## How Long Does It Take to Become a Surgeon?
The path to becoming a surgeon can be a long and difficult one, but the rewards are worth it. Becoming a surgeon requires a great deal of dedication and hard work, as well as years of education and training. In this article, we’ll discuss how long it takes to become a surgeon, from the first steps of medical school to the moment you are licensed to practice medicine.
Most medical students take four years of medical school after completing their undergraduate degree, during which they will focus on the study of medicine. After medical school, aspiring surgeons must complete a residency program, which typically lasts five to seven years. During the residency program, surgeons-in-training will gain experience in their chosen specialty and learn the skills necessary to become a competent surgeon.
Once a surgeon has completed their residency, they must take and pass the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE). This exam is required for all U.S. medical professionals and is administered in three parts. Upon passing all three parts of the USMLE, the surgeon is licensed to practice medicine in the United States.
In total, it takes a minimum of thirteen years of education, training, and preparation to become a surgeon. This includes four years of medical school, five to seven years of residency, and three years of studying for and passing the USMLE. While this may seem like a long time, it is a necessary step to becoming a fully qualified surgeon.
### Frequently Asked Questions about Becoming a Surgeon
##### FAQs on Becoming a Surgeon
**Q. How many years of school do you need to become a surgeon?**
A. To become a surgeon, you need to complete four years of medical school and five to seven years of residency program. This is in addition to the time spent studying for and passing the USMLE, which takes about three years. In total, it takes a minimum of thirteen years of education and training to become a surgeon.
**Q. What degree do you need to become a surgeon?**
A. To become a surgeon, you must complete a four-year undergraduate degree, followed by four years of medical school. This is in addition to the five to seven years of residency program, and the three years of studying for and passing the USMLE.
**Q. Is it difficult to become a surgeon?**
A. Becoming a surgeon requires a great deal of dedication and hard work, as well as years of education and training. It is a long and difficult path to become a fully qualified surgeon, but the rewards are worth it.
**Q. What can I do to prepare for becoming a surgeon?**
A. To prepare for becoming a surgeon, you should focus on taking courses in the sciences and mathematics during your undergraduate studies. Additionally, you should research the various residency programs available, and look for ways to gain experience in the medical field.
**Q. What is the USMLE?**
A. The USMLE is the United States Medical Licensing Examination. It is a three-part exam that all U.S. medical professionals must take and pass in order to become licensed to practice medicine in the United States.
**Q. How long does it take to become a surgeon?**
A. It takes a minimum of thirteen years of education, training, and preparation to become a surgeon. This includes four years of medical school, five to seven years of residency, and three years of studying for and passing the USMLE.
