A college education, medical school training, and then further specialization in an otolaryngology residency are all required to become an otolaryngologist. After becoming board-certified otolaryngologists, many ENTs participate in fellowship programs, which vary in length depending on their areas of interest. To become a basic ENT who can use both medical and surgical techniques, it usually takes about 13 years.
Anyone interested in becoming an otolaryngologist or any other type of physician should start their studies in high school excelling in advanced math classes such as trigonometry and calculus, as well as science classes such as biology and chemistry. To get into a good college, you’ll need good grades all around.
Once in college, the emphasis in undergraduate studies remains on science. Many people choose to study pre-medicine, but others choose to study biology, chemistry, biochemistry, or microbiology. Continuing to do well in science classes is important because it prepares students for the Medical College Admission Test, which is used to determine whether or not they will be accepted to medical school.
Medical school combines three years of intensive study of medicine with a fourth-year internship during which students gain more hands-on experience practicing medicine. When people rotate through these studies during their internship, they can decide if they want to become an otolaryngologist. Most people have already made up their minds about their next step, deciding whether they want to specialize or simply become board certified as a general practitioner.
People who are still interested in becoming an otolaryngologist will apply for residencies during their internship year. They’ll have to assess their own abilities to see if this is the right specialty for them. Because otolaryngology is partly surgical, doctors in this field will need steady hands and precision, as well as medical curiosity.
Although an ENT residency takes about five years to complete, many people who want to become otolaryngologists decide to pursue a subspecialty. Facial plastic and reconstructive surgery, pediatrics, and head and neck surgery are some of the subspecialties. Subspecialty fellowships can last anywhere from one to two years. A doctor can become a board certified ENT or have board certification in otolaryngology and another field after completing this training or simply after residency. Application, proof of training, and exams are usually required for board certification.