Complete all prerequisite courses for medical school. Each program is slightly different, but will require some of the same courses (See Reference 1). Among other things, you will need to complete courses in physics, organic chemistry, and upper division biology (See Reference 2). Contact the medical schools to which you are applying and inquire about which classes they require. If you already have a bachelor's degree, go through your transcripts and identify any gaps in your education. If you are missing any courses or have a low GPA, enroll in a local college or university to meet these needs (See Reference 1). If you do not have an undergraduate degree, you will have to complete a four year bachelor's program before you are able to apply to medical school.
Ask for letters of recommendation. Each medical school will require a minimum of three letters. Writers should be professors, physicians, or other professionals who are able to speak about your potential to succeed in medical school (See Reference 2).
Prepare for and take the MCAT. The MCAT is a multiple choice examination that tests your knowledge of science principles required in the study of medicine, writing skills, critical thinking, and problem solving abilities (See Reference 3).
Complete preliminary medical school applications. Most medical schools in the United States use a common application which only needs to be filled out once (See Reference 2). This application, administered by the American Medical College Application Service, is sent to the schools to which you are applying once you finish filling it out (See Reference 2).
Complete any secondary applications. After a medical school receives your initial application, the admissions committee screens it to determine if you would be a good fit for the school. If you pass this initial screening, you will then be asked to fill out a school specific, secondary application (See Reference 2).
Attend your medical school interview. If your secondary application is appealing to the program, you will be invited for an in-person interview. This is the final step in the application process. It is taken very seriously by the school and is used to see if your interests and skills are a match for the program (See Reference 2).
Finish four years of course work. These first four years are spent taking a full course load on campus at the medical school. During this time you will be given a broad knowledge base of the sciences while also beginning to develop medical expertise (See Reference 4).
Complete your three to eight year residency. This is an apprenticeship of sorts in which you receive on the job training in your chosen area of specialty. During this time, you are under close supervision by a practicing doctor and will be mentored on how to succeed in the industry.
Begin practicing medicine. Once finished with your residency, you will have both a medical degree and a license to practice.