How to Become an Eye Doctor
Things You'll Need
- Financial aid
- Bachelor's degree
- Medical degree
- Residency
- Internship
Instructions
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1
Apply for a grant, scholarship or student loan. Since eye doctors have to complete medical school, you’ll pay thousands of dollars for a degree. To avoid a costly out-of-pocket expense, prepared in advance and apply for college loans or scholarships.
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2
Obtain a Bachelor’s degree. Medical schools require a 4-year degree. You’ll need to take a pre-med track and study biology, physics, chemistry or math. What’s more, you’ll need to take various social science courses.
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3
Get a hospital internship. If you plan to become an eye doctor, familiarize yourself with the medical field. Apply for an internship in a hospital, ophthalmologist 's office or nursing home.
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4
Attend medical school and specialize in ophthalmology. Once you complete your Bachelor’s degree, it’s time to apply to a medical school. Research different schools and pick the one that offers the best ophthalmology program.
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5
Complete a medical residency. Unfortunately, graduating medical school is only the beginning. Next, you’ll have to complete a paid residency with a hospital or clinic. An ophthalmology residency lasts approximately 2 to 6 years.
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6
Start your own medical practice. A residency program provides ample experience. Under a doctor’s supervision, you’ll treat patients, diagnose eye conditions and perform eye surgeries. Only then can you open your own ophthalmology practice.
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