Types of Medical Degrees for a Doctor

When you go in a doctor's office you can't help but look at the wall and the credentials that your doctor has. Knowing a doctor's educational background is crucial in making the decision when choosing a physician. U.S.-trained physicians are granted M.D. and D.O. degrees. Physicians trained outside the U.S. often receive a M.B. B.S. degree. Knowing the differences between these degrees will help make a more informed decision when choosing a physician.

Medical Doctor Degree

• The Medical Doctor degree is the most common U.S. degree. Students earn a M.D. degree from an accredited four-year medical school. A four-year undergraduate degree is required before becoming eligible for medical school. Classes included in the curriculum for M.D. degrees include microbiology, physiology and pharmacology. Practical experience comes from supervised rotations in various specialties. Examples of these specialities include cardiology, surgery and obstetrics/gynecology. After receiving a medical degree, prospective doctors will serve as residents in a hospital for up to eight years. The final step to receive a Medical Doctor degree is to pass board and state licensing exams.

Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine Degree

• The Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine, or D.O. degree, is the second and somewhat less common U.S. medical degree. This degree is different from a M.D. because a D.O. focuses on treating the body holistically. D.O. training specializes in relationships between nerves, muscles, bones and organs. Specialties with this degree include pediatrics, family practice and internal medicine. In addition to receiving her Bachelor's Degree, the D.O. must also earn her medical degree from an accredited four-year osteopathic school. Courses in an osteopathic medical school include histology, physiology and osteopathic principles and practice. Graduates of osteopathic schools must complete a 12-month internship followed by up to six years in residency. Once the residency is completed, the D.O. must pass her board and state licensing exams before being allowed to practice medicine.

Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery Degree

• The aforementioned medical degrees are provided by U.S. colleges and universities. If you're studying out of the U.S, you'll likely work towards a Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery degree. Despite sounding like two separate degrees, they are awarded as one simultaneously. Depending on in which country you attend medical school, these degree acronyms may vary, including BM BS, MB BS, or MB ChB. Foreign medical school students usually receive these degrees after six years of undergraduate medical studies. Once completed, most of these aspiring doctors must finish an internship before practicing medicine.