-
Page Content
- Should I Become a Doctor in Louisiana
- Career Requirements
- Steps to Become a Doctor in Louisiana
- How Long Does It Take to Become a Doctor in Louisiana?
- What Are the Requirements of Becoming a Doctor in Louisiana
- How Much Can I Make as a Doctor in Louisiana?
- Career Outlook for Doctors in Louisiana
According to data made available by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the Pelican State had nearly 600 employed Family Medicine Physicians in 2019. Given the positive job outlook in the coming years, this number will surely grow. If you want to join the Louisiana healthcare system as a licensed medical practitioner, this guide will tell you what to do.
Should I Become a Doctor
| Major Requirement | Medicine |
| License/Certification | Required |
| Experience/Training | Required |
| Key Skills | Communication, Active Listening, Social Perceptiveness, Critical Thinking, Problem Sensitivity, Inductive and Deductive Reasoning. |
| Annual Mean Salary – US (2020) | $218,850 (Physicians, All Other; and Ophthalmologists, Except Pediatric) |
| Annual Mean Salary – Louisiana (2020) | $221,420 (Physicians, All Other; and Ophthalmologists, Except Pediatric) |
| Job Outlook – Louisiana (2018-2028) | 13% (Physicians, All Other) |
Sources: US Bureau of Labor Statistics and O*NET Online
Career Requirements
To pursue a career as a Doctor in Louisiana, you need to have an undergraduate as well as medical degree (DO or MD). After studies, you will have to enroll in and complete a residency program at a reputed hospital in the state. To be successful as a doctor, you must also have top-notch communication, critical thinking and problem solving skills.
Steps to Become a Doctor in Louisiana
Following are the steps you need to take to become a Doctor in Louisiana.
- Undergraduate Education
This is the first mandatory requirement for becoming a doctor. Complete your Bachelor’s degree by choosing any major you like. However, it is recommended that you take some science-related courses (chemistry, biology and physics, etc.) at least. Many schools also offer a specific pre-medical stream for aspiring doctors.
- Take the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT)
- Enter Medical School
- Residency Training
- Apply for Your Louisiana Medical License
- Completion of undergraduate studies.
- Completion of a medical degree (Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine or Doctor of Medicine).
- Finishing a residency program at a Louisiana hospital.
- Getting licensed by the Louisiana State Board of Medical Examiners.
After earning your Bachelor’s degree, you can take the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT). Your admission to medical school is primarily dependent on the score of this exam. So, try to do as well as you can.
<
The time in medical school (4 years) will be spent working towards the attainment of either a Doctor of Medicine (MD) or a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) degree.
/ol>
After finishing medical school, you must join a residency program at a hospital or a health facility of note within Louisiana. This period of paid training on the job will be spent treating patients under supervision and honing your craft in your chosen area of specialty. You will need at least 3 years to complete a residency program.
/ol>
With the residency done and dusted, you are eligible to apply for your license from the Louisiana State Board of Medical Examiners. The board accepts candidates who have passed all portions of the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE).
Other national exams such as the National Board of Osteopathic Medical Examiners (NBOME), Federation Licensing Examination (FLEX) and Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Licensing Examination (COMLEX), etc. are also acceptable. For complete information on eligibility requirements, please check out the website of the Louisiana State Board of Medical Examiners. /ol>
How Long Does It Take to Become a Doctor in Louisiana?
The path to becoming a Doctor in Louisiana will begin with enrollment in a 4-year Bachelor’s degree program. After that, you will spend 4 years in medical school followed by a residency program that can last between 3 and 7 years. Add that up and you are looking at a timeframe of 11 to 15 years.
What Are the Requirements for Becoming a Doctor in Louisiana?
To become a Doctor in Louisiana, you must meet the requirements mentioned below.
How Much Can I Make as a Doctor in Louisiana?
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, “Physicians, All Other; and Ophthalmologists, Except Pediatric” in Louisiana earned an annual mean wage of $221,420 in 2020.
Career Outlook for Doctors in Louisiana
O*Net Online’s latest figures estimate that the occupational category of “Physicians, All Other” in Louisiana will experience an incredible job growth of 13% from 2018 to 2028, a figure substantially higher than the national average of 5%.