How To Become A Hospitalist

Step 1: Take Advanced Science Courses in High School

Those interested in a career as a Hospitalist should focus on Science in high school. Most medical schools will require you to complete prerequisite courses in college, which often includes the Natural Sciences.

Take advanced placement (AP) courses such as AP Biology and AP Chemistry.

Step 2: Earn a Bachelor’s Degree

Aspiring Hospitalists need an undergraduate degree before applying to medical school. While most medical schools accept students with any type of undergraduate degree, they often prefer applicants with degrees in Science.

The most common fields of study include Biology and Chemistry. No matter the field of study, students need to complete specific prerequisite courses. This often includes Biology, General Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, and Physics. Some medical schools may also require students to take courses in Genetics, Biochemistry, and the Principles of Sociology.

Step 3: Pass the MCAT

As with other Physicians, Hospitalists require a Medical degree after earning a Bachelor’s degree. To get accepted into medical school, you need to pass the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT).

Medical schools are highly competitive and a good MCAT score is a necessary step. Students are encouraged to take practice tests and complete all recommended courses related to the topics covered by the exam.

The MCAT takes up to eight hours to complete. The exam only contains multiple-choice questions. If you fail the exam, you may retake it up to three times in one year or up to four times over two years. However, you can only take the MCAT up to seven times in your lifetime.

Step 4: Earn a Medical Degree

Hospitalists earn a Medical Doctor (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) degree from a four-year medical school. The traditional Medical degree program is divided into two parts. The first two years are dedicated to classroom learning, such as labs and lectures.

The second two years of a traditional medical program focus on clinical work and hands-on training. However, some medical schools are starting to use programs that combine classroom learning and clinical rotations throughout the four years, providing a blended approach.

No matter the learning structure, a medical program provides students with the skills and knowledge needed for clinical work. This includes taking a patient’s history, conducting a physical exam, and making diagnoses. Students also explore core scientific principles related to pharmacology, microbiology, biochemistry, and genetics.

Human anatomy and body systems are also major parts of the classroom learning portion of a typical medical program. Students learn about the body through dissection and lectures.

Step 5: Complete a Residency Program

After earning a Medical degree, Hospitalists begin their residency training. Residency programs may last three to six years, with three years being the most common timeframe. During residency training, Hospitalists select an area of specialization. While no specific specialization is required for this career, most Hospitalists specialize in Internal Medicine.

Residency training typically involves hands-on training at hospitals and health clinics. Residents diagnose and treat patients under indirect supervision. The level of independence and responsibility that you receive increases throughout the program.

After completing a residency program, some Hospitalists choose to continue their education in a sub-specialty, such as General Internal Medicine or Geriatrics. The optional programs for sub-specialties are called “fellowships” and often last one to two years.

Step 6: Become a State-Licensed Physician

Hospitalists need a Physician’s license to practice medicine. The licensure requirements vary by state but typically include background checks and fees. After obtaining a state license, you can seek work as a Hospitalist. Hospitalists are Physicians who specialize in the care of patients that are hospitalized, making hospitals and other healthcare facilities with inpatient care the most common employers.

Step 7: Become Board-Certified

Along with a state license, most Hospitalists become certified by the American Board of Medical Specialties or the American Osteopathic Association. Becoming board-certified is an optional step that increases your career prospects in this field.

If you choose to obtain board certification, some organizations require you to submit your application within a specific time limit after completing your residency. For example, you may need to apply to the board within five to eight years.

The certifying organizations do not offer specific certification for Hospitalists. However, you may become board-certified in the specialty that you focused on during residency training, such as Internal Medicine. The process typically involves one or more exams and administrative fees.