After graduating from medical school, you will need to complete a residency program. Residency programs are typically three to seven years long, and they provide you with the opportunity to learn the skills you need to practice medicine in a specific specialty.
During your residency, you will work under the supervision of experienced physicians. You will learn how to diagnose and treat patients, and you will gain experience in a variety of medical settings, such as hospitals, clinics, and outpatient facilities.
Step 2: Licensure
In order to practice medicine in the United States, you will need to obtain a medical license. Each state has its own licensing requirements, but they typically include passing the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) and completing a residency program.
Step 3: Board Certification
Once you have obtained your medical license, you can become board certified in your specialty. Board certification is a voluntary process, but it can demonstrate to patients and employers that you have met certain standards of competence.
To become board certified, you will need to pass a written examination and demonstrate your clinical skills. You will also need to maintain your board certification by completing continuing medical education credits every year.
Step 4: Practice
After you have completed residency and obtained your medical license and board certification, you can begin practicing medicine. You can choose to work in a variety of settings, such as private practice, hospitals, clinics, and outpatient facilities.
Other Options
In addition to practicing medicine, there are a number of other career options available to you after medical school. You can choose to work in research, academia, or public health. You can also become a medical writer, a medical consultant, or a healthcare policy advisor.