Education · 1 of 5

The path

The longest common route on this site. Thirteen years after high school before you operate on your own.

1. 1

   High school

   Grades 11 and 12

   Top grades in biology, chemistry, physics and math. Nothing here decides your future, but weak science makes the next step harder.

2. 2

   Bachelor's degree

   4 years

   Any major works as long as you finish the pre-medical science courses and hold a high GPA. Sit the MCAT (Medical College Admission Test) in your third year.

3. 3

   Medical school

   4 years

   Two years of classroom science, then two years of hospital rotations. You graduate as an MD (Doctor of Medicine) or a DO (Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine). Both can become surgeons.

4. 4

   General surgery residency

   5 years

   Matched through the NRMP (National Resident Matching Program). Five years of operating, night call and logged cases.

5. 5

   Board certification

   After residency

   Two exams from the American Board of Surgery: a written qualifying exam, then an oral certifying exam.