There is a global health care workforce and physician shortage crisis, and the United States is not far behind. But how do you get there? Read on to find out.
path to becoming a doctor
Some would say becoming a doctor is tricky, but we think the path to becoming a doctor is even worse.
It starts with a bachelor’s degree and includes biology, chemistry and physics. We’ve simplified it. Most people who want to become doctors pursue a premed or biology degree.
Then comes applying to medical school, a four-year program. The Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) is a standardized test in the natural, behavioral, and social sciences that applicants must pass before joining the court. Two years are devoted to classroom activities and two years are devoted to clinical rotations, where students practice in different medical fields.
And then there’s more—residency programs. This period may be three to seven years, depending on the medical specialty. After all, learning never really stops. Now, students are starting to consider whether to work in a hospital, abroad, in private practice or through recruitment agencies such as MASC Medical – mascmedical.com.
education expenses
The price will make you cry. On average, medical students graduate with about $200,000 in loan debt. For example, medical school tuition ranges from $30,000 to $50,000 per year, and some schools may charge more than $60,000. That doesn’t include the cost of an undergraduate education, which all adds up to a lot of debt. But we will say that of all the college degrees that rack up debt, it’s easier to pay it off with a doctor’s salary.
There are many ways to finance an education through merit scholarships, grants, and federal student loans. Still, much of the money accumulated during the study was repaid — a big problem in the U.S. that Biden’s party did try to address, but one that some object to spending so much money on.
Employment prospects
Job prospects are where the money starts coming back. In the United States, doctors’ salaries are indeed good—the average salary is $229,300.
Job prospects are where the money starts coming back. In the United States, doctors’ salaries are indeed good—the average salary is $229,300. Unlike some professions, finding work as a doctor is not difficult once you earn your degree and receive training. A paper from the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) states that by 2024, the United States will be short of more than 124,000 doctors.
Physicians in the fields of family medicine, internal medicine, and psychiatry are more sought after and earn higher salaries. Positions include working in hospitals, private practices, agencies, and telemedicine.
Academic medicine, research, and health policy practice are other career options for doctors who dislike hospital work during training.
In the United States, salaries vary by specialty and region—if doctors choose a specialty, they earn an average of $350,298.
America needs more doctors – could you be next? Yes, the process is long, but the rewards are worth it. Even if you’re not CEO, this is one of the highest-paying jobs in America. We assure you, becoming a CEO is no easier than becoming a doctor. So, are you ready?
