What College Degree Does a Doctor Need?

Medical professionals need different kinds of degrees depending on their job title and the licensing requirements of the state they work in. Most medical professionals need at least a master's degree.

Doctors

Doctors need the most extensive education and training. To become a doctor, you need a bachelor's degree and a degree from a four-year medical school. Additionally, doctors need three to seven years of training beyond medical school, depending on their specialty. Because of the number of years of schooling doctors must have, most need student loans to pay for at least part of their education. 

Nurses

Registered nurses may complete a bachelor's degree in nursing, obtain a diploma from a nursing program or get an associate degree in nursing. Licensed practical nurses usually complete a one-year nursing program. Nurse-midwives, nurse practitioners and nurse anesthetists are required to have at least a master's degree.

Physician Assistants

Physician assistants provide many of the same services as a doctor but do not have the same educational requirements. Most physician assistants have a master's degree. 

Undergraduate Majors for Doctors

Medical schools admit students with undergraduate degrees in a variety of fields. Students are generally free to choose whichever major they like, as long as they take coursework that prepares them for medical school. Most medical school students have undergraduate degrees in science fields; however, many have other majors, such as mathematics, nutrition, Spanish, zoology, linguistics, history, social sciences, engineering or creative writing. 

Statistics show that mathematics and statistics disciplines correlate with higher scores on the MCAT exam that students must take as part of the medical school admissions process. Admissions advisors suggest that the specific major chosen by students has less of an impact on the admissions process than how well the student ties that major into their pursuit of a medical degree. While all medical school students must take the same required courses, students are encouraged to take courses in other areas, such as humanities and business, that can help make them more successful in their careers. 

Alternative Majors for Medical School Students

Students who are looking for a less traditional path to medical school may want to consider a non-traditional major. Students with a background in writing, music or performing arts may benefit from their communication skills, which can help them bond with patients.

Business majors may learn valuable skills that will help them run their own practice. A science major in a cutting-edge field, such as nano bioscience or neuroscience, may give students a leg up over more traditional science majors, such as biology. Science majors in pharmacology-related fields, such as organic or inorganic chemistry may also be valuable.

How To Get Into Medical School

Once you have your major chosen, research the admissions requirements of the medical schools you are considering. Make sure you take all of the required courses, even if they are not a part of your major. Start preparing for the MCAT early. The MCAT covers biological and biochemical foundations of living systems, social, psychological and biological foundations of behavior, physical and chemical foundations of biological systems and reasoning and critical analysis skills. It will help if you take coursework that builds a foundation in those areas. Additionally, you may want to purchase guides to help you study for the MCAT.

Most medical schools require a personal statement as part of the application process. Write a statement that stands out and reflects your unique attributes and goals. You will also probably do a personal interview. Prepare yourself to answer questions designed to test your problem solving and critical thinking skills. Additionally, you may be asked questions about your grades and test scores, ethical questions, why you want to be a doctor and why you think you are a good fit for the school.

Becoming a medical professional is a challenge that requires a substantial commitment to education and training. However, there are many potential paths to this goal.