How Do I Become an Otorhinolaryngologist?

To become an otorhinolaryngologist, or ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialist, a person must complete a bachelor’s degree, a medical degree, and residency training that lasts at least five years. Doctors then take board examinations to be certified in their field. At this point, physicians may also opt to specialize in a subfield of otorhinolaryngology, such as pediatrics, head and neck surgery, or reconstructive and plastic surgery. This additional training takes one to two years to complete.

Before even attending college, students may help themselves by getting strong grades in math and the sciences. This improves the chances of being accepted to a school with a very good reputation, which also increases the likelihood of gaining entry to medical school. Some high schools even offer advanced placement courses, giving pupils a chance to earn college credits and complete some basic science classes before they even reach a university.

College students hoping to become an otorhinolaryngologist will continue their studies, focusing especially on the sciences. The major is unimportant, but students need to be certain to take all of the science classes required by medical schools. This also prepares individuals to take the Medical College Admission Test® (MCAT®). The students most likely to get accepted to medical schools have strong grades and high MCAT® scores.

Upon acceptance to a medical school, students begin a four-year program. The first three years are devoted to study, but the fourth year is a chance to begin the practice of medicine in various hospital departments. This is a good time to test basic fitness to become an otorhinolaryngologist. Like all surgical specialties, this medical field requires excellent hand-eye coordination and, above all, steady hands. If a student does not possess these strengths, he may want to consider a non-surgical specialization.

Those who feel they possess the skills to become an otorhinolaryngologist will participate in residency matching programs. At the same time, students finish medical school and become board-certified physicians. Many doctors interested in this specialty may have to plan on relocation after they’ve matched with a program. Most med students won’t match locally, though a lucky few match with a residency that is nearby.

In order to become an otorhinolaryngologist, doctors must usually spend five years training in a residency program. At this point the physician can take examinations and be certified as a specialist. Some doctors choose to subspecialize and take one or two more years of fellowship training to work in the fields mentioned above. Alternately, the otorhinolaryngologist could train in rhinology, otology, or laryngology. In other words, the physician may become an expert in treating disorders that affect a single area, such as the nose, ears, or throat.