How To Become An Ophthalmologist

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How Long Does It Take, What Degree Do You Need, and More

Ophthalmologists

Ophthalmologists diagnose, treat, and help prevent diseases and injuries of the eyes and related structures.

Salary
$218850
Becoming One
Very Hard
Education
Doctoral degree
Job Satisfaction
Job Growth

Personality
Interest Match



Table of contents
  1. Summary
  2. Steps to become one
  3. Popular degree levels
  4. How long does it take

Summary

Degree Medical degree
Duration to become one 12 years
Difficulty to become one Very Hard

Ophthalmologists need a Medical degree, which requires students to first earn a Bachelor’s degree. Common majors include Biology and Chemistry before enrolling in medical school. After earning a Medical degree and completing a residency program, Ophthalmologists need to obtain a medical license.


Ophthalmologists Requirements

Step 1: Take Biology and Chemistry in High School

Aspiring Ophthalmologists should take biology and chemistry in high school. Excelling at science can also improve a student’s chances of getting into the college of their choice. After completing biology and chemistry, consider taking additional science courses, such as physics and advanced placement (AP) classes.

Step 2: Earn a Bachelor’s Degree

Earn a Bachelor’s degree before enrolling in a medical program. Programs typically require three years of undergraduate coursework but most Ophthalmologists finish their final year to earn a Bachelor’s degree.

The most common majors include Biology and Chemistry. Students should also review the pre-med coursework required by the medical programs that they plan on applying to. Along with Biology and Chemistry, medical schools often require students to take Physics, English, Biochemistry, Psychology, Genetics, and Calculus.

Step 3: Pass the MCAT

During your junior year of college, prepare for and take the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT). The MCAT assesses your basic knowledge of Science. The exam includes sections on biology, chemistry, physics, psychology, human behavior, scientific inquiry, and reasoning skills. The exam is comprehensive and typically includes 230 questions. However, the MCAT is occasionally updated and revised.

The score on your MCAT directly impacts your ability to get into a medical school. Due to the limited availability of seats in a typical medical program, obtaining a high score on the MCAT is essential.

Step 4: Earn a Medical Degree

A four-year Medical degree is a requirement for Ophthalmologists. There are two standard Medical degrees, which include the Medical Doctor (MD) and Doctor of Osteopathy (DO) degrees. Osteopathy focuses on musculoskeletal conditions while an MD degree is more generalized.

Most Ophthalmologists obtain an MD degree. An MD program is typically divided into two parts. During the first two years of medical school, you will develop skills and knowledge mostly in a classroom setting. You may also have courses in laboratories.

The third and fourth years of medical school involve clinical training at nearby hospitals affiliated with the college. However, some medical schools use a blended approach combining classroom, labs, and clinical training throughout all four years.

Step 5: Begin Taking the Medical Licensing Exams

Students who plan on obtaining a medical license need to take all three parts of the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE). The first step of the USMLE is completed at the end of the second year of medical school.

The one-day test assesses a student’s knowledge of basic sciences, such as biochemistry, anatomy, and microbiology. The exam may contain up to 280 multiple-choice questions. The second step of the exam is a two-day test that is taken during the fourth year of medical school. The second step includes two parts. The first part focuses on clinical knowledge while the second part focuses on clinical skills.

Step 6: Complete an Internship

After graduating from medical school and before starting a residency program, aspiring Ophthalmologists are required to complete a one-year internship. During the internship, you work directly with patients under the supervision of an experienced Ophthalmologist. You will learn more about diagnosing, treating, and examining patients.

Step 7: Complete a Residency Program

The residency training for Ophthalmologists lasts three years. At the end of your first year of training, you will take the third step in the USMLE. The third step is the final assessment for determining if you are prepared to practice medicine without supervision.

The second and third years of a residency program allow Ophthalmologists to choose a subspecialty. The available ophthalmology fields include plastic surgery, cornea diseases, pediatrics, retinal diseases, neuro-ophthalmology, and ophthalmic pathology.

Ophthalmologists receive training in each of the six subspecialties. However, additional training is provided for a selected subspecialty.

Step 8: Obtain a Medical License

At the end of the residency program, having passed all the steps in the USMLE, you may apply for a medical license from your state’s medical licensing board. Each state has unique requirements.

The most common requirements include a qualifying medical degree, the completion of the USMLE, and a background check. Depending on the state, you may also need to appear before the board for an in-person interview or complete an additional exam.

After receiving a license, Ophthalmologists may begin looking for work. The most common employers for Ophthalmologists include Physicians’ offices and hospitals. You may also find work at clinics operated by colleges, universities, and outpatient care centers.

What degree do most Ophthalmologists have

Doctoral degree

We did a survey to ask other Ophthalmologists what degree they had when they first became one. Here are the results.

Post-Doctoral Training
75.36%

Doctoral degree
20.71%

High School Diploma
3.92%

How long does it take

12 years

Ophthalmologists need to earn a four-year Bachelor’s degree and a four-year Medical degree, which is followed by a one-year internship and three years of residency training.


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