Education · 1 of 4

The path

Thirteen years after high school, and the residency match for this specialty is one of the most competitive in medicine.

1. 1

   High school

   Grades 11 and 12

   Biology, chemistry, physics and math, with the grades to get into a strong college program.

2. 2

   Bachelor's degree

   4 years

   Any major, as long as you finish the pre-medical science courses and sit the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT).

3. 3

   Medical school

   4 years

   Two years of science, two years of hospital rotations. You graduate as a Doctor of Medicine (MD) or a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO).

4. 4

   Otolaryngology residency

   5 years

   Five years covering ears, sinuses, airway, voice, head and neck cancer and facial reconstruction. Assigned by a national computer match.

5. 5

   Board certification

   After residency

   Written and oral examinations from the American Board of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery.

6. 6

   Optional fellowship

   1 to 2 years

   One or two more years in a sub-area such as ear surgery, cancer, children or facial plastic surgery.