Becoming a doctor is a prestigious profession that doesn’t pay well, but it also comes with honor, especially when you are efficient and competent.
Doctors play crucial roles in our lives, regardless of age, cultural background, or medical needs. They are concerned about health and advise people to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Whether you want to be a veterinarian, a nurse, or a naturopathic doctor in any country like USA or Canada, there are steps allotted to each. So if you want to know how long it takes to become a Doctor in any of these fields, this article is for you.
Thus, this post gives you insight into How long it takes to become a Doctor in a different field. Below is an overview of what to expect from this post.
Table of contents
- Who is a Doctor?
- Skills Needed as a Doctor
- What is the Education requirements for becoming a Doctor?
- What are the areas I can become a Doctor in?
- Anesthesiologist
- 1. Cardiologist
- 2. Cardiac surgeon
- 3. Chiropractor or Chiropractic Doctor
- 4. Colorectal Surgeon
- 5. Dentist
- 6. Dermatologist
- 7. Endocrinologist
- 8. Forensic Pathologist
- 9. Gastroenterologist
- 10. Gynecologist
- 11. Hospitalist
- 12. Immunologist
- 13. Internist
- 14. Naturopathic doctor
- 15. Neurologist
- 16. Neurosurgeon
- 17. Occupational Doctor
- 18. Oncologist
- 19. Optometrist
- 20. Oral and maxillofacial surgeon
- 21. Orthopedic surgeon
- 22. Orthodontic straightener
- 23. Otolaryngologist
- 24. Pathologist
- 25. The pediatric
- 26. Plastic surgery
- 27. Chiropodist
- 28. Dental prosthesis technician
- 29. Psychiatrist
- 30. Lung Pathologist
- 31. Radiologist
- 32. Doctor of Sports Medicine
- 33. Urologist
- 34. Veterinarian
- 35. Endocrine Zoo
- How long does it take to become a Naturopathic Doctor
- How long does it take to become a Family Doctor?
- How long does it take to become a Veterinarian Doctor?
- How long does it take to become a Doctor in Canada?
- How long does it take to Become a Doctor in the US
- How long does it take to become a Doctor in the UK?
- Conclusion
- FAQs
- Recommendations
Who is a Doctor?
A Doctor maintains or restores human health through the practice of medicine. Hence, He or she faces the challenge of diagnosing and treating human diseases, diseases, injuries, pain, or other conditions.
However, this is done by listening to the patient and understanding the problem, then using their scientific expertise to find the best way to treat the condition or anxiety.
Note there is a specific type of Doctor for nearly all major systems in the human body.
Interestingly, a physician can be found in various settings, including public health organizations, schools, private offices, collective offices, and hospitals. They have some of the most varied and challenging professions available, and they are part of a world-respected profession.
Skills Needed as a Doctor
As a Doctor, you must have some skills, attributes, characters, or even personalities that distinguish you from others. Some of them include
- Analytical
- Logical
- Bold
- Systemic
- Intellectual ability
- Generous
- Patient
- Understanding and considerate
- Discreet and friendly
- Helpful
- Pay Attention to details
- Communication skills
- Social
- Cooperative
What is the Education requirements for becoming a Doctor?
The requirements to become a doctor depends on the specialty. In general, doctors complete a 4-year college program, spend 4 years in medical school, and then complete 3 to 7 years of training before being eligible for a medical license.
Hence, Both degree programs generally include general medicine courses, while prospective doctors may choose to specialize later during their stay.
It is necessary to complete a degree program to prepare potential doctors for admission to medical school. Although medical universities do not require specific admission certificates, many students choose heavy programs in biology and chemistry.
Note, Some schools offer specific introductory programs that include the classes required for the Faculty of Medicine, as well as the preparation for the Admission Test to the Faculty of Medicine (MCAT). Common courses in the Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in the biology program include:
- Chemistry
- Biological studies
- Physic
- Human Genetics
What are the areas I can become a Doctor in?
Areas here mean specifications. If you want to take up a profession in the medical field and you want to become a doctor, there are so many medical fields you can choose. Note it all boils down to what you like doing most. Some of these areas include the following
Anesthesiologist
You can become an anesthesiologist doctor. An anesthesiologist ensures that a patient that have to undergo surgery or operation is safe and comfortable. He or she administers local or general anesthesia to the patient.
1. Cardiologist
A doctor in cardiology carries out research, treatment, and prevention of diseases that affect the heart, arteries, and veins.
2. Cardiac surgeon
This doctor carries out surgery in the chest, heart, lings or any organ close to the chest. Also, they diagnose and treat diseases of these organs.
3. Chiropractor or Chiropractic Doctor
Basically, a chiropractor specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of disorders of the structural and nervous system, especially the spine. Note the chiropractor does not perform surgery or prescribe the medication.
4. Colorectal Surgeon
Well, this surgeon deals with diseases of the colon, rectum and anal, as well as the entire digestive system. They work with urologists, who deal with the male genitourinary system and the women’s urinary tract, gynecologist, who deals with certain female problems, and the digestive pathologist, who deals with intestinal diseases.
5. Dentist
A dentist focuses on oral health problems, such as periodontal disease, examines patients, requests medical examinations, and determines the correct diagnosis and treatment. And also perform oral surgery, remove teeth, or treat other dental health problems.
6. Dermatologist
On the other hand, A dermatologist is a doctor that specializes in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of conditions that affect the skin, hair, sweat, sebaceous glands, nails, and mucous membranes (inside the mouth, nose, and eyelids) that can include cancer
7. Endocrinologist
This Doctor specializes in diagnosing conditions and diseases related to glands and hormones.
8. Forensic Pathologist
This doctor finds out the reason and causes of an unexpected death. That means, he or she is to determine how a person dies by performing an autopsy and studying tissues and laboratories.
9. Gastroenterologist
This doctor focuses on gastrointestinal diseases. He or she is specially trained in the diagnosis and treatment of digestive system diseases. However, this may include diseases and disorders that affect the biliary system (liver, pancreas, gallbladder and bile ducts), as well as the esophagus, stomach, small intestine and large intestine (colon).
10. Gynecologist
A gynecologist specializes in the reproductive system of women. Gynecologists are sometimes also certified as obstetricians and will control maternal and fetal health during pregnancy.
11. Hospitalist
A hospitalist is a doctor who focuses on general medical care for patients in the hospital. His duties include patient care, education, research and leadership related to hospital medicine.
12. Immunologist
He specializes in immunology in the management of problems related to the immune system, such as allergies and autoimmune diseases.
13. Internist
An internal medicine doctor is an “internal medicine doctor” who can diagnose, treat and practice emotional care for adults across the spectrum, from health to complex diseases.
14. Naturopathic doctor
The natural doctor combines modern scientific medical practice with knowledge with natural and traditional forms of medical treatment. However, the goal is to address the underlying causes of the disease while stimulating the body’s healing powers.
15. Neurologist
Specialist in Neurology in the treatment of diseases of the human nervous system. And it is a prestigious and very difficult medical specialty due to the complexity of the nervous system, which consists of the brain, spinal cord and peripheral nerves.
16. Neurosurgeon
A neurosurgeon specializes in diagnosing and treating disorders of the central and peripheral nervous systems. This includes congenital anomalies, trauma, tumors, vascular disorders, infections of the brain or spine, stroke or degenerative diseases of the spine.
17. Occupational Doctor
This doctor focuses on keeping people in a good job, mentally and physically. As workplaces become more complex, professional doctors play an important role in advising people about how their work affects their health.
18. Oncologist
Specialized in oncology in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer. The three main types of oncologists are Medical oncologists who specialize in the management of medications to kill cancer cells.
However, Surgical oncologists who perform surgeries to identify and remove cancerous tumors, and radiation therapy that treats cancer with radiation therapy.
19. Optometrist
An ophthalmologist is a specialist who deals especially with the structure, function, diseases, and treatment of the eye. Hence, due to the complexities of the eye and its importance as a special sensor that provides vision, specialization in ophthalmology is dedicated solely to this device.
20. Oral and maxillofacial surgeon
Basically, an oral and maxillofacial surgeon treats dental and medical problems that involve the oral cavity and the maxillary and facial area. Also, the maxillofacial area includes the frontal and facial bones, cheekbones and soft tissues.
However, Treatment often includes surgical procedures and related procedures to treat diseases, defects, or injuries and to improve function or appearance.
21. Orthopedic surgeon
The orthopedic surgeon examines, diagnoses and treats diseases and injuries of the musculoskeletal system. This system includes bones, joints, ligaments, muscles, tendons, and nerves.
22. Orthodontic straightener
The orthodontist specializes in how to align jaws and teeth. Also, it helps people whose teeth are heterogeneous or require some kind of correction, those with an inadequate bite or malocclusion.
23. Otolaryngologist
Otolaryngology specialists (or ENT doctors) are trained to diagnose and treat patients with diseases, disorders of the ear, nose and throat and related structures of the head and neck. These specialists are trained in both medicine and surgery.
24. Pathologist
The pathologist studies the causes, nature, and effects of the disease. The pathology field is wide, emphasizing the changes in cells, tissues, and organs resulting from the disease.
25. The pediatric
A paediatrician specializes in providing medical care to babies, children and adolescents through the administration of treatments, therapies, medications, and vaccines to treat diseases, disorders or injuries.
26. Plastic surgery
A plastic surgeon specializes in reshaping healthy body parts for aesthetic reasons and repairing or replacing body parts damaged by accidents, diseases or deformities.
27. Chiropodist
The paediatrician practices paediatrics, a branch of science dedicated to the diagnosis, treatment, and study of medical disorders of the foot, ankle, lower leg, and lower back.
28. Dental prosthesis technician
The dental prosthesis specialist specializes in restoring the shape, function, comfort, and health of the patient’s oral cavity with synthetic materials.
29. Psychiatrist
Psychiatrists evaluate, diagnose and treat patients with temporary or chronic mental health problems.
30. Lung Pathologist
A lung pathologist specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of pulmonary and thoracic diseases, especially pneumonia, asthma, tuberculosis, emphysema, and complex chest infections.
31. Radiologist
A radiologist is a specialist in the interpretation of medical images that can be obtained with X-rays (CT or X-rays) or nuclear medicine (which includes radioactive or magnetic materials (MRI) or ultrasound.
32. Doctor of Sports Medicine
A sports medicine doctor specializes in the care of people with sports injuries that can be obtained by exercising, exercising or exercising.
33. Urologist
The urologist specializes in treating the male and female urinary tract and male reproductive systems. Urologists can treat the kidneys, urinary bladder, urethra, uterus, and male-producing organs.
34. Veterinarian
A veterinarian who specializes in diagnosing and controlling animal diseases and treating sick and injured animals. The veterinarian general doctor spends from one third to half of his time in animal castration surgery, orthopaedic procedures, orthopaedics, dentistry, and trauma surgery.
35. Endocrine Zoo
The zoo’s endocrinologist mainly studies animal reproductive hormones, such as estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone. Sometimes it is necessary to follow changes in animal hormone levels to help conserve endangered species by reproducing them in zoos.
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How long does it take to become a Naturopathic Doctor
To become a licensed Naturopathic doctor, you must first graduate from a four-year professional-level program at an accredited federal medical university.
After graduation, you must pass the Physical Exam License (NPLEX) and pass it. This exam covers the basic, diagnostic, therapeutic, and clinical sciences.
Becoming a licensed Naturopathist is the best investment you can make in your future for the patient’s health, your health, and the planet’s health.
Note, medicine universities are approved by the Natural Medical Education Council (CNME) and recognized by the US Department of Education. UU. They require four years of postgraduate studies in personal education at their school.
The first two years of the Faculty of Natural Medicine reflect the Faculty of Traditional Medicine with biomedical courses such as anatomy, biochemistry, histology, pharmacology, and pathology.
In addition, natural topics that include counseling, botanical medicine, natural medicine, nutrition, and homeopathy are covered.
Each of these topics is widely covered, which covers multiple courses and terms. The combination of physiotherapy and traditional learning provides the most comprehensive medical education available in the world.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for healthcare practitioners, including naturopathic doctors, is $206,920. Meanwhile, the Association of Accredited Naturopathic Medical Colleges estimates that NDs, on average, earn $90,000 per year.
How long does it take to become a Family Doctor?
A family doctor is trained to provide care for patients of all ages. As a Family doctor, you can diagnose and treat common conditions and injuries. And when the condition is critical, the patient is referred to specialists.
However, family doctors are also known for their proactive approach to medicine. Also, they help patients adopt healthy habits that can reduce the risk of a heart attack in the first place.
Now, talking about how long it will take to become a family doctor, students must complete a four-year undergraduate program before entering medical school, which will take an additional four years.
Those studying to become family doctors must complete a three-year residency program. Therefore, becoming a family doctor usually takes at least 11 years.
According to BLS, the average annual salary for family doctors was $ 211,780 in 2018. Family doctors who worked in mental and developmental disabilities, mental health and substance abuse centres had the highest average salaries, earning around $ 249,180.
Family doctors who worked in colleges or universities were at the other end of the salary schedule and earned an annual average of $ 149,020 during the same year.
How long does it take to become a Veterinarian Doctor?
Most of careers in the field of medical science take years of education and practical hands-on experience. Becoming a vet tech is no exception to this rule.
To practice Veterinary medicine in the United States, one has to take up an undergraduate degree for the first 4 years in the field of veterinary medicine, preceded by DVM/VMD which is another 4 years. One has to study for 8 whole years to become a Veterinarian.
To enter veterinary school, students must complete a university education, generally lasting 4 years. They must then pass the GRE or the student registration exam and apply for veterinary school with their results.
Accelerated program graduates can complete education in a period of 6 to 7 years, while those wishing to advance in this field as specialized veterinarians spend at least 11 to 12 years in training. On average, it takes about 8 years after high school to become a beginner veterinarian.
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How long does it take to become a Doctor in Canada?
In Canada, medical students must obtain a university degree before beginning medical school. Well, it does not have to be related to medicine, although it could help its application if the degree is complementary to medicine, such as biology.
Hence, after at least 3 years (usually 4) of study to obtain a bachelor’s degree, you must complete 4 years at the Faculty of Medicine, followed by 2 to 5 years of postgraduate studies emphasizing your specialty.
Most specialties last 5 years, but family medicine is usually a two-year program, which means you can expect to spend at least 10 years studying as a general practitioner in Canada, although other specializations can take up to 13 years.
How long does it take to Become a Doctor in the US
Doctors in the United States spend many years obtaining the education and skills to practice medicine. Preparation for medical school usually begins in high school with an emphasis on mathematics and science.
Besides high school, education includes four distinct periods: university education, medical school, residency, and professional scholarships.
If the major chosen by the doctor requires a long scholarship, it may take 15 years or more for your education from the moment you first enter the university.
Bachelor studies
To become a doctor, a student must complete high school and then college.
Although a potential doctor may have a college degree in any field, it is advisable to study subjects such as anatomy, physiology, biology, chemistry, and mathematics, in addition to other university courses necessary for a degree, such as English and foreign languages. Other common courses are physics and related science classes.
Moreso, Students must pass the medical school admission test, or MCAT, and submit an application to the medical school along with university texts, MCAT scores, and letters of recommendation.
Admission to medical school is very competitive, so it is important to achieve high scores.
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How long does it take to become a Doctor in the UK?
In addition to the usual 5-6 years to study the Bachelor of Medicine and the Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS), you must also complete two basic years of hospitalization, known as F1 and F2, and three years of professional training before you can qualify as GP.
This works for 10-11 years to become a GP in the United Kingdom. Interestingly, you can also study on scholarship with any medical scholarships for UK citizens.
Conclusion
Are you still confused about how long it takes to become a doctor? Every question you can have has been answered in this post. We hope this article will help you in making an informed decision.
FAQs
Becoming a doctor can take nine or more years of education and training: four years of undergraduate study, four years of medical school, plus one year or more in residency.
The salary of a physician can depend on the specialty he or she practices. In 2012, the median yearly pay for primary care doctors in the United States was $220,942. Physicians practicing a medical specialty made a higher median yearly pay that year: $396,233, including a median salary of $431,977 for anesthesiologists.
Medical schools accept students from diverse educational backgrounds but look for applicants with high scores on the Medical College Admissions Test and high grades in biology, chemistry, physics, math, and writing courses.
Sources
- https://www.docwirenews.com/docwire-pick/how-long-does-it-really-take-to-become-a-physician/
- https://work.chron.com/long-become-doctor-us-7921.html
- https://www.kaptest.com/study/mcat/how-long-does-it-take-to-become-a-doctor/
- https://study.com/requirements_to_become_a_doctor.html
- https://www.theapprenticedoctor.com/the-process-of-becoming-a-doctor/
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