Healthcare Careers Requiring 4–6 Years of Post-Secondary Education

The following clinical doctoral/professional degrees typically require 4–6 years after a bachelor's degree (total 8–10+ years post-high school):

• Physician (MD/DO): 4 yr med school + 3–7 yr residency
• Dentist (DDS/DMD): 4 yr dental school (+ optional 1–6 yr residency)
• Veterinarian (DVM/VMD): 4 yr vet school (+ optional internship/residency)
• Pharmacist (PharmD): 4 yr professional program (often after 2–4 yr pre-pharm)
• Optometrist (OD): 4 yr optometry school
• Chiropractor (DC): 4 yr chiropractic college
• Physical Therapist (DPT): 3 yr doctoral program (after bachelor's)
• Podiatrist (DPM): 4 yr podiatric medical school + 3 yr residency
• Clinical Psychologist (PhD/PsyD): 5–7 yr doctoral program + internship

All require licensure exams and continuing education. Entry-level master's roles (PA, NP, OT, SLP, genetics counseling) require 2–3 years post-bachelor's.