# FAQs on How Many Years It Takes to Become a Doctor
Do you want to become a doctor but are not sure about the number of years you need to invest in medical school? Becoming a doctor is one of the most sought after and difficult career paths, but it’s also one of the most rewarding. In this guide, we’ll answer the question “how many years is it to be a doctor” and explain the different paths you can take to pursue a career in medicine.
## Introduction
It takes between 11 and 15 years to become a doctor, depending on the path you choose. After completing a 4-year undergraduate degree, aspiring doctors must attend medical school for 4 years, followed by a residency of 3 to 8 years. The length of the residency depends on the specialty chosen.
## What Does It Take to Become a Doctor?
Becoming a doctor requires an immense amount of dedication and hard work. It requires many years of in-depth study, expensive tuition fees and testing, and long hours of work. In addition, becoming a doctor requires a commitment to continuing education and keeping up with the latest medical advances.
## How Many Years of College Does It Take to Become a Doctor?
In order to become a doctor, you must first complete a 4-year undergraduate degree in a pre-med program. This degree must be from an accredited college or university and will usually contain courses in biology, chemistry, physics, and math.
## How Long Is Medical School?
Once you have completed your undergraduate degree, you will then have to attend medical school for another 4 years. During medical school, you will learn clinical and practical skills in addition to the theory you learned in your undergraduate studies. During the last two years of medical school, you will be able to choose a specialty that you are interested in and will be able to gain hands-on experience in that field.
## How Long Is the Residency?
Once you have completed medical school, you will then have to complete a residency in order to become a fully licensed doctor. The length of the residency will depend on the specialty chosen and can range from 3 to 8 years. You will need to complete a residency in order to become a licensed doctor and practice medicine in the United States.
## What Specialty Should I Choose?
Choosing the right specialty is an important decision and should be based on your interests and aptitude. Some of the most popular specialties include family medicine, pediatrics, internal medicine, obstetrics and gynecology, surgery, psychiatry, and emergency medicine.
## What Is the Cost of Becoming a Doctor?
The cost of becoming a doctor is high. The cost of tuition at medical schools can range from $20,000 to $50,000 per year. In addition, the cost of books, supplies, and other expenses can add up quickly.
## Do I Need to Pass the USMLE to Become a Doctor?
Yes, you must pass the USMLE (United States Medical Licensing Examination) in order to become a doctor. The USMLE is a three-step exam that tests your medical knowledge and clinical skills. You must pass all three steps in order to become a licensed doctor.
## Frequently Asked Questions about How Many Years It Takes to Become a Doctor
##### Q1. How many years does it take to become a doctor?
A1. It takes between 11 and 15 years to become a doctor, depending on the path you choose. After completing a 4-year undergraduate degree, aspiring doctors must attend medical school for 4 years, followed by a residency of 3 to 8 years.
##### Q2. What does it take to become a doctor?
A2. Becoming a doctor requires an immense amount of dedication and hard work. It requires many years of in-depth study, expensive tuition fees and testing, and long hours of work. In addition, becoming a doctor requires a commitment to continuing education and keeping up with the latest medical advances.
##### Q3. How many years of college does it take to become a doctor?
A3. In order to become a doctor, you must first complete a 4-year undergraduate degree in a pre-med program. This degree must be from an accredited college or university and will usually contain courses in biology, chemistry, physics, and math.
##### Q4. How long is medical school?
A4. Once you have completed your undergraduate degree, you will then have to attend medical school for another 4 years. During medical school, you will learn clinical and practical skills in addition to the theory you learned in your undergraduate studies.
##### Q5. How long is the residency?
A5. Once you have completed medical school, you will then have to complete a residency in order to become a fully licensed doctor. The length of the residency will depend on the specialty chosen and can range from 3 to 8 years.
##### Q6. What specialty should I choose?
A6. Choosing the right specialty is an important decision and should be based on your interests and aptitude. Some of the most popular specialties include family medicine, pediatrics, internal medicine, obstetrics and gynecology, surgery, psychiatry, and emergency medicine.
##### Q7. What is the cost of becoming a doctor?
A7. The cost of becoming a doctor is high. The cost of tuition at medical schools can range from $20,000 to $50,000 per year. In addition, the cost of books, supplies, and other expenses can add up quickly.
##### Q8. Do I need to pass the USMLE to become a doctor?
A8. Yes, you must pass the USMLE (United States Medical Licensing Examination) in order to become a doctor. The USMLE is a three-step exam that tests your medical knowledge and clinical skills. You must pass all three steps in order to become a licensed doctor.
Becoming a doctor is a long and arduous process, but it’s also incredibly rewarding. With the right dedication and hard work, you can pursue a successful career in medicine and make a difference in people’s lives. While it takes many years to become a doctor, the end result is worth it.
