Doctors diagnose diseases, treat illnesses and injuries. They examine patients, perform diagnostic tests and discuss results. As per the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were 1,980 doctors employed in Utah in 2019 in the occupational category of Physicians, all other and Ophthalmologists, except Pediatric.

 

Should I Become a Doctor

If you intend to become a doctor in Utah, go through the following table for a quick look into this career.

Education Required Medical Degree or Ph. D
Major Requirement Medicine
Training 3-7 years residency
Licenses/Certifications Required
Key Skills Physical Fitness, Dexterity, Communication Ability, Compassion, Analytical Ability
Annual Mean Salary – US (2020) $218,850 (Physicians, all other and Ophthalmologists, except Pediatric)
Annual Mean Salary – Utah (2020) $239,450 (Physicians, all other and Ophthalmologists, except Pe
Job Outlook – Utah (2018-28) 14% (Physicians, All Other )

Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics and O*Net Online

Career Outlook

To become a doctor, candidates need to be licensed. They should have a medical degree from an accredited medical college. Aspiring doctors are required to complete 3-7 years of residency program. They need to have strong problem-solving and communication skills so they can understand the problems of their patients and solve them effectively. As per the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, job opportunities for physicians and surgeons are projected to grow 7% from 2018-2028.

Steps to Become a Doctor in Utah

  1. Get a Bachelor’s Degree

  2. The first step to become a doctor is to get an undergraduate degree. Students do not have to choose a specific major as medical schools do not have any major requirements. Although, they have to complete some coursework in a few subjects like physics, mathematics, chemistry and biology.

  1. Take the Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT)
  2. Prospective doctors have to take the mandatory Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT). It is a standardized exam which is required by all medical schools. The MCAT accesses the students’ knowledge regarding organic chemistry, biology, physics and general chemistry etc. It also gauges their writing skills, problem-solving skills and verbal reasoning.

  1. Earn a Medical Degree
  2. Students who do well on the MCAT have a higher chance of getting admitted to a medical college. The first two years of the medical program involves theoretical knowledge, classroom and laboratory work. Students are expected to complete their coursework in pathology, anatomy and physiology and pharmacology, etc.

    The last two years focus on developing students’ skills. They are allowed to work directly with patients under expert supervision. During the last two years students also get a chance to figure out their area of specialty for the residency program.

  1. Complete the Residency Program

  2. The residency program lasts for 3-7 years depending on the specialization chosen by the resident. Some of the specialty areas include psychiatry, anesthesiology, emergency medicine and pediatrics, etc. Residents are allowed to work with patients in their chosen area and perform duties like compiling medical histories and performing medical exams, etc.

  1. Obtain Licensure
  2. Professionals have to earn a license to practice medicine in the US. Each state has a different requirement. In Utah, applicants have to pass the United States Medical Licensing Exam (USLME), National Board of Osteopathic Medical Examiners (NBOME), Federation Licensing Exam (FLEX), Licentiate of the Medical Council of Canada (LCMM) and the Special Purpose Examination (SPEX). Candidates are also expected to take the Utah Controlled Substances Law and Rules Examination. The Division of Occupational & Professional Licensing in Utah issues the license. It requires numerous primary source verification.

How Long Does It Take to Become a Doctor in Utah?

Aspiring doctors have to complete their 4 year undergraduate degree followed by a 4-year graduate program at an accredited medical school. Once they finish all the education requirements, they have to complete the residency program which lasts for 3-7 years depending on the specialization.

What Are the Requirements of Becoming a Doctor in Utah?

Following are the requirements to become a doctor in Utah:

  • Obtain a Bachelor’s degree
  • Take MCAT and get admission in an accredited medical college
  • Obtain a medical degree and finish the medical residency program
  • Take the required licensing exams for Utah licensure

How Much Can I Make after Becoming a Doctor in Utah?

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the annual mean salary of Physicians, all other and Ophthalmologists, except Pediatric in Utah was $239,450 in 2020.

Career Outlook

As per O*Net Online, the occupational category of “Physicians, All Other” will experience a stellar job growth of 14% in the state of Utah between 2018 and 2028. The national job growth projection for the same time period is 5%.