Hi,
Medical degrees vary significantly in different countries.
Studying medicine in the US or Canada
In the US, medical degrees are only available at graduate level. Before you can apply to medical school, you need to complete at least three years (usually four) of 'pre-med' undergraduate study. The requirements for this are set by the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC).
All students preparing for medical school are required to take courses in biology, chemistry, physics and English.
Most medical schools in the US also require students to take the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT), and most can be applied to through the Ame
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Hi,
Medical degrees vary significantly in different countries.
Studying medicine in the US or Canada
In the US, medical degrees are only available at graduate level. Before you can apply to medical school, you need to complete at least three years (usually four) of 'pre-med' undergraduate study. The requirements for this are set by the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC).
All students preparing for medical school are required to take courses in biology, chemistry, physics and English.
Most medical schools in the US also require students to take the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT), and most can be applied to through the American Medical College Application Service (AMCAS). Once you've secured a place at medical school, you'll study for a further four years to gain either a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) or Doctor of Medicine (D.M.).
Both of these titles qualify you to start practicing medicine. However, you'll then be required to complete a residency training program, which could last anywhere between three and eight years depending on your field of specialization.
The system is largely the same in Canada, though some Canadian medical schools accept applicants who have completed only two years of undergraduate studies. Some also offer fast-track medical degree programs that take three years, rather than four.
Studying medicine in the UK or Australia
In the UK and Australia, the most common path to becoming a doctor is to take an undergraduate-level course in medicine. The standard period for undergraduate medical degrees in both countries is either five or six years. However, for those who've already graduated from a degree in a different subject, it may be possible to take a four-year 'fast-track' course.
Some UK medical and dentistry schools also require candidates to take the UK Clinical Aptitude Test (UKCAT). This doesn't test scientific knowledge, but assesses mental abilities, aptitudes and attitudes.
Meanwhile, some Australian institutes require the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT), or for graduates, the Graduate Medical School Admissions Test (GAMSAT). Both the undergraduate and graduate routes lead to a Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) qualification, which is generally considered equivalent to the D.O. or D.M. gained in North America.
Hope this helps. All the best.
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