3 answers
Alivia
Student
Lenox, Massachusetts
1
Question
Asked
899 views
Seeking advice about oncology or becoming an oncologist?
Hello, I am a freshman in high school and I was wondering how many years of schooling it takes to become an oncologist. Also what classes should I be looking to take in college or even now in High school? If you have any tips let me know I've been wanting to go into oncology since I was 10 so I'm dedicated.
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3 answers
Nadine Maayah
Student (aspiring geneticist)
18
Answers
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Updated
Nadine’s Answer
To become an oncologist, you’ll first need to finish high school and then complete a bachelor's degree in college, typically on a pre-med track. After college, you'll attend medical school for four years to earn your MD or DO degree. From there, you’ll enter a residency program in internal medicine, which usually lasts about three years. After that, you’ll complete a fellowship in oncology, which can take an additional two to three years depending on your specialty. In total, this means about 13 to 15 years of education and training after high school.
Right now in high school, it’s important to focus on building a strong foundation in science and math. Make sure to take classes like biology, chemistry, physics, and algebra, and aim to take honors or AP versions of those if they’re available. Anatomy, psychology, and health science electives can also help you build relevant knowledge early on. In college, you don’t have to major in pre-med (since that’s a track, not a major), but most future doctors choose majors like biology, biochemistry, neuroscience, or genetics. Your coursework will include subjects like organic chemistry, physics, statistics, cell biology, and biochemistry—topics that will prepare you for the MCAT and medical school.
In addition to academics, try to get involved in extracurricular activities that align with your interest in medicine. Join clubs like HOSA (Health Occupations Students of America), Science Olympiad, or a pre-health society if your school has one. Volunteering at hospitals, shadowing doctors, or joining youth medical programs can give you a taste of real-world experience. You can also take free online courses on platforms like Coursera or edX about cancer biology or medical science to deepen your understanding.
Most importantly, keep your passion alive! Oncology is a tough but deeply meaningful field, and your early drive is your greatest strength. If you want, I can also help you find summer programs, internships, or online resources specifically focused on cancer research or medicine for students your age.
Right now in high school, it’s important to focus on building a strong foundation in science and math. Make sure to take classes like biology, chemistry, physics, and algebra, and aim to take honors or AP versions of those if they’re available. Anatomy, psychology, and health science electives can also help you build relevant knowledge early on. In college, you don’t have to major in pre-med (since that’s a track, not a major), but most future doctors choose majors like biology, biochemistry, neuroscience, or genetics. Your coursework will include subjects like organic chemistry, physics, statistics, cell biology, and biochemistry—topics that will prepare you for the MCAT and medical school.
In addition to academics, try to get involved in extracurricular activities that align with your interest in medicine. Join clubs like HOSA (Health Occupations Students of America), Science Olympiad, or a pre-health society if your school has one. Volunteering at hospitals, shadowing doctors, or joining youth medical programs can give you a taste of real-world experience. You can also take free online courses on platforms like Coursera or edX about cancer biology or medical science to deepen your understanding.
Most importantly, keep your passion alive! Oncology is a tough but deeply meaningful field, and your early drive is your greatest strength. If you want, I can also help you find summer programs, internships, or online resources specifically focused on cancer research or medicine for students your age.
Stephanie Stogner
Registered Nurse
13
Answers
Louisburg, North Carolina
Updated
Stephanie’s Answer
Hello Alivia!
Wow, what an inspiring career choice you've made!
The first step on your journey will be to earn a bachelor's degree, which typically takes about four years. It would be beneficial to choose a major related to healthcare or to follow a pre-med track. Don't worry about making the perfect choice right away, college advisors are there to guide you.
Once you've completed your undergraduate studies, your next step will be to apply to medical schools. Be prepared for a lengthy education process, as medical school and additional training can take over 8 years.
As you progress, make sure to incorporate health and science-based classes into your curriculum. These will provide a solid foundation for your medical knowledge.
Remember, every step you take brings you closer to your dream. Best of luck on your exciting journey!
Wow, what an inspiring career choice you've made!
The first step on your journey will be to earn a bachelor's degree, which typically takes about four years. It would be beneficial to choose a major related to healthcare or to follow a pre-med track. Don't worry about making the perfect choice right away, college advisors are there to guide you.
Once you've completed your undergraduate studies, your next step will be to apply to medical schools. Be prepared for a lengthy education process, as medical school and additional training can take over 8 years.
As you progress, make sure to incorporate health and science-based classes into your curriculum. These will provide a solid foundation for your medical knowledge.
Remember, every step you take brings you closer to your dream. Best of luck on your exciting journey!
Thank you, Stephanie for the advice.
Alivia
Joe A
Investment manager
4
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Joe’s Answer
Take as many sciences couses as you can in high school.
Apply to a university with a strong pre-med program.
Go to medical schools for 4 years. Rotate through all of the fields of medical practice.
Then apply for a residency in the oncology department of a major teaching hospital.
The help people who desperately need help combating an insidious condition.
Apply to a university with a strong pre-med program.
Go to medical schools for 4 years. Rotate through all of the fields of medical practice.
Then apply for a residency in the oncology department of a major teaching hospital.
The help people who desperately need help combating an insidious condition.