Should I Become a Doctor
If you plan on becoming a doctor in Kansas, or any other state in the US, you will need to have the right mindset, determination and patience. The following table outlines the career of a doctor in detail.
Education Required | Medical Degree or Ph. D |
Major Requirement | Medicine |
License/Certification | Required |
Experience/Training | 3-7 years residency |
Key Skills | Physical Stamina, Patience, Compassion, Dexterity, Communication Skills |
Annual Mean Salary – US (2020) | $218,850 (Physicians, all other and Ophthalmologists, except Pediatric) |
Annual Mean Salary – Kansas (2020) | $180,960 (Physicians, all other and Ophthalmologists, except Pediatric) |
Job Outlook – Kansas (2018-2028) | 2% (Physicians, All Other) |
Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics and O*Net Online
Career Requirements
To become a doctor, a candidate must be licensed. This profession requires a lot of stamina but it is very rewarding. A few doctors limit their work hours to business hours, while others choose to work on weekends as well. Doctors are required to be excellent leaders and communicators. They should be compassionate towards patients and their families. As per the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the jobs in this field are projected to grow 7% from 2018-2028.
Steps to Become a Doctor in Kansas
- Get an Undergraduate Degree
Candidates have to obtain an undergraduate degree to get admission into a medical school. Medical schools do not require any specific majors but it is mandatory for all candidates to take courses like physics, biology, mathematics and chemistry.
- Take the MCAT (Medical College Admissions Test)
All students have to take the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) to get enrolled in a medical school. MCAT is a standardized exam which is mandatory for all aspiring doctors. This exam tests their theoretical knowledge as well as certain skills like, writing and verbal reasoning, etc.
- Get a Medical Degree
Students who do well on the MCAT get enrolled in a medical school. The first two years focus on classroom and laboratory work, whereas the other two years are spent on developing skills. In the last two years, students are allowed to work directly with patients under the supervision of a professional.
- Finish a Residency Program
After earning their medical degree, students have to complete a residency program which gives them a chance to work with patients in any special area of medicine like, internal medicine, psychiatry, anesthesiology and emergency medicine.
- Obtain Licensure
Doctors are required to have a license in all states; however, the requirements differ. Aspiring M.Ds have to take the standardized US Medicinal Licensing Examination and D.Os have to take the Comprehensive Osteopathic Medicinal Licensing Exam (COMLEX-USA). Candidates who want to apply in Kansas have to take the Physician’s Assistant National Certifying Exam (PANCE) and then obtain licensure.
How Long Does It Take to Become a Doctor in Kansas?
Students have to complete a 4-year Bachelor’s degree as a first step towards becoming a doctor. After receiving the degree, they have to take the MCAT and get enrolled in a 4-year program at a medical school. Once they have completed all the necessary education, they have to complete a residency program which can last for 3-7 years.
What Are the Requirements for Becoming a Doctor in Kansas?
Following are the requirements to become a doctor in Kansas:
- Obtain an undergraduate degree
- Take the MCAT and get enrolled in an accredited medical college
- Get a medical degree
- Pass the US standardized exam and PANCE exam for licensure
How Much Can I Make as a Doctor in Kansas?
The annual mean salary of Physicians, all other and Ophthalmologists, except Pediatric in Kansas was $180,960 in 2020 as per the data made available by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Career Outlook for Doctors in Kansasi
The occupational category of “Physicians, All Other” in Kansas will experience a 2% growth in job opportunities in Kansas between 2018 and 2028. This percentage is lower than the national average growth rate of the US, which is 5%.