Doctors are expert medical professionals who examine, diagnose and treat all sorts of health problems and provide suitable healthcare for their patients.

Should I Become a Doctor in Idaho?

Becoming a doctor takes a long time and it is a very demanding profession. To see it through, you must have grit, patience and determination. There are many types of doctors and you are free to choose your specialization after completion of basic training. Doctors can specialize to work as Anesthesiologists, Physicians, Surgeons and so on. Although specific set of duties vary for each type of doctor, some basic duties remain the same. According to the BLS, doctors carry out the following set of duties. They,

  • Ask questions about patients’ medical history
  • Treat the issue after performing appropriate tests
  • Prescribe suitable medicines as and when required etc.
Education-Required Doctoral or professional degree.
Major Requirement Medical Doctor (MD) or related specialization
License/Certification All doctors must be licensed in the relevant state
Experience/Training A 3 to 7 year residency program must be completed for licensure
Key Skills Communication, Leadership, Problem-solving, Organizational and Decision-making Skills, Dexterity, Physical Stamina etc.
Annual Mean Salary – US (2020) $218,850 (Physicians, All Other; and Ophthalmologists, Except Pediatric)
Annual Mean Salary – Idaho (2020) $246,220 (Physicians, All Other; and Ophthalmologists, Except Pediatric)
Job-Outlook – Idaho (2018-2028) 28% (Physicians, All Other)

Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics and O*Net Online</strong

Career Requirements

As mentioned earlier, being a doctor is very challenging and requires a lot of patience and stamina. Doctors are required to show dedication, compassion, excellent communication as well as leadership skills. Especially in the operation theater, doctors need to keep their wits and make quick decisions.

Steps to Become a Doctor in Idaho

If you are confident that this career is for you then, follow this guide to become a doctor.

  1. Completing a Bachelor’s Degree and Take the MCAT


    2. There are 2 paths you may choose from to begin working on your doctoral career. The first path is to opt for a bachelor’s degree in any of the biological science subjects that can be completed in 4 years’ time. After successful graduation from a bachelor’s degree, you must take and pass the MCAT to enroll in a medical school. The second path to opt for is a 7-year accelerated degree which is explained below.

  1. Attend Medical School


    2. An accelerated degree combines 3-years of bachelor’s degree with 4-years of medical school and often appeals to prospective candidates. However, it is highly competitive with very limited seats.

  1. Complete Residency


    2. A residency program provides future doctors with hands on experience in the area of their chosen specialization and can take anywhere between 3 to 7 years to complete.

  1. Obtain a License


    2. All doctor in the US must be licensed to practice. Doctors in Idaho must apply for a license with the Idaho State Board of Medicine (IBM) after completing the following steps.

  • All doctors must pass the U.S. Medical License Examination (USMLE). Doctors with foreign degrees must also acquire the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates Certification (ECFMG) to enroll in a residency program at a hospital.
  • The National Resident Matching Program (NMRP) which happens only once a year and is used to match medical graduates with a residency program at a hospital.
  • Apply for a License with the Idaho State Board of Medicine (IBM)

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

Becoming a practicing doctor may take anywhere between 10 to 12 years (or even more) because it is a long and challenging road. Completing 4 years of bachelor’s, 4 years of medical school, 3 to 7 years of residency along with passing several exams and getting licensed takes a lot of time.

What Are the Requirements of Becoming a Doctor in Idaho?

To become a doctor in Idaho, all candidates must:

  • Complete a bachelor’s degree
  • Pass the MCAT
  • Graduate Medical School
  • Complete a Residency to specialize
  • Obtain a state issued license

 

How Much Can I Make as a Doctor in Idaho?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Physicians, All Other; and Ophthalmologists, Except Pediatric, employed in the state of Idaho earned an annual mean salary of $246,220 in 2020. In addition to that, Maine was listed as the top paying state for this occupation with an annual mean salary of $279,700.

Career Outlook for Doctors in Idaho

As per O*Net Online’s latest projections, Physicians, All Others working in Idaho will enjoy an astonishing 28% job growth between 2018 and 2028.