How to Be an Ear, Nose and Throat Specialist
- 1). Attend a four-year university. Though you can attend medical school with any major, it is best to study biology, chemistry, anatomy or other health-related sciences. No matter what course you take, be sure to study sciences, psychology and math. In your third year of college, take the Medical College Admission Test, known as the MCAT. Apply to medical schools with your MCAT scores, transcripts, letters of recommendation and essays.
- 2). Complete your first two years of medical school. These years take place on campus and include the study of physiology, microbiology, pathology and other health-related sciences. You will study in classrooms and in labs rather than working with actual patients during this time.
- 3). Complete your rotations. These take place during the last two years of medical school. You will try working in different specialties, like internal medicine, family practice and obstetrics. While you're taking your rotations, you should begin searching for residencies in otolaryngology with the help of your supervisor and your professors at medical school. Take the United States Medical Licensing Exam at the end of medical school. Apply to internships with letters of recommendation, medical school transcripts and USMLE scores.
- 4). Complete your residency. It will be at least five years. When you're done, take the American Board of Otolaryngology examination to qualify for licensure. At this point, you have the choice to either begin practicing or to pursue further education so you can work in a specialized area.
- 5). Apply for fellowships in one of the following areas: rhinology, otology/neurotology, allergy, facial plastic and reconstructive surgery, head and neck surgery, laryngology or pediatric otolaryngology.
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