Becoming a doctor is an exciting but lengthy process that requires years of dedication, hard work, and patience.
However, becoming a doctor in the United States is a time-consuming but rewarding endeavor.
Suppose you are a prospective individual trying to build a medical career in the United States.
In that case, we encourage you to read this article to get familiar with the steps/process of practicing medicine in the US.
Pursuing an MD program is probably the first step to becoming a doctor. Pursuing an MD program from accredited medical schools can offer you excellent clinical rotations experience.
Clinical rotations are the final and most crucial phase of the academic medical journey before earning a degree.
Here are the steps to follow to become a doctor in the United States:
1. Complete Your Undergraduate Education
Earn a degree with majors in pre-medical medicine, biology, and exercise science.
2. Qualify for the MCAT Examination
Aspiring medical students must appear for the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT).
It is a standardized examination comprising multiple-choice questions to assess the candidates’ potential to succeed in the medical program.
The MCAT scores are accepted in the United States, Canada, Caribbean islands, and Australia.
3. Apply to Medical School
The prospective medical students choose their target medical school and submit their applications.
4. Complete Medical Training at Medical School
Becoming a doctor begins at the medical school that requires years of hard work.
The curriculum is divided between basic science and clinical rotations, where students develop an in-depth understanding of medicine’s various areas and aspects.
5. Pass the USMLE Steps 1 and 2
The island medical schools also prepare the medical aspirants for the United States Medical Licencing Examination (USMLE). It is a three-step exam for earning medical licensure in the United States.
The licensing exam is sponsored Federation of States Medical Board(FSMB) and the National Board of Medical Examiners(NBME).
Medical professionals with a medical degree or international medical graduates must qualify after medical training to receive their license and start practicing as doctors in the United States.
6. Match and Find a Residency
During the final year of medical school, the students start narrowing their field to choose a specialty that best matches their future goals.
7. Graduate from Medical School and Start Your Residency
The students transform into doctors from graduate school residency programs.
The residency programs usually last for three years and offer in-depth training in students’ chosen residency.
8. Pass the USMLE Step 3 and Complete Your Residency
The final stage of residency is to pass the USMLE Step 3 exam that covers clinical management and assesses the doctor’s ability to practice medicine.
9. Earn a Board Certificate
After medical education is over, the doctors can obtain certification in their chosen field.
10. Acquire a State License
A medical license is granted at the state level, and each has its own set of licensing requirements and plan of action.
Finally: Apply For a Job!
The final step of becoming a doctor in the US or any part of the world is to secure a job.
You can begin your job search during your residency program as well.
Where to Get Your Education
Applying to the Caribbean island medical school can maximize your chances of admission to an MD program.
Caribbean medical schools are becoming the next best alternative to pursue medical education at an affordable rate.
The quality of education of the island medical schools is comparable to the education of the academically leading countries.
Source by www.careergeekblog.com
