How Do I Become a Doctor in Alaska

Doctors are a vital component of any healthcare system and Alaska’s medical practitioners are no different. They play their role every day in helping patients recover from diseases/illnesses by diagnosing their condition, prescribing medicines, conducting surgeries and other treatments and providing expert health advice, etc.
According to information made available by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, The Last Frontier had over 700 employed physicians, surgeons and ophthalmologists (other than pediatric) in 2019. If you want to become one of them, this detailed guide will help you get started on your journey.

Sources: O*Net Online and US Bureau of Labor Statistics

To become a Doctor in Alaska, you will need your undergraduate and MD/DO degrees. Obtaining higher qualifications such as a doctorate degree in medicine will also serve you well. Other than that, the ability to think critically and communicate effectively is important for any medical practitioner. After medical school, you must complete a residency program before applying for your Alaska medical license.

Follow the procedure outlined below to become a Doctor in Alaska.

1. Complete Your Undergraduate Education


You may select any major during your Bachelor’s studies. However, it is recommended that you take some courses in sciences such as physics, chemistry, biology and related subjects. Different schools also offer the pre-med track with courses in psychology, basic medicine, anatomy and physiology, etc.
Apart from studies, you should consider volunteering at a health facility, medical center or clinic close to home. Medical school admissions are very competitive and such activities will enhance your chances of getting in.

2. Take the MCAT (Medical College Admission Test)

Once you have obtained your undergraduate degree, you will be eligible to sit for the MCAT. Getting a good score is very important for admission to medical school.

3. Go to Medical School for Specialized Education in Medicine

After getting into medical school, the next 4 years will be spent studying for either an MD (Doctor of Medicine) or a DO (Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine) degree. Both clinical training and academic coursework will be a part of your degree.

4. Enroll in a Residency Program in an Alaska Hospital

Following medical school, you must enter and complete a residency program at a hospital/health facility of repute. A residency is a period of paid training on the job. During this time, medical graduates work under the supervision of licensed doctors and choose a specialty. Residency programs usually last for as little as 3 years and as many as 7 years, depending on your chosen specialty.

5. Obtain Your Medical License to Practice in Alaska

After the residency, it is time to get your license from the Alaska State Medical Board. For eligibility, you need to pass the United States Medical Licensing Exam (USMLE). To find out any other licensing requirements, please remember to check out the website of the Alaska State Medical Board

To become a doctor, you will spend 4 years getting a Bachelor’s degree. After that, you will go to med school for the same amount of time. Following graduation, you will complete a residency program which can be 3 to 7 years long. So, all in all, it can take you around 11 to 15 years to become a doctor in Alaska.

Following are the requirements for becoming a Doctor in Alaska.

 

Physicians, Surgeons and Ophthalmologists (Except Pediatric) in Alaska drew $266,200 in annual mean wages in 2020, the fourth highest figure among all US states. This is according to the information made public by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics.

As per the latest data from O*Net Online, “Physicians, All Other” will enjoy an exceptional job growth of 9% in Alaska between 2018 and 2028.

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