Oncologists typically have at least 12 years of post-secondary education.
Oncologists are specialized doctors who are experts in radiation therapy for cancer. Oncology is a highly technical career, requiring at least 12 years of education after high school. Despite the expensive and time-consuming education, oncology can be a rewarding career.
Instructions
1. Attend an accredited college or institution after completing high school. Most undergrad students hoping to go into oncology will major in biology, chemistry, or biochemistry, but it is not required. While attending undergraduate school, students should build their professional resume and work for high marks. The focus for undergrads is to stand out of the class in order to be accepted into medical school.
2. Apply for medical school. General requirements for medical school are relatively universal. Applicants must display proficiency in both writing and speaking. High scores from the Medical College Admission Test are also required for admission into medical school. Many preparation courses are offered for the MCAT and taking courses generally benefits attendees. For admission into medical school, applicants typically must have taken at least eight credit hours of general and organic chemistry, physics, and biology in college.
3. Attend medical school. Medical school typically lasts four years, meaning graduates will have four years of post-secondary education upon graduation. Courses in medical school vary, but may include basic anatomy and physiology, which study the body and its functions; psychiatry and surgery, and cell biology. While in medical school, oncology hopefuls need to excel above their class to be accepted into an oncology fellowship
4. Recommendation letters are typically required for fellowship admission.
Apply for an oncology fellowship. The oncology application process is competitive. Most universities only have 12 to 15 fellows at a time, meaning as few as three or four are accepted into the program each year. Those applying for oncology fellowships must have exceptional marks and be high in their medical school class. Also, the applicant needs to have at least three letters of recommendation from credible, prestigious sources. It is likely that the applicant has already developed good relationships with professionals in the medical field at this point. Applicants will also have to express what type of research they hope to accomplish while on the fellowship. The rest of the application process is similar to any other college application.
5. Commit to an oncology fellowship. Oncology fellowships are offered at many United States' universities and typically last three or four years, depending on the student's choice and the school. This means that an oncologist may have a total of as much as 12 years of post-secondary education.
Tags: medical school, years post-secondary education, accepted into, four years, into medical