How Do I Become an Emergency Medicine Physician?

Becoming an emergency medicine physician typically requires a commitment to years of studying and training. This usually begins with a high school education, which will prepare you for college. After college, you will most likely have to commit about four years to medical school followed by the completion of a residency. A residency is on-the-job training and may last for about three years, though some may last longer. Most jurisdictions will also require you to pass a medical licensing exam before you can become an emergency medicine physician.

Many people think of medical school as the start of training for a person who wants to become an emergency medicine physician. Preparation, however, may start with your high school years. While in high school, you can learn a range of concepts that may prove helpful to you in college and eventually medical school. For example, the math and science courses you take may prove particularly important. If you do not complete high school, however, this doesn’t necessarily mean you cannot become an emergency medicine doctor; many colleges accept students who have earned equivalency diplomas instead.

Your college education will likely last for about four years as you work to become an emergency medicine physician. Typically, you can choose any major you like to prepare for medical school, as most medical schools do not require individuals to select a specific major. You may do well, however, to take a significant number of science courses. Earning high grades in such courses may not only show admissions officers that you can perform well with science material, but may also ensure that you have a foundation of scientific knowledge that will help you through medical school.

Following college, your next step toward becoming an emergency medicine physician is medical school. This usually lasts for about four years and involves both classroom and clinical learning. Depending on the jurisdiction in which you are located, you may be allowed to take part of the examination necessary for licensing as a doctor while you are still in medical school.

Once you have graduated from medical school, one more hands-on step is usually required to become an emergency medicine physician. In most areas, students must complete a residency program focusing on a particular specialty of emergency medicine. A residency will normally last a minimum of three years. Additionally, you will likely have to take the final part of your medical licensing exam during your residency.