How Long Does It Take to Become a Doctor? The Steps, Pros & Cons, What to Expect

You may be in the middle of deciding whether becoming a doctor is right for you, or perhaps you’ve recently chosen a premed track. It’s all so super exciting, but no doubt you’re wondering,  “Just how long does it take to become a doctor? Seriously, how many years do I have to wait?” (Spoiler alert: It’s going to require patience and persistence.) 

From premed to landing your first job as a practicing doctor, there are tons of steps involved. Understanding the timeline can help you wrap your head around the commitment you’re making. Plus, knowing what to expect can help you stay focused and motivated to achieve this worthwhile dream!

There are plenty of factors that’ll ultimately influence your timeline. So, while I can’t tell you the exact number of years your specific journey will take, I can fill you in on every possible scenario you may encounter along the way (both planned and unplanned). Personally, my non-linear path began eight years ago during my sophomore year in undergrad, and it’s still ongoing tfoday, but I wouldn’t change a thing!

This post is all about answering how long does it take to become a doctor.

This post contains affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a commission if you purchase through my link, at no extra cost to you. Full disclosure here.

How Long Does It Take To Become A Doctor – Find Out Here

So, How Long Does It Actually Take to Become a Doctor?

Becoming a doctor in the U.S. is quite the journey, usually taking somewhere between 11 to 17 years. (You read that right!) At the very least, you can expect to invest 11 to 12 years of hard work. So, what does the path look like?

• College/University: 4 years to complete a bachelor’s degree, including the premed prerequisite courses.
• Medical School: 4 years
• Residency: 3 to 7 years, depending on your specialty.
• Fellowship: 1 to 3 years. Although optional, it’s necessary If you want to specialize even further.

Some future doctors take a gap year or two before medical school, which extends this timeline. Or, if you’re really eager, there are BS/MD programs that can shave off a year by allowing you to earn your bachelor’s degree in three years.

Timeline and Milestones for Becoming a Doctor

The road to becoming a physician is filled with a mix of intense studying and practical experience. Here’s exactly why and how long it actually takes, plus what you’ll encounter along the way.

Premed Years

Most medical schools require that you complete a four-year degree. It’s wise to choose a science major (although you don’t have to!) in either biology, chemistry, or psychology. Also, focus on completing all prerequisite physics, chemistry, biology, and math courses! These courses prepare you for the MCAT and lay the groundwork for what you’ll face in med school. Some programs have specific prerequisites, such as a year of biology or chemistry with lab work.
On top of that, it’s not just about hitting the books; medical schools also love seeing that you’re involved in extracurriculars, including research projects, volunteer work, or leadership roles. Gaining some hands-on healthcare experience can help you gain valuable experience and make your application pop!  Also, prioritize MCAT prep. You’ll want a solid timeline and study strategies. Finally, as you navigate the medical application process, you’ll need a plan that keeps you organized, focused, and on track to meet specific deadlines.

Fellowship (optional)

After you wrap up your residency, you might consider taking on a fellowship, which is totally optional but super valuable for those looking to specialize even further. Depending on your chosen specialty, a fellowship can add another one to three years to your training. During this time, you’ll get hands-on experience and may tap into some exciting research and innovative treatment strategies. So, if you’re interested in mastering a particular field and want to become an expert, a fellowship could be the perfect next step for you!

Certification

The final step is getting your medical license, and for that, you’ll need to pass the USMLE. The USMLE is broken down into three steps. You’ll take Step 1 and Step 2 CK in medical school and, finally, Step 3 to assess how well you know your specialty and some core medical concepts. Once you pass, the state where you took the test will license you to practice.

But wait, it doesn’t end here! After you’re licensed, you’ll also need to stay current with continuous education and possibly get certified by the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS), depending on how specialized you want to get.

Traditional vs. Non-Traditional Route

Whether you’ve dreamed of wearing that white coat since you were a kid or became inspired later in life, each person’s path can vary a ton. There are two main routes to choose from: the traditional route, which follows the typical timeline, and the non-traditional route, which allows for some flexibility and a bit of a detour. 

Traditional Path

If you’re that determined person who proceeds straight from high school into college and then gets accepted into medical school on your first round of applying, you’re looking at a pretty straightforward timeline and what’s considered a traditional path. Also, if you want to hit pause and take a gap year to prep for the MCAT or snag some hands-on experience, which many students do these days, one gap year is still considered just another part of the traditional route. 

Non-Traditional Path

If you’ve taken a few gap years (like me) or have an entirely different career beforehand, you’re considered a non-traditional student, which could mean a longer journey. Non-traditional students often didn’t initially plan on medical school or missed many of the prerequisites during their undergrad days. 

If you’re a career changer ready to move into this new chapter, just know there’s no hard-and-fast timeline here. Take as long as you need. You can and will succeed as long as you have passion and determination! 

Plus, it’s worth mentioning there’s no age limit for diving into medical school.

The biggest hurdles non-traditional applicants tend to face? Not having any mentors, feeling clueless on how to actually start and having no idea how they can stand out and get accepted in this whole (very confusing) process. This is where Road to Acceptance comes in to give you all the guidance you need – no matter if you are coming straight out of college or want to make a 180-degree turn after a whole different career. 

Step-by-step, I will lead you through the entire application process, with all the strategies, resources and tips that helped me get accepted to 10 medical schools (as a first-generation, non-traditional applicant with a lower GPA). Click here to join me! 

Reasons Some People Choose a Gap Year

The pre-med journey can be pretty grueling, and it often feels like there’s never enough time to pack in all those enriching experiences during undergrad. Sometimes, the best way to prepare for medical school (and boost your chances of acceptance) is to give yourself that extra year to catch up in research and volunteering. 

So, why not consider a gap year? Your future self might just thank you! Here are ten excellent reasons why taking a gap year can help you prepare:

1. Improve Your MCAT Score: More time to study means you can focus on getting that score as high as possible!
2. Enhance Extracurriculars: Participate in activities that will beef up your resume and show off your passions.
3. Complete Prerequisites: Knock out any required classes or retake ones you might’ve struggled with.
4. Boost Your GPA: Consider enrolling in a science-based master’s or post-bacc program to lift your academic record.
5. Gain Research Experience: Get hands-on in research to deepen your knowledge and skills.
6. Earn Volunteer Hours or Work: Build practical experience in a medical-related field while reducing student debt.
7. Research Medical Schools: Use this time to gather insights on schools and secure strong letters of recommendation.
8. Take a Mental Health Break: Step back from academic pressures to recharge and prevent burnout.
9. Experience the World: Travel, learn a new language or work with international nonprofits.
10. Reflect on Career Goals: Take the time to consider your future and evaluate different professional paths.

My Own Premed Gap Year(s)

I personally went through 3 gap years where I retook the MCAT, continued the upward trend in my grades through a post-bacc, gained clinical experience as an EMT and learned everything I could on how to improve my chances of getting accepted, after receiving 100% rejections the first time I applied. Now, I was super ready to give my medical school dream another try (this time with all the right steps) and ended up earning 10 acceptances! 

I share the key strategies I used during the application cycle in my Free Premed Workshop, you can join for the next available date here: 

What is the Quickest Way to Become a Doctor?

Becoming a doctor may be a marathon and not a sprint, but there are definitely some savvy shortcuts to pick up the pace and cut down on the timeline (and the amount of financial debt you might accumulate!). Here are a few actionable steps to take if your main priority is shortening the timeline to become a doctor.

• High School Prep: Take AP courses like Biology and Chemistry to cover your undergraduate prerequisites early.
• Undergrad: Knock out every medical school prerequisite to avoid taking a gap year later. Also, take summer classes or engage in extra projects to boost your credits and speed up your graduation to just three years.
• Medical School: Look into 6- to 7-year accelerated programs that combine your undergrad and medical school experience. Complete your BS and MD in just three years for each!
• Residency Choices: Be strategic if you want to fast-track your path and select a specialty with a shorter residency. Follow your passion, but remember, the length of residency can make the difference between finishing in three years and having to complete seven years! 
• Fellowship: Only pursue a fellowship if necessary for your specialty. If your interest doesn’t demand it, skip it to save time. One to two years can be a big chunk of your life!

Now, join me in this quick pause. Yes, it’s super tempting to want to hit those milestones quickly, but remember, rushing through the process isn’t the best game plan. 

Medical training takes time for a solid reason: you want to be fully prepared to care for patients without dropping the ball. Plus, cramming everything into a tight timeline can lead to burnout before you even get to medical school, and that’s definitely not a vibe. So my advice is to embrace the journey as much as the final destination.

Average Age of Medical Students

Typically, most students step into their first year of med school at around 24 years old, and by the time they graduate, they’re about 28. However, it’s never too late to chase your dream of becoming a doctor! 

I’ve seen non-traditional students, those who are a bit older or have taken different paths, thinking they’ve missed out. But there’s absolutely no age limit for medical school. 

The trends over the years have shown that more and more people from diverse backgrounds are entering the medical field at various ages, so whether you’re 22 or 42, if you’ve got the passion and dedication, you can totally make it happen!

Average Age You Can Start Working as a Doctor

If you’re taking the traditional path, you’re likely to start medical school at age 24 and officially become a doctor by the average age of 33. 

Now, you might be thinking, “Can I get this done before I hit 30?” The average journey to becoming a doctor generally spans about 11 to 12 years. If you start college at 18, you’re realistically looking at around 30 before you can practice on your own unless you decide to take a gap year or choose a longer residency, which could stretch that timeline a bit more. 

Is It Worth It?

If you’re wondering, “Is this really worth it?” you’re not alone! I stumbled across a post on Instagram that put things into perspective. A girl was sharing her worries about finishing medical school at age 29, and her mom shot back with some sage advice: 

“You’re going to be 29 anyway. You might as well be a doctor, too.”

When you think about it, that mindset is both empowering and slightly hilarious. 

Becoming a doctor takes years of studying, early mornings and late nights, and relentless discipline. It’s enough to make anyone question if this is the right path. And while you might hear that familiar mantra about hard work paying off, the real question is, does it apply to you?

Pros of Becoming a Doctor

While becoming a doctor can take a big chunk of your 20s (and beyond), the benefits you gain personally and professionally can be incredibly rewarding. If you’re passionate about making a difference and ready for the journey, it could be the best decision you ever make! 

Here are the compelling reasons to continue on your path to becoming a doctor.

• High Earning Potential: Considering you’ll earn an average salary of around $350,000 annually, it’s one of the most lucrative professions. 
• Job Security: The healthcare field is only going to grow. With an increasing population and a constant need for medical care, qualified doctors will always be in high demand. 
• Fulfilling Work: If you love helping people, becoming a doctor is right for you! Each day, you’ll have the chance to make a real difference in your patients’ lives. 
• Respect and Prestige: Being a doctor comes with a certain level of respect from society. When you wear that white coat, you earn recognition and admiration.
• Continuous Learning: Medicine is always evolving, so if you love to stay on your toes and challenge yourself, this career offers endless opportunities for education and growth.
• Diverse Specializations: The medical field offers tons of specialties and allows you to tailor your career to what you’re truly passionate about.
• Global Opportunities: As a doctor, you can travel and work anywhere! Whether doing medical missions or working in different countries, the skills you gain can have a global impact.
• Building Strong Connections: Being in healthcare allows you to form deep relationships with your patients and colleagues. You get to know people on a profound level, and that sense of community can be incredibly rewarding.
• Leadership and Mentorship: You’ll have the opportunity to take on leadership roles and mentor younger doctors and medical students as you progress in your career
• Making a Lasting Impact: Beyond individual patients, doctors contribute to public health, research, and policy-making, helping to create a healthier society. 

Cons of Pursuing a Medical Career

Considering how this journey will be incredibly challenging and time-consuming (even with the shortcuts listed above), it’s a smart idea to weigh the downsides before you commit to this career path. Here are a few factors that might give you pause, so you can decide if they’re deal-breakers for you.

• Lengthy Education: We’re talking about at least 11 years and possibly up to 17 years (whew!) of education. That’s a big-time commitment, and it can feel endless when you’re in the thick of it.
• Student Debt: If you thought a college degree was expensive, the price tag for medical school can easily double your student loans! Many medical students graduate with a mountain of student debt, often reaching six figures. This financial burden can weigh heavy, especially as you start your career and try to balance repaying those loans.
• Emotional and Mental Toll: Medicine is not just a job; it’s a lifestyle. The emotional and mental challenges of being a doctor are real. You’re often dealing with life-and-death situations, making tough decisions, and supporting patients and their families through some of the hardest moments in their lives. Burnout poses a serious issue in this field, so you’ll need to prepare for the emotional ups and downs.
• Work-Life Balance: You can wave goodbye to typical 9-to-5 hours during medical school and residency. Long, unpredictable shifts are the norm, making it tough to maintain hobbies or spend time with friends and family.
• High Competition: The journey to becoming a doctor is filled with competition. Getting into medical school is no easy feat, and even once you’re in, standing out among your peers can be stressful. It’s a high-stakes environment that isn’t for everyone.
• Continuous Learning: As a doctor, you’re expected to update your knowledge and skills continuously. While this can be exciting for some, it can also feel overwhelming because it means that your education never truly ends!

Shadowing and Clinical Experience Can Help You Decide If It’s Worth It

Getting real-world insight into the medical profession helps you understand what the day-to-day life of a doctor looks like beyond just what you see on TV shows. You get to witness patient interactions, understand the pressures of the job, and see if you’re vibing with the environment and cut out for this career path. Plus, it’s super helpful when you’re applying to med schools; they love seeing that you’ve explored your interests. Look into shadowing physicians, volunteering at hospitals, snagging internships, or working as a medical scribe to find out if a career as doctor might be the right fit. 

My Non-Linear Journey to Becoming a Doctor (So Far!)

I want to take you back to the start and give you a glimpse into just how non-linear the journey to becoming a certified doctor can be. As of writing this, I’m 29 years old and in my fourth year of medical school. My path to medical school has been anything but traditional, but honestly, I think it turned out to be exactly what I needed in the long run. 

Premed 

Believe it or not, I chose my college mainly because they had a fantastic equestrian team that I liked. Major-wise? I was completely undecided. On top of that, I got a job as a waitress early on, working 35 hours a week while juggling classes and team commitments. Halfway through my sophomore year, I remember sitting down and thinking, “What am I even doing?” I had multiple Cs and still no declared major.

So, that night, I made a decision. I picked chemistry with a premed track (since it sounded most interesting to me) and told my manager that, starting next semester, I could not and would not work more than three shifts a week. Boom! My grades improved almost immediately. Then, that summer, I had the chance to shadow an orthopedic surgeon, and that’s when I really got hooked on the idea of becoming a doctor.

Sure, I faced a bunch of hurdles by then, but in my junior year, I started volunteering in research, and the next summer, I took the MCAT and applied to four schools. I got an interview at Case Western! But in the end, I was waitlisted and never made it off. 

Gap Years 

After I graduated, I moved to San Diego, snagged a job as a lab tech, and earned my EMT certification in the evenings. Six months later, I moved again to complete a post-bacc program to boost my GPA. Unfortunately, after two quarters, my financial aid situation went haywire, and I couldn’t keep going. So, yep, back to San Diego I went, where I was just lost for the next two years.

The real turning point for me happened when I decided to move to Seattle. I landed a new job there, but honestly, I hated it. It was the push I needed, though! Suddenly, I had this fresh motivation to tackle my medical school applications again. I retook the MCAT since my old score had expired, and I got a ton of clinical experience as an EMT. 

Plus, I realized how many unnecessary mistakes I made the first time I applied. So I left no stone unturned and learned everything I could about how to do it the right way! 

I ended up applying to 28 schools, which felt like a huge leap. But thanks to all the hard work (and super helpful application strategies) I earned 13 interview invites and, drumroll, please… ten acceptances! 

Medical school

Today, I’m absolutely mind-blowingly proud to share with you that I’m already a FOURTH-year medical student! (Like, what?!?) It feels like just yesterday when I kicked off my premed journey eight years ago in 2016 when I switched my major from “undecided” to “chemistry with a premed track.” If only I had a little crystal ball during those tricky moments! It would have shown me a sneak peek of my future and proof that I WOULD make it to medical school if I just kept pushing through.

Reflections and Lessons Learned

When you’re on the premed path and you hit a rough spot, for instance, getting a bad grade, struggling to find clinical experience, or dealing with an advisor who thinks you should pursue something else, it can feel pretty discouraging. And let’s not even start on the MCAT drama! 

Bombing it or not getting into medical school on your first try can be so tough. In those moments, it’s super difficult to find your way forward and be reassured that you’ll make it in the end. You just have to keep going.

For me, one of the biggest hurdles was when I finally felt ready to reapply. I had everything lined up, but then I found out my first MCAT score, which I had been so proud of, had expired. I had to start from square one and retake it again with no guarantee that I’d even get in if I applied. Talk about a gut punch!

After some serious soul-searching, I realized that…

“When I’m 60 years old, I wouldn’t want to look back and think it was silly not to try one more time just because of some test.”

And guess what? I ended up being more successful than I’d ever dared to dream! From not getting in to receiving 10 acceptances the first time I tried, I HAVE BEEN THERE, and I’m here to tell you that you can get there, too! Just keep pushing forward.

Final Thoughts on How Long It Takes to Become a Doctor

The journey to become a doctor is no small feat in the least! It takes tons of commitment, grit, perseverance, and patience to keep going for well over a decade. From undergraduate studies to medical school, and then residency, you’re looking at anywhere from 11 to 15 years, depending on your specialty and path. 

But what’s so exciting about this journey is that each phase brings unique experiences and knowledge. Keep yourself motivated by taking stock of how far you’ve come on your timeline. And remember to celebrate passing each milestone and personal goal along the way. The process can be long and challenging, but the sense of accomplishment you’ll feel at each step is worth it!

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