How to Become a Medical Assistant in Alabama

Steps to Become a Doctor in Alabama

If you want to practice medicine in this state, you will have to follow these steps to become a doctor in Alabama:

1. Earn a Bachelor’s Degree

Most medical school applicants complete a 4-year long bachelor’s degree before applying to medical schools. Students can pick from a number of different majors, though they are recommended to take up coursework in the sciences.

2. Complete Medical School

After clearing the Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT), students apply to, and get enrolled in a medical school. This four year program comprises of foundational coursework in the practice of medicine, diseases and bodily functions, followed by two years of clinical practice in a supervised setting. Students are also required to pass a series of exams in the final year.
Note: Educational requirements for aspiring doctors in Alabama can be found in Board Rules, Chapter 540-X-3 provided by the Alabama Board of Medical Examiners.

3. Complete a Residency

This is a mandatory training program chosen by students, according to the career they are interested in. These programs usually last from three to eight years and cover general medical methods, along with specializations.

4. Get Your License

In order to be eligible to practice in Alabama, all medical doctors need to be licensed. The Alabama Board of Medical Examiners and Medical Licensure Commission of Alabama provide a detailed look into the licensing process, for new licensees, license renewals, reinstatement of inactive licenses and so on. You can find information on the official website of the Board, regarding licenses for physicians and assistants to physicians.
Typically, the licensing process would require candidates to hold a medical degree from an accredited medical school, along with a completed residency and cleared licensing exams.

5. Earn a Specialization

Even though this is not required to practice, it is recommended if you are looking for increased employment opportunities. There are many specialties you can choose from – you can become an anesthesiologist, internist, pediatrician, gynecologist, surgeon, psychiatrist and so on.

The amount of money you make as a doctor in Alabama depends on the kind of medicine you are practicing. For instance, if you are an obstetrician and gynecologist in Alabama, you can earn around $284,380, in mean wages. Similarly, if you are a surgeon, you can earn $278,810, and if you are a pediatrician, you can make $220,910 in annual mean wages, as per data from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics 2018.

If you have aspirations of becoming a doctor and help sick people get well, then read the following guide to learn how to become a doctor in Alabama.

The duration to become a doctor in Alabama or any US state depends on the field of medicine you pick for yourself. You have to get a bachelor’s degree, a medical degree, complete residency, and fellowship (if required) to become a doctor. All in all it can take anywhere from 9 to 20 years for you to practice medicine.

The following are the requirements to become a doctor in Alabama.
• Get a professional degree.
• Get a medical degree.
• Complete residency.
• Complete internships (if needed).
• Complete fellowship (if required).

The amount of money you make as a doctor in Alabama depends on the kind of medicine you are practicing. For instance, if you are an obstetrician and gynecologist in Alabama, you can earn around $269,920, in mean wages. Similarly, if you are a surgeon, you can earn $265,650, and if you fall in the category of “Physicians, All Other; and Ophthalmologists, Except Pediatric,” you can make $213,410 in annual mean wages, as per data from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics 2020.

As per the latest data published by O*Net Online, “Physicians, All Other” in the state of Alabama will enjoy a 6% employment growth from 2018 and 2028.

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