If you want to join this field, then go through this comprehensive article to learn how to become a doctor in Montana. This guide will walk you through the entire process of joining this field, and will also present some interesting employment data.
Should I Become a Doctor in Montana?
If you are hardworking, intellectually capable and passionate about serving humanity, then a career in medicine might be ideal for you.
The following table provides a brief overview of the education training, and license requirements for these professionals. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics has been consulted for these employment stats.
|
Education Required |
Doctoral or professional training. |
|
Training |
Internship/residency |
|
Licenses/Certifications |
A license is required. |
|
Key Skills |
Physical Stamina, Communication Skills, Problem Solving Skills, Organization Skills, Leadership Skills, and Dexterity. |
|
Annual Mean Salary – US (2020) |
$218,850 (Physicians, All Other; and Ophthalmologists, Except Pediatrics) |
|
Annual Mean Salary – Montana (2020) |
$271,560 (Physicians, All Other; and Ophthalmologists, Except Pediatrics) |
|
Job Outlook – Montana (2018-28) |
5% (Physicians, All Other) |
Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics and O*Net Online
Career Requirements
Aspiring Physicians and Surgeons should keep in mind that this job requires good physical stamina as they are required to spend a great deal of time on their toes. Moreover, they are required to communicate effectively with other support staff and patients, hence having good communication skills is a must. They also require good leadership and organization skills. Apart from these traits, these professionals are also required to complete certain training and educational requirements, which are discussed below.
Steps to Become a Doctor in Montana
The procedure of become a doctor in Montana is long and exhausting. It incorporates the following steps:
- Complete Pre-medical Education
In order to get into a medical school, you will have to complete an undergraduate program and will be required to take certain pre-requisite courses related to biology, physics and chemistry.
- Take the MCAT
The next step involves taking the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT). A high score is needed on this test in order to get admitted into a good medical school. MCAT is a standardized exam that has a number of multiple-choice questions that test the candidate’s critical thinking and problem solving abilities. It also assesses the applicant’s knowledge of social, behavioral and natural science principles and concepts.
- Get Admitted to a Medical School and Complete Residency
After clearing the MCAT, you should get yourself admitted to a medical school. In order to get a license, you will be required to obtain a Doctor of Medicine (M.D) degree. You can expect to complete this degree in around four years. Moreover, you will also be required to successfully complete an accredited post-graduate residency program.
- Obtain a License
It should be noted that you cannot practice medicine in the U.S. without an active state license. Therefore, this stage involves submitting a licensure application to the Montana Board of Medical Examiners. In order to get the license, you will have to clear a licensing exam approved by the Board.
How Long Does It Take to Become a Doctor in Montana?
The path to becoming a doctor is not easy at all, and requires a huge investment of time and effort. First, you will have to complete an undergraduate program, which may take up to four years. Then, you will be required to complete medical school, which typically takes an additional four years, although accelerated three year pathways might also be available. And then, you will have to complete a post-graduate residency training, which may take three to seven years to complete, depending upon your specialization option. In short, the time it takes to become a doctor varies from person to person, depending upon their specialization area.
What Are the Requirements of Becoming a Doctor in Montana?
The requirements for becoming a Physician in Montana are stated below:
- The applicant must have graduated from an approved medical school.
- The applicant should have completed an approved residency.
- Passage of USMLE or some other medical licensure exam.
- The applicant should have a good moral character.
How Much Can I Make as a Doctor in Montana?
The US Bureau of Labor Statistics has further categorized Physicians and Surgeons into different categories, one of which is Physicians, All Other; and Ophthalmologists, Except Pediatrics. The salary data shows that they earned an annual mean pay of $271,560 in 2020. This figure is significantly higher than 2020’s national average, which was $218,850. Montana is also the second highest paying US state for this occupational category.
Career Outlook
O*Net Online has projected a 5% job growth for “Physicians, All Other” working in Montana between 2018 and 2028.