Lori Meadows
If you're an international student who wants to become a doctor in the USA, you'll need to complete a few key steps. First, you'll need to obtain a bachelor's degree and pass a medical school admissions test, such as the MCAT. Then, you'll need to choose a medical school that offers a Doctor of Medicine (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) degree, ensuring that you meet the specific eligibility requirements, which often include an English language test. After completing medical school, you'll need to obtain certification from the ECFMG (Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates) and apply for residency positions through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS). During your residency, you'll receive specialized training under the supervision of a licensed physician, which typically lasts between three to eight years. Finally, you'll need to pass the US Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) to receive your license to practice medicine in the USA.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Degree | Doctor of Medicine (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) are the most common degrees for doctors. |
| Medical School | American medical schools that accept international students have specific requirements, such as an English language test. |
| Bachelor's Degree | Students must earn a bachelor's degree first and then apply for medical school. |
| Licensing Exams | International students must pass the US Medical Licensing Exams (USMLE) to receive their license. |
| Residency | After completing medical school, international students must obtain residency positions through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS). |
| Certification | Obtaining certification from the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG) is essential for becoming a physician in the US. |
| Visa | Employment visas are usually obtained after ECFMG certification, with options for temporary or settlement visas. |
| State Licensure | State licensure requirements vary, so international medical graduates (IMGs) should consult each state's requirements. |
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What You'll Learn
Entry requirements for international students
To become a doctor in the USA as an international student, you must complete undergraduate school first to earn a bachelor's degree, and then apply for medical school to earn a Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree. An MD, DO (Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine), or DMD (Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry) is required to practice medicine in the US.
American medical schools that accept international students often have very specific requirements. For example, many schools require an English language test like the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) exam to ensure that international students are prepared to study and practice medicine in English.
Obtaining certification from the ECFMG (Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates) is essential for becoming a physician in the US. ECFMG certification is required to apply for US residency positions through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS). To be certified by the ECFMG, candidates must meet the following requisites: USMLE Step 1 and Step 2 completion is a requirement for the examination. Fulfilling the prerequisites for clinical and communicative skills is also necessary.
After ECFMG certification, physicians who wish to practice medicine in the United States must complete an accredited residency training program. International medical graduates (IMGs) should consult each state's requirements before beginning the licensure process, as state licensure requirements vary.
Overall, the process of becoming a doctor in the USA as an international student involves earning a bachelor's degree, fulfilling academic prerequisites, passing a medical school admissions test, obtaining an MD or DO degree, obtaining ECFMG certification, completing residency training, and obtaining licensure.
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The undergraduate degree
Unlike in some European countries, you cannot study medicine at the undergraduate level in the US. Instead, you must first obtain a bachelor's degree. This usually takes four years to complete.
There is no specific pre-med major for your undergraduate degree, but you must take certain prerequisite courses to be eligible for medical school. These include courses in the biomedical sciences, such as biology, biochemistry, and neurobiology. However, a student with a bachelor's degree in a non-science subject, such as English, can still apply to medical school, provided they also take the relevant general education and science prerequisite courses.
If your undergraduate university has a medical school, they may have an early assurance program that allows you to apply for its medical school while you’re still working on your bachelor’s degree. These programs often have fewer admissions requirements, such as not needing to take the MCAT, the medical school admissions test.
As an international student, you may need to take an English language test, such as the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) exam, to ensure you are prepared to study and practise medicine in English.
After completing your undergraduate degree, you will then need to take further coursework and training, including licensing exams, to become a doctor in the US.
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Medical school admissions tests
International students who wish to attend medical school in the United States face a highly competitive process. A limited number of accredited medical schools in the U.S. accept international students, and admission requirements are strict.
One requirement for all U.S. medical schools is taking the Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT). This is a standardised, multiple-choice, computer-based exam that has been part of the medical school admissions process for over 90 years. The MCAT is divided into four sections: Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems; Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems; Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behaviour; and an introductory level of biology, physics, psychology, sociology, general and organic chemistry, and first-semester biochemistry. The average MCAT score for matriculants to elite institutions is around 520 out of a possible 528.
In addition to the MCAT, international students may be required to take an English language test, such as the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) exam. Fluency in English is required by some institutions, but the TOEFL exam is not always necessary.
Extracurricular activities are another important consideration for international students. These include shadowing physicians, volunteering at clinics or hospitals, joining student organisations, and possibly working part-time.
It is also important to note that state licensure requirements vary, so international medical graduates (IMGs) should consult each state's requirements before beginning the licensure process. Obtaining ECFMG (Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates) certification is essential for becoming a physician in the U.S. and enrolling in a GME (graduate medical education) program.
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Medical school options
In the US, students cannot study medicine at the undergraduate level. Aspiring doctors must first earn a bachelor's degree, fulfil certain academic prerequisites, and pass a medical school admissions test such as the MCAT. Students who didn't earn a US bachelor's degree may find that MD programs with multiple entry points, like SGU, can be a better fit.
There are many prestigious colleges and universities in the US that can be attractive to international students who want to study medicine. However, if you want to study medicine or pre-med in the US, there are some essential facts you need to know.
Choosing a major that shows your pre-med intent can potentially help when applying to med school. International students can also gain experience in the US in the health or medical field through student clubs and internships using CPT or OPT work authorization. Any internship or work done during school and after graduation must be related to your academic major. Therefore, to qualify for an internship in the medical field, you must choose a related major such as biology or chemistry.
Medical degrees differ worldwide, but a Doctor of Medicine (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) are the most common degrees for doctors. When comparing medical schools that offer these degree programs, make sure to evaluate whether you meet the program eligibility requirements. American medical schools that accept international students often have very specific requirements. For example, many schools require an English language test like the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) exam to ensure that international students are prepared to study and practice medicine in English.
Obtaining certification from the ECFMG (Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates) is essential for becoming a physician in the US. ECFMG certification evaluates the readiness of graduates from international medical schools to enter residency or fellowship programs in the United States. After ECFMG certification, physicians who wish to practice medicine in the United States must complete an accredited residency training program.
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Residency and licensing
International students intending to practice medicine in the US must obtain certification from the ECFMG (Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates). This certification evaluates the readiness of graduates from international medical schools to enter residency or fellowship programs in the United States. To obtain ECFMG certification, candidates must complete USMLE (United States Medical Licensing Examination) Step 1 and Step 2, fulfill prerequisites for clinical and communicative skills, and provide a medical education certificate obtained from a school listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools (WDOM).
After obtaining ECFMG certification, international graduates must complete an accredited residency training program in the United States or Canada. Residency programs provide specialized training under the supervision of licensed physicians and can last anywhere from three to eight years. During their residency, graduates must also complete the USMLE Part 3 to obtain their medical license. This exam assesses medical knowledge, understanding of biomedical and clinical science, and patient management skills.
It is important to note that state licensure requirements vary across the US. International Medical Graduates (IMGs) should consult the specific requirements of each state before beginning the licensure process. Additionally, IMGs need to obtain ECFMG certification to be eligible to apply for and enroll in a Graduate Medical Education (GME) program. Completion of one to three years of GME is required to apply for licensure to practice medicine in the US.
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Frequently asked questions
First, you need to obtain a bachelor's degree and pass a medical school admissions test such as the MCAT. Then, you need to complete medical school, which typically takes four years. After that, you need to obtain ECFMG certification and complete a residency program, which can last from three to eight years. Finally, you need to pass the US Medical Licensing Exam (USMLE) to receive your license.
To be admitted to medical school in the US, international students often need to take an English language test such as IELTS.
MD stands for Doctor of Medicine and is obtained from allopathic medical schools. DO stands for Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine and is obtained from osteopathic medical schools.
