Education · 1 of 4

The path

Thirteen years after high school, and urology is one of the harder specialties to match into.

1. 1

   High school

   Grades 11 and 12

   Top grades in biology, chemistry, physics and math. You are aiming at a competitive pre-medical undergraduate spot.

2. 2

   Bachelor's degree

   4 years

   Any major, but you must finish the pre-medical science courses. Keep a high GPA, get research and clinical experience, and write the MCAT (Medical College Admission Test).

3. 3

   Medical school

   4 years

   Two years of science, then two years of clinical rotations. Do a urology rotation early: this specialty is decided on relationships and letters.

4. 4

   Urology residency

   5 years

   Five years, starting with a year of general surgery before you move into urology proper. Long hours, heavy call, operating from early on.

5. 5

   Board certification

   1 to 3 years after residency

   The American Board of Urology requires a written qualifying examination, then a certifying examination taken after you have been in practice.