Is becoming an oncologist right for me?
The first step to choosing a career is to make sure you are actually willing to commit to pursuing the career. You don’t want to waste your time doing something you don’t want to do. If you’re new here, you should read about:
Overview
What do oncologists do?
Career Satisfaction
Are oncologists happy with their careers?
Personality
What are oncologists like?
Still unsure if becoming an oncologist is the right career path? Take the free CareerExplorer career test to find out if this career is right for you. Perhaps you are well-suited to become an oncologist or another similar career!
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How to become an Oncologist
Steps to Becoming an Oncologist:
- Earn a bachelor's degree; particularly one that includes coursework in the biological and chemical sciences.
- Take the medical college admissions test (MCAT). This is a competitive and selective process that typically requires a passing score.
- Get admitted to an accredited school and earn an MD or DO degree. Medical school takes four years to complete; two years of classroom work followed by two years in a hospital or clinical setting where one is exposed to real life medical issues.
- Complete residencies and internships. The length of time required will depend on the specialized area of oncology one is studying and can last anywhere between three to eight years.
- Obtain proper state licensing and certification. In order to earn a license, a doctor will need to show proof of schooling and pass the United States Medical Licensing Examination.