Obstetricians and gynecologists specialize in women's health issues, such as pregnancy, childbirth and the reproductive system. Obstetricians earn $126,354 to $226,637 annually, as of 2010. To obtain a license to practice obstetrics, you must have the proper educational background. Obstetricians also may seek board certification, which requires continuing education.
Undergraduate Education
A pre-medical student must complete an undergraduate degree program in biology, chemistry, anatomy, mathematics or social science. The student seeking a career as an obstetrician does not pursue a specialized education in obstetrics in an undergraduate program. Medical schools consider transcripts, activities and the character of the student. Students also must submit scores from the Medical College Admissions Test and recommendations from undergraduate professors, doctors and advisers. Every medical school has its own score requirements.
Medical School
Medical school is four years of classroom and clinical training. Students study anatomy, physiology, biology, microbiology, pharmacology, ethics, medical laws, pathology and psychology during the first two years of medical training. During the final two years, students acquire practical experience under the supervision of a physician. Students work in hospitals and clinics in a variety of medical specialties such as obstetrics, pediatrics, surgery, internal medicine and psychiatry.
Residency
Obstetrics students enter a residency program after graduating from medical school. Students are paid for residency training, which is exclusively in the specialty of obstetrics. A residency program for an obstetrician is four years. During the four years, students work under the direction of experienced physicians. Residents learn the basics of obstetrics such as ultrasound, primary care and family planning by practicing with trained physicians. The physicians also rotate in different areas of obstetrics such as high-risk and infertility.
Board Certification
After a residency program, obstetricians can gain certification from the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology. Board certification requires the obstetrician to pass a written and oral examination as well as have experience in the field of obstetrics and gynecology. The board determines whether the candidate demonstrates knowledge and skill as an obstetrician.
Obstetricians can specialize in another area of obstetrics, such as maternal-fetal medicine and infertility and reproductive endocrinology. Specialization in these areas requires an additional three years of training before board certification. Obstetricians certified since 2001 must be recertified every six years with a written examination or an oral examination.
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