How do I Become a Urology Specialist?

A urology specialist is a person who focuses on both the urinary tract and the reproductive system. A person who wants to become a urology specialist has a long educational road ahead of him. He usually has to complete high school, college, and medical school before seeking licensing and residency training, which is on-the-job training for doctors and surgeons. Often, residency training for a urology specialist lasts much longer than is expected for a general practitioner. A urology specialist may complete residency training that lasts for five years or more.

A urology specialist is a physician who has been trained to treat people with conditions of the urinary tract system. For example, a urology specialist may help patients who are struggling with urinary incontinence as well as those who have such serious conditions as bladder cancer. He may also treat patients who have obstructions in their urinary tract systems. An individual in this field can treat patients who have conditions involving the male reproductive organs as well. For instance, he may diagnose and treat patients who are impotent or struggling with male infertility.

To become a urology specialist, a person can begin studies as early as high school. A prospective urology specialist may begin to prepare for college by taking advanced-level science and math courses. Courses in language and drama, which facilitate the development of good communication skills, may prove helpful as well. Some people interested in this field may not seek high school diplomas, opting to earn General Educational Development diplomas (GEDs) instead.

Following high school, a person who wants to become a urology specialist usually completes four years of college, earning a bachelor’s degree. Some people choose biology, chemistry, or pre-medicine as majors in preparation for admission to medical school. A person may gain admittance to medical school with another type of degree, even one that is not science-based, however. Requirements for admission to medical school vary, but most schools consider college grades and scores on a standardized exam; admission usually is highly competitive. Once accepted, a prospective urology specialist typically completes four years of medical school.

After medical school, a person who wants to become a urology specialist usually takes a licensing exam and completes residency training. The amount of training a prospective urology specialist needs depends on the jurisdiction in which he will work. Generally, however, these specialists complete at least five years of residency training.