## How Long Does it Take to Become a Physician?
Becoming a physician is a highly rewarding career path that requires a significant investment of time and effort. Completing medical school and residency takes a minimum of eight years and often much longer. In this article, we’ll discuss how many years it takes to become a physician and what steps are involved in the process.
### Introduction
Becoming a physician is a long and challenging process. It typically takes at least eight years of education and training after college to become a licensed physician, and many aspiring physicians spend even more time in school and training. In addition to the educational requirements, physicians have to pass both a written and an oral examination.
### What Education and Training is Required?
To become a physician, you need to complete a four-year degree program at an accredited medical school. During your four years of medical school, you will learn the fundamentals of medicine and practice on patients in a clinical setting. After medical school, you must complete a residency program. Residency programs typically last three to seven years and provide extensive training in a specific medical specialty.
### How Long Does it Take to Complete Medical School and Residency?
The length of medical school and residency depends on the specialty you pursue. Some medical specialties require longer residency programs than others. Generally, medical school takes four years to complete, and residency takes three to seven years. The total amount of time it takes to become a physician, from the beginning of medical school to the completion of residency, is a minimum of seven years.
### Frequently Asked Questions about Becoming a Physician
#### FAQs on Becoming a Physician
**Q: What type of degree do I need to become a physician?**
A: To become a physician, you must first earn a four-year degree from an accredited medical school. After completing medical school, you must complete a residency program that is specific to the medical specialty you wish to pursue.
**Q: How long does it take to become a physician?**
A: It typically takes at least eight years of education and training after college to become a licensed physician. This includes four years of medical school and three to seven years of residency, depending on the specialty.
**Q: What exams do I need to take to become a physician?**
A: To become a physician, you must pass both a written and an oral examination. The written examination is typically taken during medical school, and the oral examination is taken after medical school and before residency.
**Q: What are the different specialties of medicine?**
A: There are many different specialties of medicine, including internal medicine, family medicine, surgery, pediatrics, obstetrics and gynecology, psychiatry, and emergency medicine.
**Q: Is becoming a physician worth it?**
A: Becoming a physician is a rewarding and fulfilling career path. While it requires a significant investment of time and effort, the benefits of becoming a physician are numerous. Physicians have the opportunity to make a positive impact on the lives of others, and they often enjoy good job security and a comfortable salary.
### Conclusion
Becoming a physician is a long and challenging process that requires a significant investment of time and effort. It typically takes at least eight years of education and training after college to become a licensed physician. During this time, aspiring physicians must complete a four-year degree program at an accredited medical school and a residency program in the specialty of their choosing. In addition to the educational requirements, physicians have to pass both a written and an oral examination. Ultimately, becoming a physician is a rewarding and fulfilling career path that can have a positive impact on the lives of others.
