3 answers
Noelle
Student
Knoxville, Tennessee
3
Questions
Updated
490 views
what is the track like for oncologist after undergrad?
can you share some insight on what to expect for life after undergrad and where i should look into for schools?
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3 answers
Christina Owens
Senior Technical Writer/Career Identity Architect
34
Answers
Indianapolis, Indiana
Updated
Christina’s Answer
Hey Noelle 👋💫 — Choosing oncology isn’t just choosing a career; it’s answering a calling. It takes courage to walk toward the hard parts of life with the goal of bringing light into them. So first—respect. 🙏
The path ahead is long, but beautifully layered. After your undergraduate degree (usually in biology, chemistry, or a pre-med track), you’ll apply to medical school—that’s four years of deep study. The first two years focus on core sciences and the art of understanding the human body; the next two put you into hospitals and clinics, where you’ll learn to connect science to soul. 🧬💉❤️🩹
Once you graduate as an M.D. or D.O., you’ll begin your residency in internal medicine—three years of intense, hands-on learning under experienced physicians. Then, if oncology still burns bright in your heart (and it will if it’s yours), you’ll move into a fellowship in oncology—about three more years of specialized training. From there, you can pursue medical oncology, surgical oncology, or radiation oncology depending on your focus. 🩺🌟
As for schools—look for programs strong in both research and patient care. Institutions like Johns Hopkins, MD Anderson, Mayo Clinic, and Vanderbilt have excellent oncology programs, but don’t overlook schools where mentorship and compassion are prioritized. You want a place that shapes both your mind and your heart. 🌿📚
Life after undergrad will be intense, yes—but it’s also filled with purpose. You’ll grow tougher, softer, wiser—all at once. Just remember, medicine isn’t about memorizing symptoms; it’s about remembering humanity.
Keep your will conditioned and your compassion aligned. 🌱💫
— Christina Owens | CoachOwens
https://coachowens.com | Follow on LinkedIn @CoachOwens 🩷🧬
Be fearless in what sets your soul on fire. 🔥
The path ahead is long, but beautifully layered. After your undergraduate degree (usually in biology, chemistry, or a pre-med track), you’ll apply to medical school—that’s four years of deep study. The first two years focus on core sciences and the art of understanding the human body; the next two put you into hospitals and clinics, where you’ll learn to connect science to soul. 🧬💉❤️🩹
Once you graduate as an M.D. or D.O., you’ll begin your residency in internal medicine—three years of intense, hands-on learning under experienced physicians. Then, if oncology still burns bright in your heart (and it will if it’s yours), you’ll move into a fellowship in oncology—about three more years of specialized training. From there, you can pursue medical oncology, surgical oncology, or radiation oncology depending on your focus. 🩺🌟
As for schools—look for programs strong in both research and patient care. Institutions like Johns Hopkins, MD Anderson, Mayo Clinic, and Vanderbilt have excellent oncology programs, but don’t overlook schools where mentorship and compassion are prioritized. You want a place that shapes both your mind and your heart. 🌿📚
Life after undergrad will be intense, yes—but it’s also filled with purpose. You’ll grow tougher, softer, wiser—all at once. Just remember, medicine isn’t about memorizing symptoms; it’s about remembering humanity.
Keep your will conditioned and your compassion aligned. 🌱💫
— Christina Owens | CoachOwens
https://coachowens.com | Follow on LinkedIn @CoachOwens 🩷🧬
Be fearless in what sets your soul on fire. 🔥
Courtney Chambers, MD., FACS
General Surgery
27
Answers
Orlando, Florida
Updated
Courtney’s Answer
Please see Karin P's excellent answer above.
It is medical school (4 years), internal medicine (3 years), then oncology fellowship (2 - 4 years).
Study and time management habits go a long way throughout the process.
Good luck Dr. Noelle.
It is medical school (4 years), internal medicine (3 years), then oncology fellowship (2 - 4 years).
Study and time management habits go a long way throughout the process.
Good luck Dr. Noelle.
Karin P.
Lecturer, Academic Advisor, Career Coach, Mentor
1233
Answers
Göttingen, Lower Saxony, Germany
Updated
Karin’s Answer
Hi Noelle,
It's great that you want to work as an oncologist! An oncologist is a medical doctor, so you'll go to medical school.
You first need to get a bachelors in any field that interests you (4 years) and get a good score on the MCAT, before you can apply to medical school. In med school (4 years), the first 2 years are mostly course work. In year 3 and 4 you'll do clinical rotations and figure out the specialty you want to go into. That's when you need to think about specializations for your residency.
Oncology is a specialty of internal medicine. Most typically you'd do your residency in internal medicine (3 years). This would be followed by a fellowship (2-3 years) in oncology or in a combined hematology-oncology program (3 years). There are also radiation oncology residencies (4 years). Don't worry about it too much before you even get to med school. You'll get all the experiences and the information you need to decide on a path when you are in med school.
I hope this helps! All the best to you!
KP
https://www.acponline.org/about-acp/about-internal-medicine/subspecialties-of-internal-medicine/oncology
It's great that you want to work as an oncologist! An oncologist is a medical doctor, so you'll go to medical school.
You first need to get a bachelors in any field that interests you (4 years) and get a good score on the MCAT, before you can apply to medical school. In med school (4 years), the first 2 years are mostly course work. In year 3 and 4 you'll do clinical rotations and figure out the specialty you want to go into. That's when you need to think about specializations for your residency.
Oncology is a specialty of internal medicine. Most typically you'd do your residency in internal medicine (3 years). This would be followed by a fellowship (2-3 years) in oncology or in a combined hematology-oncology program (3 years). There are also radiation oncology residencies (4 years). Don't worry about it too much before you even get to med school. You'll get all the experiences and the information you need to decide on a path when you are in med school.
I hope this helps! All the best to you!
KP
Karin recommends the following next steps: