Path to Becoming a Physician: Required Degrees & Education

Becoming a medical physician typically requires the following degrees:

1. Bachelor's Degree

- Many medical schools require a bachelor's degree in a science-related field, such as biology, chemistry, or physics.

- Some schools also accept degrees in non-science fields, provided that students complete the necessary science prerequisites.

2. Medical School

- Medical school is a four-year program that provides students with the knowledge and skills necessary to practice medicine.

- During medical school, students take courses in anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, pharmacology, and other medical sciences.

- They also complete clinical rotations in various medical specialties, such as internal medicine, surgery, pediatrics, and obstetrics/gynecology.

3. Residency

- After medical school, all physicians are required to complete a residency program in their chosen specialty.

- Residency programs are typically three to seven years long and provide physicians with the opportunity to gain supervised experience in their specialty.

4. Board Certification

- After completing residency, physicians are eligible to sit for the board examination in their specialty.

- Board certification is a voluntary process, but it is highly respected and is often required for employment in hospitals and clinics.

5. Continuing Medical Education (CME)

- Physicians are required to complete continuing medical education (CME) credits in order to maintain their medical license.

- CME credits can be earned through attending conferences, workshops, and other educational activities.