It wouldn’t be wrong to say that medicine is one of the hardest professions to join. However, doctors enjoy many perks, such as decent monetary returns and job stability. Moreover, they get a chance to serve humanity and restore their patient’s lives to normalcy.
If you have already decided that you want to pursue a career in this noble field, then there is no stopping you. Skim through this informative article to learn how to become a doctor in Massachusetts. The guide will not only discuss the steps involved in joining this profession, but will also present some interesting salary and career outlook statistics.

Should I Become a Doctor in Massachusetts?

If you are emotionally intelligent, intellectually capable, and are passionate about helping others, then you should think about becoming a doctor.
Take a look at the table below to learn more about the salary statistics, education requirements, and license requirements for Physicians and Surgeons. The data presented below has been taken from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Education Required Doctoral or professional training.
License/Certification A license is mandatory to practice medicine
Experience/Training Internship/residency
Key Skills Problem Solving Skills, Physical Stamina, Dexterity, Leadership Skills, Organization Skills, and Communication Skills.
Annual Mean Salary – US (2020)
Job Outlook – Massachusetts (2018-2028) -3%
Annual Mean Salary – US (2020)-Massachusetts $235,950 (Family Medicine Physicians)

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

Career Requirements

Aspiring Physicians and Surgeons are required to be compassionate, as they might have to offer emotional support to distressed patients and their families. Secondly, they are required to be good problem solvers as their job requires them to assess the patients’ symptoms and diagnose the illnesses. Apart from these personal qualities, Physicians and Surgeons are required to meet a range of educational and training requirements. Read the section below to find out more about these requirements.

How to Become a Doctor in Massachusetts:

In order to become a doctor in Massachusetts, individuals have to follow the steps outlined below:

  1. Complete the Medical Pre-requisites

    2. Aspiring doctors are required to complete two or more years at a legally chartered university or college and must study courses related to physics, organic chemistry, inorganic chemistry and biology.

  1. Prepare for the MCAT

    2. While in university/college, individuals should start preparing for the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT). Getting a good score on this test helps students get into a good medical school.

  1. Enroll in a Medical School

    2. Once individuals have passed the MCAT and have completed their pre-medical education, they can apply to an accredited Doctor of Medicine (M.D) program. This degree usually takes around four years to complete. Moreover, students will also have to complete a residency training program in their area of specialty.

  1. Enroll in a Medical School

    2. Complete Additional Training Requirements
    Aspiring doctors are also required to complete training on (i) opioid and pain management, (ii) child abuse recognition and reporting, and (iii) sexual and domestic violence.

  1. Apply for the License

    2. This stage involves filing a licensure application with the State Board. Please note that individuals can only apply if they have completed the above mentioned education and training requirements. Moreover, they will also have to appear for a licensure exam in order to get the state license.

*For information regarding different types of licenses and their specific requirements, we would strongly advise you to visit the state medical board website.

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

Becoming a doctor typically requires four years of full-time study after completing an undergraduate program. Doctors also have to complete a residency period, which may take anywhere between three to seven years to complete. So, the time it takes to become a doctor varies from case to case, depending upon the specialization options.

What Are the Requirements to Become a Doctor in Massachusetts?

In order to become a doctor in the state of Massachusetts, individuals are required to meet the following criteria.

  • Should be at least 18 years old.
  • Should bear a good moral character.
  • Should have completed pre-medical education.
  • Should have completed medical school.
  • Should have completed residency and training requirements.

Career Outlook for Doctors in Massachusetts

The US Bureau of Labor Statistics’ latest published figures show that “Family Medicine Physicians” working in Massachusetts in 2020 earned a mean annual salary of $235,950, a figure that is considerably higher than the annual mean salary of the US which was $214,370.
As far as career outlook goes, O*Net Online has predicted that the occupational category of “Family Medicine Physicians” employed in Massachusetts will experience a 3% decline in job opportunities between 2018 and 2028.

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