In 2019, Nevada’s health setup had 2,850 Physicians, All Other; and Ophthalmologists, Except Pediatric working to provide care to the citizens of the Battle Born State (as per the US Bureau of Labor Statistics). Do you want to become one too? This piece has all the information you need.
Should I Become a Doctor in Nevada
If you have a passion for helping people move towards a healthier life, then becoming a doctor might be the thing for you. The following table outlines this career path, including the key skills you ought to have in order to succeed as a doctor.
| Education-Required | Bachelor’s degree as well as a Doctor of Medicine (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) degree. |
| Major Requirement | Medicine |
| License/Certification | Required |
| Experience/Training | Residency/Fellowships Required |
| Key Skills | Social Perceptiveness, Reading Comprehension, Speaking, Critical and Creative Thinking, Active Listening, Problem Sensitivity |
| Annual Mean Salary – US (2020) | $218,850 (Physicians, All Other; and Ophthalmologists, Except Pediatric) |
| Annual Mean Salary – Nevada (2020) | $251,840 (Physicians, All Other; and Ophthalmologists, Except Pediatric) |
| Job-Outlook – Nevada (2018 – 2028) | 11% (Physicians, All Other) |
Sources: US Bureau of Labor Statistics and O*NET OnLine
Career Requirements
To pursue a career as a medical practitioner in Nevada, you must obtain a degree in medicine (MD or DO). You may also go for a doctorate degree in a field related to healthcare later on. Furthermore, you will need good communication as well as critical thinking skills. After you are done with medical school, you will have to complete a residency at a Nevada hospital before applying for your state medical license.
Steps to Become a Doctor in Nevada
You must follow the process mentioned below to become a Doctor in Nevada.
- Get a Bachelor’s Degree
The first step is to earn your 4-year undergraduate degree. You may choose to major in any subject. However, as an aspiring doctor, you are advised to take at least some courses in science or related subjects. Some schools also offer a pre-medical route through which you will take courses in anatomy, psychology and physiology, etc.
You should also try to volunteer at a clinic or a health facility close to home. Given the competitive nature of admissions, such an experience will reflect well on your medical school application.
- Pass the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT)
After the completion of your Bachelor’s degree, you can take the MCAT. Since your admission will depend considerably on the score of this test, it is imperative that you do really well.
- Finish Medical School
During your 4 years in medical school, you will work towards attaining either a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) or a Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree. Your studies will include both academic coursework and clinical instruction.
- Join a Residency Program at a Nevada Hospital
After medical school, you will have to join a residency program at a reputed Nevada hospital or a healthcare facility. A residency is paid on-the-job training for doctors. Based on a particular individual’s chosen specialty, it can be 3 to 7 years long.
- Get Your Nevada Medical License
Getting your license from the Nevada State Board of Medical Examiners is the last step on your journey to becoming a Doctor in the state. To be eligible, you must pass the United States Medical Licensing Exam (USMLE). The licensing process tends to take between 20 and 60 days (1 to 3 months).
How Long Does It Take to Become a Doctor in Nevada??
You will need 4 years for your Bachelor’s degree and 4 years for medical school. After that, the time spent in residency may vary based on your chosen specialty. It is usually around 3 to 7 years. So, it will take you roughly 11 to 15 years to become a Doctor in Nevada.
What Are the Requirements of Becoming a Doctor in Nevada?
To become a Doctor in Nevada, you must fulfill the following requirements.
- Get a Bachelor’s degree.
- Obtain a Doctor of Medicine (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) degree.
- Enroll in a residency program at a Nevada hospital.
- Obtain the medical license for eligibility to practice in Nevada.
How Much Can I Make as a Doctor in Nevada?
Physicians, All Other; and Ophthalmologists, Except Pediatric in Nevada had an annual mean wage of $251,840 in 2020 which is higher than the national mean of $218,850. This is according to the data reported by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics. The salary earned by doctors in Nevada would vary according to the chosen specialization.
Career Outlook
According to the most recent figures published by O*Net Online, “Physicians, All Other” employed in Nevada between 2018 and 2028 will enjoy 11% job growth in the state.