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What is the process of becoming an ENT (ears, nose, and throat doctor)?
I want to go into the medical field but I am unsure of the number of years it would take to become an ENT or what is the recommended steps in pursuing this career.
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Bo’s Answer
Hi Janelle,
The entire process of becoming an ENT doctor typically takes around 13-15 years from the start of undergraduate studies to the completion of residency and possible fellowship training. It's essential to stay focused, dedicated, and passionate about medicine and the field of Otolaryngology throughout this journey.
Keep in mind that the path to becoming a doctor can be challenging, but it can also be incredibly rewarding for those with a genuine interest in helping patients with ear, nose, and throat conditions. If you're considering this career, try to gain exposure to the medical field through volunteer work, shadowing opportunities, or internships to confirm your interest and commitment to this profession.
You may consider shadowing to see if this is a career for you.
Steps in becoming an ENT physician include:
• Bachelor's Degree (4 years): The first step is to complete a four-year undergraduate degree in a science-related field. While there is no specific major required for medical school, most pre-med students choose majors in biology, chemistry, or other health-related disciplines. During your undergraduate years, you'll need to maintain a high GPA and engage in extracurricular activities related to the medical field.
• Medical School (4 years): After completing your bachelor's degree, you'll need to attend medical school, which typically lasts for four years. During medical school, you'll take foundational medical courses, participate in clinical rotations, and gain hands-on experience in various medical specialties.
• Residency Training (5 years): After graduating from medical school, aspiring ENT doctors must complete a five-year residency program in Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery. During this period, you'll receive specialized training in diagnosing and treating disorders of the ear, nose, throat, head, and neck. Residency training involves both clinical rotations and academic instruction.
• Fellowship (optional - 1-2 years): After completing the ENT residency, some doctors may choose to pursue additional fellowship training in a sub-specialty within Otolaryngology. Examples of sub-specialties include pediatric otolaryngology, facial plastic and reconstructive surgery, or head and neck oncology. Fellowships typically last one to two years.
• Licensure and Board Certification: After completing residency and any additional fellowship, you must obtain a medical license in the state or country where you intend to practice. Additionally, becoming board-certified is a voluntary but highly recommended step. It involves passing the board certification exams administered by the American Board of Otolaryngology (ABOto) or a similar governing body in your country.
• Continuing Medical Education (CME): Throughout your career as an ENT doctor, you'll be required to participate in ongoing continuing medical education to stay up-to-date with the latest advancements and best practices in the field.
The entire process of becoming an ENT doctor typically takes around 13-15 years from the start of undergraduate studies to the completion of residency and possible fellowship training. It's essential to stay focused, dedicated, and passionate about medicine and the field of Otolaryngology throughout this journey.
Keep in mind that the path to becoming a doctor can be challenging, but it can also be incredibly rewarding for those with a genuine interest in helping patients with ear, nose, and throat conditions. If you're considering this career, try to gain exposure to the medical field through volunteer work, shadowing opportunities, or internships to confirm your interest and commitment to this profession.
You may consider shadowing to see if this is a career for you.
Steps in becoming an ENT physician include:
• Bachelor's Degree (4 years): The first step is to complete a four-year undergraduate degree in a science-related field. While there is no specific major required for medical school, most pre-med students choose majors in biology, chemistry, or other health-related disciplines. During your undergraduate years, you'll need to maintain a high GPA and engage in extracurricular activities related to the medical field.
• Medical School (4 years): After completing your bachelor's degree, you'll need to attend medical school, which typically lasts for four years. During medical school, you'll take foundational medical courses, participate in clinical rotations, and gain hands-on experience in various medical specialties.
• Residency Training (5 years): After graduating from medical school, aspiring ENT doctors must complete a five-year residency program in Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery. During this period, you'll receive specialized training in diagnosing and treating disorders of the ear, nose, throat, head, and neck. Residency training involves both clinical rotations and academic instruction.
• Fellowship (optional - 1-2 years): After completing the ENT residency, some doctors may choose to pursue additional fellowship training in a sub-specialty within Otolaryngology. Examples of sub-specialties include pediatric otolaryngology, facial plastic and reconstructive surgery, or head and neck oncology. Fellowships typically last one to two years.
• Licensure and Board Certification: After completing residency and any additional fellowship, you must obtain a medical license in the state or country where you intend to practice. Additionally, becoming board-certified is a voluntary but highly recommended step. It involves passing the board certification exams administered by the American Board of Otolaryngology (ABOto) or a similar governing body in your country.
• Continuing Medical Education (CME): Throughout your career as an ENT doctor, you'll be required to participate in ongoing continuing medical education to stay up-to-date with the latest advancements and best practices in the field.
Updated
Fred’s Answer
In the US, you have to:
Go to high school (or get an equivalency degree)
Get a bachelors degree (generally 4 years)
Go to medical school (4 years). At this point, you are a doctor, but can't practice solo yet.
do a residency/internship/fellowship (I think 3-7 years). These vary in length depending on your specialty (ENT). Generally, you get paid to do these, but you are still learning, and working under the supervision of another doctor.
At some point in here, you need to take and pass the medical boards.
Go to high school (or get an equivalency degree)
Get a bachelors degree (generally 4 years)
Go to medical school (4 years). At this point, you are a doctor, but can't practice solo yet.
do a residency/internship/fellowship (I think 3-7 years). These vary in length depending on your specialty (ENT). Generally, you get paid to do these, but you are still learning, and working under the supervision of another doctor.
At some point in here, you need to take and pass the medical boards.
Updated
Rita’s Answer
After high school,
4 years college
4 years medical school
5 years ENT residency
4 years college
4 years medical school
5 years ENT residency