It’s good to have it planned out before you graduate so you can ensure that you get into a good school, but it’s not an easy decision to make. Why not join the thousands who’ve entered the medical field? Learning how to become a physician will put you on a long and difficult path, but it’s worth it. The job satisfaction and salary can’t be beat. Keep reading to learn where to start.
Why Become a Physician?
One of the biggest rewards of working in the healthcare industry is the impact that you’ll make on people’s lives. You’re in charge of administering treatment and giving someone the ability to continue with life as normal. Studying the human body and how it ticks can be fascinating. Once you get out of school, you’ll always be on your toes. Becoming a doctor will lead you down a busy, but rewarding path. Physicians are always in demand, and they make a hefty salary. You’ll also get to take advantage of disability insurance for physicians.
Do Well in High School
If you think working in healthcare might be right for you, it’s best to start while you’re still in high school. Graduating with a decent GPA will provide a decent foundation that will help you get into a good college later. Pay special attention to the math and sciences. If your school offers AP courses in these subjects, sign up for them. It will give you a glimpse of what your life in college will be like. If math and science aren’t your thing now, they’re not magically going to become your jam later. Showing that you’re a good student doesn’t stop with grades. You’ve got to get involved with your community. Volunteering will show college administrators that you’re a caring individual that will make an amazing future doctor.
Get Into a Good College
Your life in high school is coming to an end. It’s time for you to begin submitting college applications. Before you can turn your information into universities, you’ll have to take the ACT or SAT. The score that you’ll need to get varies from college to college. You’ll have to ask the administration to find out where your grade should be. After you get a decent score, you’ll need to prepare a killer college admissions essay. Keep in mind, that when you’re applying around, you don’t have to go with a school that has a premed program. As long as the science and math programs have good reviews, that’s more than enough.
Gather Experience
During your university years, your advisor will help you figure out what courses you need to take to get into a good med school. It will be your job to keep up with your grades. You should also take some time to build relationships with your peers and professors. If you can impress them, they might be willing to write you letters of recommendation. Continue building your resume by helping out in your community, and consider working as a research assistant at a lab on campus.
Take the MCAT
You can’t go to med school until you take the MCAT. It’s the Medical College Admissions Test. Most people take it when they’re in their junior year of college. You’ll need to do plenty of studying in order to do well. The good news is that there are tons of online prep options. You can join a special course for it or seek out a tutor.
Apply for Medical School
Something you need to know about applying to medical school is that it’s not a short process by any means. It’s a good idea to start during your junior year after you take the MCAT. The first part of your application should include a cover letter, your MCAT scores, transcripts, a resume, and a personal statement. In some cases, you’ll have to turn in a secondary application in the form of a simple fee. Most schools will ask you to write an extensive essay based on prompts given to you as well. If the college administration likes your application, they will call you in for an interview.
Finish School
You’ll be in med school for a total of four years. During the first two years, you will focus mostly on coursework. In your third year of school, you’ll work in an actual medical facility under a supervisor. In your last year, you’ll get the chance to go after a specialty.
Complete Your Residency
You’re not quite done learning yet. You’ve got to do a residency. Think of it as an internship. You’ll spend three years in this program learning from professionals in the field. You’ll take the knowledge you learn here to pass your licensing exam.
Start Practicing
After you’re done with your residency and passed your boards, you’re all set to become a physician. You can find work almost anywhere you want. You can apply to hospitals in your area or even start up your own clinic.
How to Become a Physician That’s Successful
When you decide to learn how to become a physician, you’ll enter a job field that’s full of personal and material rewards. It does take a lot of work to get started, but if you can stick it out, you’ll go far. For more tips that will help you succeed in your career path, visit the Life section of our blog.
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