According to the occupational statistics published by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, Missouri is one of the top five U.S. states with the highest employment level for Family and General Practitioners. If you wish to start a career in this rewarding field, then you might find this article useful. This guide will help you understand how to become a doctor in Missouri.

Should I Become a Doctor?

Opting for a career in medicine would be a good choice if you are inquisitive, hardworking, compassionate and adaptable.
Physicians and Surgeons are required to fulfill a long list of training and education requirements. These requirements are highlighted in the table below. The employment figures displayed below have been taken from BLS.

Education Required Doctoral/professional degree.
Training Individuals have to complete an internship or residency program.
Licenses/Certifications Individuals have to obtain a state license.
Key Skills/Qualities Compassion, Dexterity, Stamina, Detail Oriented, Problem Solving Skills, Leadership Skills and Organizational Skills.
Annual Mean Salary – National (2020) $218,850 (Physicians, All Other; and Ophthalmologists, Except Pediatric)
Annual Mean Salary – Missouri (2020) $235,930 (Physicians, All Other; and Ophthalmologists, Except Pediatric)
Job Outlook – Missouri (2018 – 2028) 9% (Physicians, All Other

Career Outlook

Physicians and Surgeons are likely to experience an employment growth of 7% from 2018 to 2028, across the US. This growth will create 55,400 more jobs in the healthcare field. Moreover, the job prospects for Physicians and Surgeons are quite good, especially for those who are willing to work in underserved and low-income areas.

Steps to Become a Doctor in Missouri

The procedure of becoming a doctor in Missouri can be broken down into the following steps:

  1. Earn a Bachelor’s Degree

  2. The first thing that you must do is to enroll in a Bachelor’s degree. You have the freedom of majoring in any subject you want to, as long as you complete the pre-medical curriculum. The pre-med coursework includes modules related to Math, Biology, Physics and Chemistry. While studying in university, you should also try to volunteer at your local hospitals or clinics, to gain practical skills and knowledge.

  1. Clear the MCAT

  2. In order to get admitted to a doctoral program, you will be required to pass the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT). This is an MCQ-based exam that will test your medical knowledge and examine your reasoning and problem solving skills.

  1. Graduate from a Medical School

  2. After passing the MCAT, you will be able to enroll in a four-year long Doctor of Osteopathy or a Doctor of Medicine program. In order to graduate from medical school, you will have to study a range of subjects such as Psychiatry, Immunology, Biochemistry and Neurobiology. Once you graduate from medical school, you will be required to participate in an approved residency program.

  1. Obtain a License

  2. In order to get a license, you will have to submit a complete application to the Missouri State Board of Registration for the Healing Arts. You must attach the following documents with your application packet: pre-medical transcripts, medical transcripts, medical diploma, official examination scores, post-graduate reference letter and national practitioner data bank self-query form, along with your recent picture.

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

The time is takes to become a licensed doctor in Missouri varies from case to case. The rough timeline is stated below:

  • Four years are required to complete a Bachelor of Arts/Science degree.
  • An additional four years are required to complete medical school.
  • Lastly, individuals have to complete a post-graduate training program, which usually takes three to seven years to complete.

Thus, all in all, it takes more than nine years to become a doctor.

What Are the Requirements of Becoming a Doctor in Missouri?

Individuals must:

  • Have graduated from a medical college accredited and approved by the Liaison Committee on Medical Education or the American Medical Association or must have graduated from any osteopathic college accredited and approved by the American Osteopathic Association.
  • Provide evidence of their good moral character.
  • Have completed a post-graduate training program.
  • Have cleared the licensing exam.

How Much Do Doctors Earn in Missouri?

BLS has reported that the annual mean salary of Family and General Practitioners working in Missouri was $209,990 in 2019.

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