Education Requirements for Plastic Surgeons
Most people think of plastic surgeons as catering to the wealthy in places such as Beverly Hills or Los Angeles; however, plastic surgeons can be found everywhere. The work is quite varied as well. Some surgeons work specifically in reconstructive surgery, while others specialize in cosmetic surgery. Plastic surgeons are well compensated for their services, but they must undergo years of training and complete a a long list of education requirements before becoming a plastic surgeon.
High School
Plastic surgeon hopefuls should start off with a hard-earned high school diploma. Studying subjects such as biology, anatomy, algebra and English will make the following years a little easier. Earning top grades will help ensure entry into a good college from which to earn your bachelor degree.
Bachelor Degree
After high school, students must earn a bachelor degree as part of the requirements to enter medical school. Students can earn a degree in any subject they wish, but certain science prerequisite classes must be taken as a premed student. Expect to take chemistry, organic chemistry, biology, anatomy, physics and other science courses. Some students find it easier to simply major in a science such as biology or chemistry. During the junior year of college, you should take the MCAT (Medical College Admission Test). Your MCAT score, college grade point average, and volunteer and extracurricular activities will help determine your entrance to medical school.
Medical School
Medical school is required for anyone who wants to become a doctor of any kind. Medical school lasts for four years. Med students take science and medical ethics courses for the first two years. The last two years involve clinical rotations in hospitals or clinics. Students are exposed to many branches of medicine including radiology, surgery, obstetrics and others. It is during these rotations that most students finalize decisions about what type of medicine they want to practice after graduation.
Residency
Once you have decided that plastic surgery is the field for you, you must complete a surgical residency. There are two ways to achieve this: the independent method or the integrated method. In the independent method, the resident will complete a three-year general surgery residency training. Whereas those wanting to be general surgeons would complete an additional two years of general surgery training, a plastic surgery resident spends the next two to three years studying plastic surgery. The integrated method requires residents to spend five to six years training in plastic surgery. Residents are supervised by a plastic surgery program director and must spend at least one year as chief resident during the residency period. Additionally, the resident must complete at least 24 months of concentrated plastic surgery training.
Licensing
After completing a residency, a new plastic surgeon is ready to take the board certifying exam. After passing the exam given by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, a plastic surgeons must apply for a license to practice in her state.
Tags: plastic surgery, biology anatomy, Education Requirements, Education Requirements Plastic, general surgery, high school, independent method