If you want to make a career in this field, then we would advise you to read this comprehensive article. It will help you understand how to become a doctor in New Mexico.
Should I Become a Doctor?
If you have good interpersonal and decision making skills, then you should consider pursuing a career in medicine.
The table below highlights the education and skill set requirements for Physicians and Surgeons. These employment statistics have been taken from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics.
| Education Required | Doctoral/professional degree is required. |
| Experience/Training | A residency/internship program has to be completed. |
| License/Certification | Obtaining a license is compulsory. |
| Key Skills | Leadership Skills, Organizational Skills, Problem Solving Skills, Physical Stamina, Patience, Compassion, and Dexterity |
| Annual Mean Salary – US (2020) | $218,850 (Physicians, All Other; and Ophthalmologists, Except Pediatric) |
| Annual Mean Salary – New Mexico (2020) | $212,160 (Physicians, All Other; and Ophthalmologists, Except Pediatric) |
| Job Outlook – New Mexico (2018-2028) | 5% (Physicians, All Other) |
Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics and O*Net Online
Career Outlook
According to BLS, the overall employment opportunities for Physicians and Surgeons will grow by 7% percent from 2018 to 2028. The demand for these professionals will grow mostly because of an increasing aging population. As the population ages, the rate of chronic diseases also increases, therefore more people will seek healthcare services.
Steps to Become a Doctor in New Mexico
If you want to work as a licensed doctor in New Mexico, then you would be expected to pass through the following stages:
- Obtain a Bachelor’s Degree
Medical schools accept applicants from different educational backgrounds, so you can pursue a bachelor’s program in any subject. However, you will have to complete the pre-medical educational requirements and will have to study courses related to Physics, Math, Chemistry and Biology. Moreover, a high score on the Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT) is needed to gain admission to a medical school, so you need to prepare for this test as well.
- Graduate from a Medical School
The next step involves applying to a medical school – you can either apply to a 4-year long Doctor of Medicine (M.D) program or a 4-year long Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O) program. The curriculum of these programs cover a range of topics such as pharmacology, principles of disease, epidemiology and public health. Upon graduation, you will also have to complete 24 months of postgraduate training.
- Obtain a Physician State License
This stage involves sending a licensure application to the New Mexico Medical Board. The Board no longer requires each and every candidate to appear for a personal interview. However, in case the Board wants to have a meeting with you, they will notify you and will schedule an appointment accordingly.
How Long Does It Take to Become a Doctor in New Mexico?
The process of becoming a doctor can take nine or more years of intensive training and education. This includes four years of undergraduate study and another four years of medical school. After finishing medical school, aspiring doctors have to complete an approved residency. It usually takes approximately three to seven years to complete the post-graduate training program.
What Are the Requirements of Becoming a Doctor in New Mexico?
Aspiring doctors wishing to practice medicine in New Mexico have to fulfil the following criteria:
- Must have received a diploma and graduated from a New Mexico Board approved educational institute.
- Must have completed 24 months of postgraduate medical education.
- Must have passed one of the following exams or a combination of exams:
- Part 1, 2, and 3 of the National Board of Medical Examiners examination (NBME).
- Two components of the Federation Licensing Examination (FLEX).
- Step 1, 2 and 3 of the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE).
- Any of the above mentioned exams in an approved hybrid combination.
- Results of the State Board examinations will be accepted if taken and passed before December 1973.
- The Medical Council of Canada Qualifying Examination (MCCQE).
*The examination requirements for international medical graduates are different. They have to pass an approved exam combination in addition to the ECFMG exam.
How Much Do Doctors Earn in New Mexico?
BLS has broken down the category of Physicians and Surgeons into many different sub-segments. Physicians, All Other; and Ophthalmologists, Except Pediatric is one of these sub-segments. Estimates show that Physicians, All Other; and Ophthalmologists, Except Pediatric working in New Mexico made an annual mean wage of $212,160 in 2020.
Career Outlook for Doctors in Mexicoa
According to the latest data published by O*Net Online, “Physicians, All Other” in New Mexico will experience a 5% job growth in New Mexico between 2018 and 2028. This figure is equal to the projected job growth for the same category in the US for the same time period.