What if you want to play Doc, but you never got your degree?
That question has probably crossed more than one amateur med-nerd’s mind. From TV shows and video games to books and movies, we see a lot about surgeons. And the fantasy of becoming one kicks in.
But how long does it take to become a surgeon? What happens when you get there?
Well, we got you covered. In this article, we’ll look at the years of planning and training that the road to surgeon requires. So, keep reading.
Earn a Bachelor’s Degree
The first step is to earn a bachelor’s degree. It usually takes four to five years to complete a bachelors, depending on the field of study.
To become a surgeon, one must devote significant time and effort to their education. The first step is to earn a bachelor’s degree. It usually takes four to five years to complete a bachelors, depending on the field of study.
Earning a bachelor’s degree typically involves years of full-time study. This timeline may vary based on the chosen subject, institution, and learning pathway.
Go to Medical School
After completing a bachelor’s degree, aspiring surgeons must pursue a medical degree. This program typically includes four years of coursework.
The fifth year is dedicated to clinical rotations. This is when the aspiring surgeon provides practical experience in different medical specialties. After completing this, the surgeon must then decide which specialty they want to specialize in.
Complete a Residency Program
After graduating from medical school, surgeons must complete a residency program. During this time, they have the opportunity to specialize in a field. These include orthopedic surgery, cardiovascular surgery, pediatric surgery, or neurological surgery.
Depending on the specialization, residency programs typically last between three to eight years. During the program, surgeons gain experience in the operating room. This is by working on patients and developing their surgical skills.
They also learn about medical ethics, patient safety protocols, and other related topics. After completing all the necessary training and residencies, the aspiring surgeon can become certified by taking a set of examinations to prove proficiency in the field.
Begin a Fellowship Program
To become a subspecialty surgeon, such as a vascular surgeon, you will need to complete several more years of fellowship training. A fellowship program is provided for those who want to get specialized training to prepare for this career.
The program provides hands-on experience guided by more experienced surgeons. This enables the trainee to get performance-level proficiency.
The length of the fellowship can vary, usually lasting anywhere from two to three years. The duration of the program will depend on the area of specialization chosen by the trainee. It will also depend on the number of hours the trainee is willing and able to spend learning and gaining experience.
Become a Surgeon Today
It is not an easy journey to become a surgeon – it involves years of rigorous education and training. It is a commitment of time and money, but the rewards can be enormous.
If this sounds like a career for you, be sure to research your options and start planning for the future.
For other helpful and interesting information, be sure to check out the other articles on the blog!
