To become a hematologist, students are required to complete an undergraduate degree of four years. The coursework of this degree is usually related to English, science and mathematics, which enables students to enter medical schools. Medical schools do not require a specific degree, though it is recommended that students pursue degrees related to biology and chemistry. Some colleges may offer pre-medical courses, which would prepare students for medical schools and medical college admission test. Students can consider completing a bachelor's in biological and biomedical sciences or medical health professions.
After completing the bachelor's degree, students are required to achieve successful grades in the medical college admission test (MCAT) to enter medical schools. The average time duration of medical school is four years. The first two years of medical school usually involve classroom and laboratory lessons related to microbiology, physiology, pharmacology, physiology, anatomy and medical ethics. The last two years usually introduce students to areas such as general practice, surgery, pediatrics, osteopathy, internal medicine and psychiatry. Students complete clinical rotation, which enables them to decide the field of specialization since they get to learn about each department. These rotations are administered by doctors and are typically completed in hospitals or clinical settings.
After graduating from medical schools, students enter internal medicine residency, usually for two to four years. It is a paid internship for students, where they learn about practical training. It typically takes place in hospitals under the supervision of senior and experienced doctors. Instead of theoretical learning, residency teaches students to treat patients, prescribe medicines and gain experience in all the sections of hospitals.
Medical schools under universities or affiliated with certain colleges often offer fellowship programs in hematology, which provide advanced training of hematology spread over a timespan of three years or more. The program coursework may contain red and white blood cell disorders, hematologic neoplasm, malignant, hemostasis and thrombosis or stem cell transportation. Hematologists can consider specializing in pediatrics and internal medicine as well. After completing fellowship programs, students are required to obtain a United States medical license to practice hematology.