Education · 1 of 5

The path

Eleven years after high school before you practice on your own.

1. 1

   High school

   Grades 11 and 12

   Biology, chemistry, physics and math, with grades good enough for a competitive college.

2. 2

   Bachelor's degree

   4 years

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

3. 3

   Medical school

   4 years

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

4. 4

   Internal medicine residency

   3 years

   Wards, clinics and intensive care, paid and supervised, with more independence each year. Matched to a program by a national computer match.

5. 5

   License and board certification

   During and after residency

   State medical license, then certification by the American Board of Internal Medicine.