# How Many Years Does it Take to Become a Doctor?
Are you considering a career in medicine? Becoming a doctor is a long and challenging process, but the rewards for a successful career in the medical field can be great. It is important to understand the time commitment and dedication required to become a doctor before embarking on this career path. In this article, we’ll provide an overview of the steps to become a doctor and the estimated time it takes to complete the process.
## Introduction
The time it takes to become a doctor depends on the type of medical doctor one wishes to become. Generally, it takes a minimum of 8 years after high school to become a medical doctor, including four years of undergraduate study and four years of medical school. After medical school, there is a three to eight year residency, depending on the specialty one chooses, followed by optional fellowships or subspecialty training which can take up to three years.
## What are the Steps to Become a Doctor?
In order to become a doctor, one must complete the following steps:
### Undergraduate Study
The first step in becoming a doctor is completing an undergraduate degree, preferably in a science-related field such as chemistry, biology, or physics. This usually takes four years of full-time study.
### Medical School
Once the undergraduate degree is complete, the next step is to apply to medical school. This usually takes four years to complete, and includes a combination of classroom lectures and clinical rotations.
### Residency
After medical school, one must complete a residency program, which is a supervised program of clinical training. This usually takes three to eight years, depending on the specialty chosen.
### Licensure
Once the residency is complete, one must pass a series of exams to obtain a medical license. This varies from state to state, but usually takes two to three months to complete.
### Board Certification
Once the licensing exams are complete, one may choose to pursue board certification in their specialty. This is not required, but is recommended for those who wish to practice in a specialized field. This usually takes two to three years and requires additional testing.
## Frequently Asked Questions about Becoming a Doctor
### FAQs on Becoming a Doctor
**Q1. How long does it take to become a doctor?**
A1. Generally, it takes a minimum of 8 years after high school to become a medical doctor, including four years of undergraduate study and four years of medical school. After medical school, there is a three to eight year residency, depending on the specialty one chooses, followed by optional fellowships or subspecialty training which can take up to three years.
**Q2. Is it necessary to complete an undergraduate degree before medical school?**
A2. Yes, it is necessary to complete an undergraduate degree before applying to medical school. This usually takes four years of full-time study and should be in a science-related field such as chemistry, biology, or physics.
**Q3. Is board certification required to become a doctor?**
A3. Board certification is not required to become a doctor, but it is recommended for those who wish to practice in a specialized field. This usually takes two to three years and requires additional testing.
**Q4. Are there any other requirements for becoming a doctor?**
A4. Once the residency is complete, one must pass a series of exams to obtain a medical license. This varies from state to state, but usually takes two to three months to complete.
**Q5. Is it difficult to become a doctor?**
A5. Becoming a doctor is a long and challenging process, but the rewards for a successful career in the medical field can be great. It is important to understand the time commitment and dedication required to become a doctor before embarking on this career path.
## Conclusion
Becoming a doctor is a long and challenging process that requires dedication and hard work. It typically takes a minimum of 8 years after high school to become a medical doctor, including four years of undergraduate study and four years of medical school. After medical school, there is a three to eight year residency, depending on the specialty one chooses, followed by optional fellowships or subspecialty training which can take up to three years. In addition, one must pass a series of exams to obtain a medical license, and board certification is recommended for those who wish to practice in a specialized field.
