As with any major life decision, medical school is an investment of time and money. However, most people don’t have the luxury of sacrificing their personal and professional lives to pursue a degree.
If you’re considering a medical career, you should know what you’re getting into and make an informed decision.
Here are five important things you should know before going to medical school.
The Medical School Application Process
If you’re hoping to attend medical school, your first step is to apply to one or more schools. Each school will have its application process that you will need complete. You will apply to some schools of interest and then wait to hear back.
The application process might include essay submissions, letters of recommendation, transcripts, letters of intent, and more. You will want to apply to a few schools at a time so that you have time to create polished applications and don’t apply to too many schools at once.
You will also need a good Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) score to increase your chances of being admitted to a medical school. You can get help to increase your score by looking into online MCAT tutoring.
What You’ll Study in Medical School
Medical schools offer a variety of curriculum options. Some schools offer three-year programs, while others offer four-year programs. Those who wish to become physicians, on the other hand, will spend at least 10 years in school. You’ll generally attend classes from the autumn to the winter and spring semesters, taking your exams in the summer.
Students take two years of basic science classes and two years of clinical classes. Clinical courses cover everything from anatomy to disease diagnosis and management. Once you complete your medical degree, you’ll spend your years of residency and fellowship in a hospital. During this time, you’ll continue to specialize in an area of medicine that which you are interested.
Financing a Medical School Education
Most students who go to medical school will pay for their education with loans. The amount of debt you accumulate as a medical student depends on your situation, but it’s usually in the thousands of dollars. Nonetheless, one of the benefits of going to medical school is that you can learn how to be a primary care provider. However, this doesn’t come cheap. As a result, many medical students take out student loans to help cover the cost of their education.
You’ll Need Residency Training
Once you complete medical school, you’ll spend one to two years in a residency program. During this time, you’ll work under a licensed physician. Residency programs are designed to provide aspiring physicians with a year or two of training. The residency program is generally funded by a hospital, clinic, or other healthcare providers. During your residency, you’ll usually work with a team of physicians who help you learn more about the practice of medicine.
What’s After Medical School?
If you decide to become a doctor, you need to know what’s after medical school. Becoming a physician is a long-term commitment. Most physicians work 40 hours per week for the first 25 years of their career and then work a full schedule for the rest of their lives.
If you decide to become a physician, you may want to think about what you’ll do if the medical field declines in popularity. For example, if robots take over most of the work of physicians, then what? Another option would be to pursue a different career. There are many career paths open to medical graduates, and you need to think about which path you want to take.
The Bottom Line
If you’re seriously contemplating a career as a doctor, you should think carefully about the years of your life you’ll have to dedicate to the profession. You’ll spend at least four years in college as an undergraduate and three to ten years in medical school. During this time, you’ll have very little free time. You’ll also have to live in a dorm or a shared house while in school and then pay rent while in a residency. All in all, if you want a fulfilling career, you should consider the necessary time commitment that is involved.
