirates (Ajman University), and Cyprus (University of Nicosia)
- In the US, medical schools like New York University offer various MD program formats including accelerated 3-year MDs and combined degrees
- Admission generally requires passing entrance exams such as the MCAT (Medical College Admission Test) in the US and submitting applications through centralized services (e.g., AMCAS in the US)
In summary, to become a doctor you typically study 4 years undergraduate + 4 years medical school + 3-7 years residency, with options to study in many countries through full-time medical programs lasting 4 to 7 years plus further training
