If you’re interested in helping people and working in one of the quickest growing industries, a career in medicine might be a great fit for you. But getting started can feel overwhelming. There are dozens of different healthcare careers, each with different education requirements and timelines.

The good news is you don’t have to figure everything out on your own. Here’s a clear look at how medical careers work and the steps you can take to begin your path.

Quick Steps to Start a Career in Medicine

If you're just beginning to explore healthcare careers, the process usually looks something like this:

1. Build a science foundation in high school or early college.

2. Earn a college degree related to healthcare or science.

3. Gain healthcare experience through volunteering or entry-level roles.

4. Complete professional training or graduate programs depending on the career.

5. Pass licensing or certification exams.

6. Choose a specialty or area of practice.

The exact steps depend on which medical career you choose. Some roles, like becoming a doctor, require more years of education and specialized training, including medical school and residency. Others, like some technical or support roles in healthcare, tend to require shorter programs or certifications that allow you to start working sooner. 

We’ll go into more depth on this below!

What Does a Career in Medicine Involve?

Every medical career path is based on the diagnosis, treatment, and support of patients, though the specialty may vary. Some of the most common medical careers include:

• Physicians (doctors)

• Nurses

• Physician assistants

• Medical technicians

• Therapists

• Healthcare administrators

With most healthcare careers, you’ll start with education, progress into some practical training, and finish with certification or licensing so you can start your career. A few sample paths include: 

• Doctors may specialize in areas such as cardiology, pediatrics, or surgery. Each requires extensive education and training, including four years of medical school and several years of residency. 

• Nurses may specialize in neonatal, critical care, or oncology. Nursing requires specific education and training, which we’ll discuss below.

• Physician assistants or associates (PAs) may work in a variety of settings, from family medicine to emergency care. Their training involves completing a master's program and obtaining certification.

While there are many more paths, these are the three we’ll focus on in this post. 

How to Become a Doctor

Becoming a physician takes dedication and several years of training. That’s also part of what makes it one of the most rewarding career paths you can take! Here’s a glimpse at what becoming a doctor might look like.

1. Start Preparing in High School

Students who want to become a doctor can benefit from an early start! From high school, students interested in medicine should focus on STEM, including:

• Biology

• Chemistry

• Mathematics

• Volunteer work in healthcare settings

These experiences not only help build both academic knowledge, but they can also help you cultivate real-world skills.

2. Earn a Bachelor’s Degree

For their undergrad degree, most future doctors will major in a science-related field such as:

• Biology

• Chemistry

• Biochemistry

• Health sciences

Going to college as a pre-med student involves careful planning and dedication. During your undergraduate studies, you’ll need to complete several prerequisite courses that are almost always required for medical school admission. These may include:

• Biology and Biology Lab (2 semesters)

• General Chemistry and Gen Chem Lab (2 semesters)

• Organic Chemistry and Org Chem Lab (2 semesters)

• Physics and Physics Lab (2 semesters)

• Mathematics, usually Calculus or Statistics (1-2 semesters)

It’s worth noting that StraighterLine offers many of these courses online and at your own pace so you can get a head start on your medical degree.

3. Take the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT)

The MCAT, or Medical College Admissions Test, is an entrance exam required by most medical schools in the United States and Canada. The test assesses knowledge in the natural and social sciences, as well as critical thinking and problem-solving abilities. 

The MCAT is not required at 100% of med schools, but it’s still more common than not. Plus, your MCAT score is one of the major factors medical schools consider during admissions.

4. Attend Medical School

After passing the MCAT, you can apply for medical school. Med school students can expect to spend about four years of intense studying. Some people even compare med school to having a full-time job!

Medical school typically lasts four years and students will spend the first part of their education learning medical science and the later years completing clinical rotations in areas like:

• Surgery — performing operations to treat diseases, injuries, and deformities. This specialty requires extensive training and precision, as surgeons are responsible for manipulating body tissues and organs. Various subspecialties within surgery — such as orthopedic, cardiovascular, and plastic surgery — focus on skills development for different types of specific surgical procedures.

• Pediatrics — dealing with the health and medical care of infants, children, and adolescents. Pediatricians are trained to diagnose and treat a wide range of childhood illnesses, from minor health problems to serious diseases. They focus on preventive health maintenance and the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of their patients.

• Internal medicine — treating adults and focusing on the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases. Internists often manage patients with complex, chronic illnesses and work in both outpatient and inpatient settings. They can further subspecialize in areas such as cardiology, endocrinology, or gastroenterology. They also sometimes serve as primary care providers.

• Psychiatry — diagnosing, treating, and preventing mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders. Psychiatrists use a variety of techniques, including psychotherapy and medications, to help patients manage conditions like depression, anxiety, and schizophrenia. They work in diverse settings, from hospitals and private practices to academic and research institutions.

Rotations can be physically demanding as they also include patient interaction, overnight shifts, or long shifts. But at the end of these rotations, you’ll be better able to choose the specialty that’s right for you.

5. Pass the United States Medical Licensing Exam

The purpose of the USMLE is to ensure that physicians have the necessary skills and knowledge to provide safe and effective care to patients. Passing this exam is a significant step in the medical licensure process. 

• Step 1 is typically taken at the end of the second year of medical school. It assesses your understanding of the basic sciences and how they apply to medical practice.

• Step 2 is usually completed during the third or fourth year of medical school. It currently consists of Step 2 Clinical Knowledge (CK), which evaluates your medical knowledge and application of clinical science. (Note: Step 2 Clinical Skills (CS) was permanently discontinued in 2021.)

• Step 3 is taken during or after the first year of residency. It evaluates whether you can apply medical knowledge and clinical understanding in an unsupervised setting, as required for medical licensure.

6. Complete a Residency Program

After medical school, new doctors enter a residency program in their chosen specialty.

Residencies usually last 3 to 7 years, depending on the field. The goal is to get in-depth, practical experience in your chosen field. During your residency, you’ll work under the supervision of more experienced physicians and gain hands-on experience in patient care.

Residency programs are designed to provide comprehensive training that includes diagnosing and treating a wide range of conditions, performing procedures, and developing professional skills. This stage builds the competence and confidence you’ll need to practice medicine independently.

7. Optional: Board Certification

Board certification is a process that you can undertake to demonstrate your expertise in a specific medical specialty. To become board-certified, you must pass a rigorous exam that tests your medical knowledge, clinical skills, and diagnostic abilities. 

This certification is not required to practice medicine but is often pursued for several reasons:

• Validation of Expertise: Board certification provides an additional credential that verifies a doctor’s expertise and commitment to their specialty. This can enhance their reputation and trust among patients and colleagues.

• Career Advancement: Many hospitals and medical practices prefer or even require board certification for certain positions.

• Professional Development: The certification process encourages continuous learning and staying updated with the latest advancements in the medical field.

How to Become a Nurse

Nursing is one of the most popular healthcare careers because it offers strong job stability and many ways to get started. Although there are different paths to becoming a nurse, we’ll specifically look at the path to becoming a registered nurse (RN), the highest level of nursing available without an advanced degree. 

1. Earn a Nursing Degree

The first step on the path to becoming an RN is obtaining an undergraduate degree. 

• Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) – typically takes 2 years

• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) – typically takes 4 years

While an Associate degree is typically enough to qualify for the nursing exam, any RNs opt to earn a 4-year bachelor’s of science in nursing (BSN) before taking the exam. With a BSN, you generally don’t need previous experience to qualify for the exam. Nurses with BSNs also usually earn more money and have more career opportunities than those with an ADN.

Read More: A Complete Guide to Nursing Carer Pathways

2. Pass the NCLEX-RN Exam

After completing a nursing program, graduates must pass the NCLEX-RN, a national licensing exam that evaluates clinical knowledge and patient-care skills. 

Developed by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN), the NCLEX-RN includes real-world case studies to evaluate critical thinking and decision-making skills that reflect the demands of modern nursing practice.

Once licensed, nurses can begin practicing in hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare settings. Each state has its own certifications and licensing requirements for RNs, so be sure to check your state’s requirements.

3. Choose a Nursing Specialty

Nurses often specialize in areas such as:

• Emergency care nurses provide urgent care to patients with acute illnesses or injuries. They’re trained to handle high-stress situations, perform quick assessments, and help stabilize patients as quickly as possible.

• Cardiology nurses specialize in caring for patients with heart conditions. They work in settings such as cardiology clinics and hospitals. They provide treatment, manage medications, and assist with procedures related to cardiac health.

• Oncology nurses care for patients diagnosed with cancer. They administer chemotherapy, manage symptoms, and provide emotional support to patients and their families throughout the treatment process.

• Pediatric nurses care for infants, children, and adolescents. They monitor growth and development, treat common childhood illnesses and injuries, and support families as children receive medical care.

Some nurses later pursue advanced degrees to become nurse practitioners, educators, or healthcare leaders.

4. Optional: Advanced Degrees

Some RNs may choose to continue their education by earning advanced nursing degrees, These can lead to higher-paying jobs, leadership positions, or research roles. A few popular options include:

• Master’s Degree (MSN) — This program offers a number of tracks designed to prepare students to become Advanced Practice Nurses, nurse administrators, and nurse educators.

• Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) — A research-focused program whose graduates typically teach and/or conduct research.

• Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) — Focuses on clinical practice or leadership roles.

How to Become a Physician Assistant

Physician assistants (PAs) are healthcare professionals who practice medicine under the supervision of licensed physicians and surgeons. They’re trained to examine patients, diagnose illnesses, and provide treatment, making them valuable members of the healthcare team.  

They can work across specialties and settings, including hospitals, clinics, and private practices. They perform tasks ranging from taking medical histories to assisting in surgeries.

1. Earn a Bachelor’s Degree

A bachelor’s degree is required for most, if not all, PA programs. While your major doesn’t necessarily matter, it’s usually a good idea to focus on science and healthcare-related courses of study. That way, you’ll be prepared for your career in medicine.

2. Gain Healthcare Experience

Many PA programs require hands-on healthcare experience before admission. Some of the most common entry-level roles include:

• EMT

• Medical assistant

• Lab technician

• Nursing assistant

3. Complete an Accredited PA Program

Accredited physician assistant programs usually take about three years and include classroom learning and clinical rotations. During this time, you’ll attend classes in basic medical subjects as well as complete more than 2,000 hours of hands-on, in-person clinical rotations and choose a specialty. Graduates earn a master’s degree.

To get the most value out of your program, make sure it's accredited by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA).

4. Pass the Certification Exam

After graduating, physician assistants must pass a national certification exam — the Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam (PANCE) — before they can practice. The exam covers a wide range of medical knowledge and clinical skills necessary for practice as a PA, including clinical medicine, surgery, pediatrics, psychiatry, and more.

5. Stay Certified

Maintaining national certification requires PAs to complete 100 hours of continuing medical education (CME) credits every two years. You must also take the Physician Assistant National Recertifying Exam (PANRE) every ten years.

How to Choose the Right Medical Career

Now that we’ve covered three pathways to working as a medical professional, the question becomes — how do you choose the right one? Not every healthcare job requires the same personality, schedule, or level of education. Even in reading the descriptions above, you might have felt drawn to one over another.

When choosing a medical career, consider:

Your interests
Do you enjoy direct patient care, research, or technical work?

Your timeline
Some careers take over a decade of training, while others can start within a few years.

Your work environment preferences
Hospitals, clinics, labs, and research centers all offer very different day-to-day experiences.

Talking with healthcare professionals, volunteering, or shadowing medical staff can help you better understand what each role is like.

Is a Career in Medicine Worth It?

Wondering whether all this time and training will be worth the effort? Healthcare careers offer benefits like strong job stability, competitive salaries, opportunities to specialize, and the ability to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives

While the path does take a lot of dedication, the work is deeply rewarding for the right person.

Take the First Step Toward Your Medical Career with StraighterLine

If you’re considering a career in medicine, start by building a strong foundation in science and healthcare knowledge. Taking prerequisite courses, exploring healthcare settings, and learning about different medical professions can help you decide which path fits your goals.

While StraighterLine doesn’t offer degrees, we do offer bundles in pre-med, nursing, and healthcare that can give you a jumpstart towards your degree.

Every healthcare professional starts somewhere—and the first step is simply learning what’s possible. Learn more about StraighterLine and how to transfer credits today to save time and money on your path to working in medicine!