To become a pulmonologist, one must complete four years of medical school and up to five years of practical training. Prospective medical students must obtain a four-year degree and pass entrance tests. After earning a doctor of medicine degree, a graduate must complete a residency and a two-year fellowship in pulmonology before taking a licensing exam.
Pulmonologists are licensed physicians who specialize in treating lung disorders. Professionals perform physical exams and interpret imaging results to identify specific problems. A person who wants to become a pulmonologist usually needs to complete four years of medical school and up to five years of practical training to be fully prepared for the job. A doctor who completes training and passes all necessary licensing exams can become a pulmonologist in a general hospital, specialty practice, or private practice.
Before an individual can apply to medical school, they typically need to obtain a four-year degree from an accredited university. Most aspiring pulmonologists have degrees in biology, although a degree in another science or health-related field can also prepare a student for advanced medical studies. An undergraduate student can take courses in physiology, anatomy, and molecular biology to become familiar with how the lungs work.
Most countries require prospective medical school students to pass entrance tests in their third or fourth year of college. In addition to taking the test, the student usually needs to prepare transcripts, letters of recommendation, and personal essays to submit to different medical schools. A person who wants to become a pulmonologist can investigate tuition fees and financial aid opportunities by researching schools on the Internet and consulting admissions advisors.
A medical student typically spends the first half of a program attending classroom classes and participating in laboratory work. A standard curriculum includes advanced courses in disease pathology, pharmacology, biochemistry, and numerous other topics related to human health. The second half of medical school is typically devoted to a rotating internship at a local hospital and ongoing laboratory research. A student has the opportunity to observe physicians in many different specialties, including pulmonology, to ensure he or she is a good fit for the profession.
After earning a doctor of medicine degree, a graduate who wants to become a pulmonologist can apply for residency positions in internal medicine. A resident works directly with patients, under the supervision of experienced physicians, while continuing to attend classes and conduct research. During a residency, a new physician receives valuable instruction and first-hand experience that will help him become a pulmonologist.
A successful resident usually needs to enter a two-year fellowship dedicated specifically to pulmonology to complete their training. Fellowship programs take place in specialty hospital divisions, where new physicians have the opportunity to work with experienced pulmonologists. After completing a fellowship, an individual can take a licensing exam to gain board certification and the right to practice independently.
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