# How Many Years Does It Take to Become a Doctor? A Comprehensive Guide
If you’ve ever dreamed of becoming a doctor, you’re likely wondering how many years it takes to become a doctor. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover what it takes to become a doctor, the types of degrees required to become a doctor, and the amount of time it takes to become a doctor.
## Introduction
Becoming a doctor requires a long-term commitment, with a minimum of eight years of study and training. In the United States, medical school typically lasts four years and residency can last another four years. During this time, doctors-in-training will be responsible for completing coursework, clinical rotations, and taking medical board exams. Once they’ve completed their training, they will be eligible to practice medicine as a licensed physician.
## Types of Degrees Required to Become a Doctor
In order to become a doctor, you must obtain a minimum of an undergraduate degree, typically a four-year bachelor’s degree. However, many aspiring doctors will opt to complete a pre-med or science-related degree, such as biology, chemistry, or physics. Following the completion of an undergraduate degree, you must complete a four-year medical school program. After medical school, you must complete a residency program in a specialty field of medicine, such as family medicine, internal medicine, or surgery. Depending on the specialty field of medicine, a residency program can last anywhere from three to seven years.
## Steps to Become a Doctor
Becoming a doctor is a long and arduous process, but it is possible to achieve your goal with dedication and hard work. Here are the steps you need to take to become a doctor:
1. Earn a bachelor’s degree.
2. Take the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT).
3. Apply to medical school.
4. Complete medical school.
5. Pass the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE).
6. Complete a residency program in a specialty field of medicine.
7. Obtain a medical license.
8. Complete continuing education.
## Frequently Asked Questions about Becoming a Doctor
### FAQs on Becoming a Doctor
**Q1. What type of degree do I need to become a doctor?**
In order to become a doctor, you must obtain a minimum of an undergraduate degree, typically a four-year bachelor’s degree. However, many aspiring doctors will opt to complete a pre-med or science-related degree, such as biology, chemistry, or physics. Following the completion of an undergraduate degree, you must complete a four-year medical school program.
**Q2. How long does it take to become a doctor?**
Becoming a doctor requires a long-term commitment, with a minimum of eight years of study and training. In the United States, medical school typically lasts four years and residency can last another four years.
**Q3. How much money does a doctor make?**
The amount of money a doctor makes depends on the specialty field of medicine. However, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for physicians and surgeons was $208,000 in 2019.
**Q4. What qualifications do I need to become a doctor?**
In order to become a doctor, you must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, complete medical school, pass the USMLE, complete a residency program in a specialty field of medicine, obtain a medical license, and complete continuing education.
**Q5. What is the job outlook for doctors?**
The job outlook for doctors is very good. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment of physicians and surgeons is projected to grow 7% from 2019 to 2029, faster than the average for all occupations.
## Conclusion
Becoming a doctor requires a long-term commitment and dedication to your studies, but the rewards of becoming a doctor are worth the effort. From the undergraduate degree to the residency program, it takes a minimum of eight years to become a doctor. However, the job outlook for doctors is very good, and the median wage for physicians and surgeons was $208,000 in 2019. If you’re committed to the process, you can become a doctor.
