Do you plan to someday call yourself a doctor? It’s a long, challenging road but thousands of people complete the journey every year. Most practicing MD’s will tell you that the sooner you begin planning your long-term education and career path, the better. That means solidifying your determination to join the ranks of the nation’s physicians, being wise about choosing a college major, getting into and paying for a graduate program, and finding the right internship.
Deciding to Become a Doctor
Read books about what a career in the medical field is like. Find a local MD and spend a few days following him or her on their rounds. Speak with a few people in pre-med programs and in med school to find out what the educational pathway is like. To become a physician, you need to think long and hard about how badly you want to pursue the goal. Unlike many other fields of study, medicine calls for intensive study, stamina and perseverance, good grades, and four years of schooling after college is done.
Choosing the Right Major in College
Majoring in one of the sciences is a good way to prepare yourself and your academic record for a viable shot at getting into a top medical program. Spend summers working as an intern in hospital settings, either as a volunteer or paid worker.
Getting into and Paying for Med School
Getting accepted into medical school is no easy task. Those who are able to make the cut are among the most determined and studious out of thousands of applicants. It’s not unusual for top med schools to have more than 10 applicants for every open position. But after getting in, it’s essential to be able to cover the expenses associated with medical education. That’s where student loans come in. For decades, the vast majority of people in med programs get some type of financial assistance, either scholarship, grants, loans, or a combination of all three.
In fact, whether you’re still in college or getting ready to begin your graduate-level education, there is a smart way to approach the financing question. Namely, you can take out a student loan from a private lender to cover all the expenses associated with a graduate medical degree, also known as med school. The advantage of using a private lender is that you can get the loan on your own terms and shop around for the best interest rate. Regardless of whether you’re a student or a cosigner, private lenders can work with you so you obtain the financing package that makes sense for your budget and lifestyle. Those in search of medical school loans have plenty of options, so as long as you plan your strategy and take your time shopping for a good deal, you’ll do well with a private lender.
Find a Suitable Internship
Start applying for internships during your final year of med schooling. Choose several hospitals in the city where you intend to live. Take time filling out applications and make time to personally visit any of the institutions where you might end up working.
