Trained medical professionals who identify health issues, give diagnosis and prescribe relevant treatments and medications are called doctors.

Should I Become a Doctor in Connecticut?

There are several specialization in this profession and aspiring medical students may choose which type of doctor they want to become. They may specialize to be employed as Orthopedics, Anesthesiologists, Surgeons or Physicians etc. Their duties vary based on their area of expertise however, a few basic ones are carried out by all doctors. For instance, all doctors:

  • Question their patients’ regarding their medical history
  • Request relevant tests to prescribe the right treatment
  • Write prescriptions for appropriate medicines
  • If needed, suggest or perform operations and so on
Education Required A doctoral or a professional degree
License/Certification All doctors must be licensed
Experience/Training Residency of 3 – 9 years
Key Skills Patience, Compassion, Physical Stamina, Dexterity, Problem-solving, Decision making, Leadership, Communication and Organizational Skills, etc.
Annual Mean Salary – US (2020) $218,850 (Physicians, All Other; and Ophthalmologists, Except Pediatric)
Annual Mean Salary – Connecticut (2020) $210,350 (Physicians, All Other; and Ophthalmologists, Except Pediatric)
Job Outlook – Connecticut (2018-2028) 4% (Physicians, All Others)

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (2019)

Career Requirements

Apart from completing the proper education and training programs, doctors must possess certain qualities such as, compassion, stamina as well as communication skills etc. Doctors take life altering decisions all day long which is why they must have excellent decision-making and critical thinking skills.

Steps to Become a Doctor in Connecticut

This is a detailed guide to help you get started if you want to become a doctor in Connecticut.

  1. Enroll in a 4-year bachelor’s degree

    2. Graduates with a high school diploma or equivalent must get enrolled in a 4-year bachelor’s degree and complete it with subject from biological sciences.

  1. Pass the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT)


    2. All graduates with a bachelor’s degree who want to get enrolled in a medical school must pass the MCAT with a good score.

  1. Complete 4-years of medical school


    2. Successful completion of step 1 and 2 allows you to enroll in a medical school. You can graduate medical school in 4-years. The School of Medicine at University of Connecticut offers the 4-year MD program. For further details, please visit the official website of your desired university.

  1. Enroll in a Residency Program


    2. Medical school graduates must enroll in a residency program to gain hands on experience in their area of interest at a hospital. Residency can be completed in 3 to 7 years.

  1. Acquire a state issued license

    2. All doctors are required to have a state issued license. The Connecticut State Department of Public Health issues license to doctor who complete the following.

  • All 3 of the U.S. Medical License Examination (USMLE) exams.
  • The Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates Certification (ECFMG) (only for doctors with foreign medical degrees)
  • All medical students need to also complete the National Resident Matching Program (NMRP).

Completing these 3 requirements allows doctors to file an application with the Connecticut State Department of Public Health along with complete documents to get the license.

How Long Does It Take to Become a Doctor in Connecticut?

It may take anywhere between 10 to 12 years (or more) for you to become a practicing doctor in the state of Connecticut as it is a very long process. You must complete;

  • 4-years bachelor’s degree
  • 4-years of medical school
  • 3 to 7 years of residency
  • Numerous medical exams i.e., USMLE etc.
  • Acquire a license

What Are the Requirements to Become a Doctor in Connecticut?

To become a doctor in Connecticut, all candidates must:

  • Complete an MD or a related degree with a residency program
  • The National Examination Scores (USMLE or relevant exams)
  • Have an AMA or AOA Profile
  • Submit an action disciplinary report from FSMB Board
  • Provide the employment records of last 3 years
  • ECFMG Certification (only for doctors with foreign medical degrees)
  • Career Outlook for Doctors in Connecticut

How Much Can I Make as a Doctor in Connecticut?

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that Physicians, All Other; and Ophthalmologists, Except Pediatric employed in the state of Connecticut had an annual mean salary of $208,310 in 2019. Whereas, Alaska was reported as the top paying state for this career with an annual mean salary of $258,550.

Career Outlook for Doctors in Connecticut

As per the information provided by O*Net Online, “Physicians, All Other” will experience a 4% job growth in the state of Oklahoma between 2018 and 2028.

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