Working as a doctor can be immensely satisfying. Moreover, doctors enjoy above-average earnings and job stability. However, not everyone can become a healthcare professional. Individuals need a specific skill-set in order to excel in this particular field – they need to be compassionate, thick-skinned and smart. If you have the skills and qualities to join this profession, then you should think about becoming a part of this well-respected field.
This guide will provide details about how to become a doctor in North Dakota. It will also discuss the training and education requirements, along with the salary and career outlook statistics.

Should I Become a Doctor in North Dakota?

Education Required

A doctoral or professional training.

Training

Residency/Internship.

Licenses/Certifications

An active license is mandatory.

Key Skills

Communication Skills, Organization Skills, Leadership Skills, Dexterity, Physical Stamina, and Problem Solving Skills.

Annual Mean Salary – US (2020)

$218,850 (Physicians, All Other; and Ophthalmologists, Except Pediatric)

Annual Mean Salary – North Dakota (2020)

$212,990 (Physicians, All Other; and Ophthalmologists, Except Pediatric)

Job Outlook – North Dakota (2018 -2028)

10% (Physicians, All Other)

Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics and O*Net Online
If you are studious, have a strong work ethic and nerves of steel, then pursuing a career in medicine might be a good decision.
To give you an idea of what this job entails, below a list of their job duties:

Doctors are responsible for:

  • Examining patients, reviewing their medical files and diagnosing injuries or illnesses.
  • Counselling patients, prescribing medication and administering treatments.
  • Providing follow-up care to patients.
  • Interpreting the laboratory results of patients and referring them to other medical health providers (If needed).
  • Collaborating with other health care professionals.

Career Requirements

Aspiring Physicians and Surgeons are required to be dexterous because they often work with sharp tools and cannot afford to make mistakes. They also need good problem-solving skills because they are required to evaluate patient’s symptoms and diagnose the illnesses. Apart from these qualities, these professionals are also required to meet certain training and education requirements, which are quite demanding.

Steps to Become a Doctor in North Dakota

The process of becoming a doctor in North Dakota is outlined below:

  1. Complete an Undergraduate Degree

  2. The first step of the process is to obtain a bachelor’s degree. Although no particular major is required, but individuals usually have to complete coursework in Chemistry, Physics, Biology and Math.

  1. Enroll in a Doctor of Medicine program

  2. In order to enroll in a medical school, individuals are required to get a good score on the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT). While studying at the medical school, individuals can expect to study a range of courses such as Pharmacology, Anatomy, and Biochemistry. After completing the 4-year long Doctor of Medicine program, students are also required to complete post-graduate training.

  1. Get Licensed

  2. Once the training requirements have been completed, individuals can submit a licensure application to the Board. Please note that in order to get certified, it is mandatory for all applicants to clear a medical licensing exam.

How Long Does It Take to Become a Doctor in North Dakota?

The path to becoming a doctor is not easy at all. It requires extensive training – individuals have to complete a 4-year long bachelor’s degree, followed by a 4-year long doctoral program. After graduating from medical school, they have to complete post-graduate training. The residency program might take around 3 to 7 years to complete. Thus, the time it takes to enter this field varies from case to case, depending upon the person’s field of specialization.

What Are the Requirements for Becoming a Doctor in North Dakota?

The requirements for becoming a Physician in North Dakota are mentioned below:

  • The individual should possess a degree of doctor of osteopathy or doctor of medicine from an accredited medical school.
  • The individual should have completed one year of postgraduate training in Canada or the U.S.
  • The individual should have passed a medical licensure exam.
  • The individual should possess a good moral character.
  • The individual should be professionally mentally, and physically capable of practicing medicine.

How Much Can I Make After Becoming a Doctor in North Dakota?

BLS has further segmented Physicians and Surgeons into several sub-categories. Physicians, All Other; and Ophthalmologists, Except Pediatric is one of these categories. Employment statistics show that people working in this occupation in the U.S. earned an annual mean wage of $218,850 in 2020. The annual mean income for North Dakota for the same time period was $212,990.

Career Outlook

As per O*Net Online, “Physicians, All Other” employed in the state of North Dakota will experience a 10% growth in employment opportunities between 2018 and 2028.