If you are thinking about becoming a doctor, then there is some good news for you! The US Bureau of Labor Statistics has predicted that the overall employment for Physicians and Surgeon is likely to increase by 7% from 2018 to 2028, which will lead to a creation of 55,400 more jobs. The aging population will drive the growth in the demand for medical services. Therefore, it is a good time to join this rewarding profession.
Here’s an article that will guide you how to become a doctor in South Carolina. It will also shed light on the training requirements, license requirements and wage prospects in this field.

Should I Become a Doctor

If you have high emotional intelligence, are good at working under pressure and enjoy challenging work, then a career in medicine would suit you.
The table below gives a snapshot of the training, licensing, and skill-set requirements for Physicians and Surgeons. This information has been extracted from BLS.

Education Required Doctoral or professional training.
Major Requirement Medicine
License/Certification A state license is needed.
Experience/Training Residency/Internship.
Key Skills Problem Solving, Communication, Leadership, and Organization Skills, along with Good Physical Stamina, Patience, Compassion, and Dexterity
Annual Mean Wage – US (2020) $218,850 (Physicians, All Other; and Ophthalmologists, Except Pediatric)
Annual Mean Wage – South Carolina (2020) $237,110 (Physicians, All Other; and Ophthalmologists, Except Pediatric)
Job Outlook – South Carolina (2018-2028) 6% (Physicians, All Other)

Career Requirements

Since doctors often deal with people who are sick, stressed, and emotionally disturbed, therefore it is important that they have compassion and good communication skills, so they can counsel their patients along with treating them. Moreover, Physicians and Surgeons also need mental endurance and physical stamina because they are required to work for long hours, especially during surgery. In addition to these traits and skills, aspiring Physicians and Surgeons also have to complete an intensive and rigorous doctoral training in order to join this profession.

Steps to Become a Doctor in South Carolina

Aspiring doctors are required to follow the steps below in order to achieve their professional goals:

  1. Complete a Bachelor’s Degree


    2. In order to get admitted to a medical school, individuals have to complete their pre-medical education. Thus, enrolling in a four-year long bachelor’s program that provides instructions in subjects like Chemistry, Math, Biology and Physics is recommended.

  1. Gain Volunteer Experience


    2. While in college, students are advised to work as interns at a clinic, hospital, or some other healthcare setting, in order to gain healthcare experience. Working in a professional setting helps individuals understand what doctors do and helps them decide whether they want to pursue a career in this field.

  1. Enroll in a Medical School


    2. This step involves passing the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) in order to get into the Doctor of Medicine program. The four-year long program delivers instructions on a range of topics such as Biochemical Basics of Disease, Molecular Medicine and Medical Physiology. Candidates are also required to complete minimum one year of post-graduate residency training.

  1. Get Licensed!


    2. Once the residency training has been completed, candidates should send their licensure applications to the South Carolina Board of Medical Examiners. Please note that in order to get a permanent license to practice, candidates have to pass the licensing exam.

How Long Does It Take to Become a Doctor in South Carolina?

The procedure of becoming a doctor in South Carolina is pretty time-consuming. It requires a four-year long bachelor’s degree, followed by a four-year long doctoral degree. Once the education criteria has been met, candidates have to complete minimum one year of post-graduate training.

What Are the Requirements for Becoming a Doctor in South Carolina?

The candidate must:

  • Have graduated from a medical school in Canada or the US, that has received accreditation from the Liaison Committee on Medical Education or by some other state-approved accrediting body; or
  • Have graduated from a school of osteopathic medicine in Canada or the US, which has received accreditation from the Commission on Osteopathic College Accreditation or by some other state-approved accrediting body.
  • Have completed minimum one year of state-approved postgraduate medical residency training.
  • Have cleared the medical licensing exam.

 

How Much Can I Make as a Doctor in South Carolina?

The US Bureau of Labor Statistics has broken down the broad category of Physicians and Surgeons into many sub-segments, one of which includes Family Medicine Physicians. BLS has reported that the yearly mean wage of Family Medicine Physicians working in the South Carolina in 2019 was $229,710. This figure is higher than the national average of $213,270.

Career Outlook for Doctors in South Carolina

O*Net Online projects a 6% career growth in South Carolina for the category of “Physicians, All Other” from 2018 and 2028. This percentage growth is a little higher than the average job growth across the US, which is 5%.

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