Becoming a Physician takes many years of education, and once admitted to medical school there are many different paths aspiring Physicians can take. In the United States Physicians are required to complete a four year bachelor degree in a relevant field before being admitted to medical school. Requirements for medical school across the nation vary, so it is important to look into these before applying. For example, some schools may require that you took certain classes, while others will have competitive GPA scores.  
 
Aside from completing a bachelor's degree, all Physicians must take, and pass, The Medical College Admission Test (MCAT). The MCAT is a global exam that is used in many countries also including Canada and Australia. The test consists of four sections:  

• Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems 
• Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems 
• Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behavior 
• Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills 

After completing the MCAT, the score obtained will be part of the medical school application. Medical schools can be very competitive so it is important for aspiring Physicians to excel academically and stand out.  
 
Once admitted to medical school Physicians will start to have a stronger knowledge about medicine and the direction they want to take professionally. Physicians can be general Physicians, or they can specialize further into specific subjects such as Oncology, Pediatrics, Psychiatry and more. During medical school the four-year curriculum will revolve around classroom work and rotations, where students work in a professional setting under the supervision of a registered Physician. After medical school students can apply for a residency to specialize further based on what they apply for and what residency they land. 
 
Following the completion of all the required schooling, a Physician must pass their medical licenses and continue to maintain up to date with medical practices by completing the necessary Continuing Medical Education throughout their career. 

Things to know before becoming a Physician 

• In order to become a Physician, it will take years and years of intensive studying, you must be dedicated to your career that will take more than eight years of study in order to be qualified. 
• Physicians do not always work regular hours; however, their hard work can pay off in many different ways whether it means saving lives or the financial compensation. 24-hour shifts can be common and sleep schedules can be irregular. 
• There are many different routes a Physician can take, for example they can work in medical-legal fields, as professors, with children, with geriatrics and more. 
• Physicians will be paid during their residency; however, their salaries do not start as high as you may believe. Like other careers the hard work will pay off and once certified their salaries will change. 
• You need to be a team player, strong communication with patients, nurses, support staff and more is a vital part of the role and you will face many different personalities in stressful situations.