Students who are interested in pursuing a career in medicine must encompass certain skills and personality traits that are essential for success in this field. Since physicians interact with patients, they must have exceptional interpersonal skills and be empathetic and compassionate towards them. Patients must feel comfortable with their physician and be able to tell them any and all concerns and issues regarding their health. Physicians must have good work ethic and be able to work long hours. There will be situations that require physicians to be on-call or work for an extended period of time and they must be in good health to be able to do so. Physicians must be willing to continually study and conduct research in their area of expertise. They must keep up-to-date with current research findings that are applicable to their work.

Medical Specialties Degree Levels Available

Bachelor of Science Degree (B.S.)

The bachelor´s degree program provides students with a broad introduction to scientific theories, philosophy, and practices as well as a strong foundation for continued education in medicine. This four-year program includes courses in areas such as anatomy and physiology, biology, microbiology, chemistry, biomechanics, therapeutic modalities, basic emergency care, clinical, paramedicine, patient assessment, health insurance in emergency medicine, pharmacology, pathology, and psychology. Students must obtain a bachelor´s degree in order to continue on to a medical degree program.

Medical Degree (M.D.)

Students enrolled in the M.D. program are prepared for positions as physicians. The M.D. program generally takes about four years to complete. During the first two years of study, students are further educated in the natural sciences. Students take courses in areas such as biochemistry, microbiology, neuroscience, pathology, immunology, and pharmacology. Students are also in contact with patients and are able to conduct examinations. The last two years of study consists of clinical study. Students (who are now called interns) participate in clinical rotations and are introduced to several branches of medicine, while being supervised by an attending physician or resident.

Residency in a Specific Medical Specialty

Upon completion of the M.D. program, students must undergo a four-year resident training program. The first year is a medical or surgical internship and the remaining three years involve intense training in a certain medical specialty that interests the student. Subject areas which are taught during the residency program vary depending on the student´s area of specialization. At this point in their educational career, students (who are now called residents) are able to diagnose and treat patients, present patient cases, and participate in team meetings.

Additional Requirements

Subsequent to the residency training program, all physicians must acquire the following: successfully pass the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE), obtain a state medical licence, and obtain board certification in their medical specialty.

Admission Requirements

Although various colleges and universities may vary slightly, students can expect fairly standard admission requirements when applying to obtain a bachelor´s degree in medicine or biology. Successful completion of high school or an academic equivalent (such as a GED) is required along with high school transcripts displaying grades obtained in completed courses. SAT or ACT test scores are almost always required as well. If a student fulfills all of these requirements, then an application form from the college or university the student wishes to attend must be completed and submitted along with an application fee, which of course varies depending on the institution.

Admission into the doctoral program requires a bachelor´s degree in biology or a closely related field. Colleges and universities require a transcript from the institution where the bachelor´s degree was obtained, displaying the student´s GPA which should be at a 3.25 minimum (on a 4.0 scale). Students must have successfully completed the MCAT (Medical College Admissions Test) and received a score at or above the 80th percentile. A statement of purpose, which states the student´s career or research goals in the medical field, must be submitted. Two or three reference letters from faculty members is also mandatory. If a student fulfills all of these requirements, then an application form from the college or university the student wishes to attend must be completed and submitted along with an application fee.

Tuition and Accreditation

Tuition fees for a bachelor´s degree in medicine may vary from $ 15,918 to $ 32,617. Tuition fees for a doctoral degree in a specific medical specialty may vary from $ 45,000 to $ 60,000 annually. These figures are only estimates; college and university tuition fees may vary drastically from one institution to another since there are a number of factors which affect tuition such as public versus private institutions, online degrees, federal student assistance programs, etc. (Source: the U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics)

Colleges and universities which offer a doctoral degree in medicine must be aligned with LCME (the Liaison Committee on Medical Education) or AMA (American Medical Association) standards. Most employers only hire students who graduated from an LCME- or AMA-accredited institution.

Average Annual Salary Ranges for Different Medical Specialists

A medical specialist´s salary is based on various factors which include (but are not limited to) their level of education, the extent of their experience, and who they are employed by. Earnings may vary drastically from person to person. Below are a few average ranges of annual earnings for different medical specialists (according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics):

• anesthesiologist $ 222,830 to $ 242,830
• oral surgeon $ 206,440 to $ 226,440
• optometrist $ 99,810 to $ 119,810
• physician $ 180,060 to $ 200,060
• dentist $ 156,910 to $ 176,910
• psychiatrist $ 167,520 to $ 187,520