Florida is one of the best states to practice medicine. According to the 2020 figures published by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, Florida was third on the list of US states with the highest level of employment for “Physicians, All Other; and Ophthalmologists, Except Pediatric.”

Florida Has No Personal Income Tax:

The money you earn as a doctor in Florida goes directly into your pocket. This can be such a blessing, given the high cost of becoming a physician.

Florida Has High Demand for Medical Personnel:

According to the Physician Workforce Annual Report 2019, by the Florida Department of Health, the average age of practicing physicians is 54. 35% of the practicing physicians are 60 years or older and 26.6% are between 50 and 59. As such a massive chunk of the medical staff in the state comes close to retiring, newer workforce will be required.

Florida Has Several Top-Notch Medical Schools:

These include schools such as the University of Florida, University of Miami and the University of Central Florida, among others.
If you are interested in becoming a doctor in Florida, the Florida Board of Medicine provides a list of guidelines that aspiring doctors need to follow in order to be eligible to practice in The Sunshine State.

Should I Become a Doctor in Florida?

Are you interested in becoming a doctor in Florida? If the answer is in the affirmative, then read the following article for more details.

Education Required A professional and a doctoral degree
License/Certification State licensure is mandatory
Experience/Training 3-9 years (Residency and internships)
Key Skills Excellent communication skills, Excellent diagnostic skills, Ability to think outside the box, Patience, etc.
Annual Mean Salary – US (2020) $218,850 (Physicians, All Other; and Ophthalmologists, Except Pediatric)
Annual Mean Salary – Florida (2020) $220,450 (Physicians, All Other; and Ophthalmologists, Except Pediatric)
Job Outlook – Florida (2018-2028) 16% (Physicians, All Other)

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and O*Net Online

Steps to Become a Doctor in Florida:

To become a doctor in the Sunshine State, aspiring medical personnel would have to complete the following steps:

  1. Get a Bachelor’s Degree

    2. It is recommended that you take up coursework that will help you in the future. This 4-year long undergraduate degree is a pre-requisite for most medical schools across the US.

  1. Clear the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT)

    2. This is a standardized, multiple-choice test that judges the aptitude of students as potential medical professionals. Colleges across the country use this as a basis for giving admissions to aspiring medical students. Along with a minimum score on this test, candidates may be required to provide letters of recommendation, clear interviews and fulfill a minimum GPA requirement.

  1. Enroll in a Medical School and Complete the Degree

    2. >
    This is a four-year long degree, which comprises of two years of fundamental medical studies, with a focus on theory and lab work. The last two years of medical school will allow students to practice in a medical setting under the supervision of trained and licensed doctors. This real-world experience can be invaluable for aspiring doctors.

  1. Complete a Residency

    2. The Florida Board of Medicine requires that all applicants for licensure in the state should have completed at least a 1-year long residency.

  1. Get Your License

    2. Guidelines for the licensure process can be found on the official website of The Florida Board of Medicine.

How Much Does a Doctor Make in Florida?

According to data from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, “Physicians, All Other; and Ophthalmologists, Except Pediatric” employed in Florida made an annual mean income of $220,450 in 2020, a figure higher than the national annual mean figure of $218,850. Salaries vary according to the specialty of practice.

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

The time you need to become a doctor in Florida will vary as per the type of doctor you want to become, the educational requirements, training, and licensure procedure. All in all it can take you between 8 to 20 years to become a doctor in Florida.

What Are the Requirements to Become a Doctor in Florida?

Every state has its own requirements to become a doctor but there are some general guidelines that apply to almost every state in the US.

  • Obtain a bachelor’s degree.
  • Apply for medical school.
  • Get a medical degree.
  • Complete state licensure requirements.
  • Apply for a job.

Career Outlook for Doctors in Florida

According to O*Net Online, “Physicians, All Other” will experience an exceptional job growth of 16% in the decade from 2018 and 2028.

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