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Physician (doctor): the path

Diagnose, treat, and provide preventive care to individuals and families across the lifespan. May refer patients to specialists when needed for further diagnosis or treatment. Description from O*NET

Also called: Board Certified Family Physician, Family Medicine Physician, Family Physician, Family Practice Medical Doctor (FP MD), Family Practice Physician (FP Physician)

Typical pay$271,090Median yearly pay, BLS 2025
Job outlook+3.6% jobsProjected change, 2025–35. All jobs: +3.5%.
Time after high schoolAbout 11 to 15 yearsTypical full-time study and training
  1. Step 1Bachelor’s degree4 years, any major, plus pre-med science courses
  2. Step 2MCAT examMedical school entrance test, usually in year 3 of college
  3. Step 3Medical school (MD or DO)4 years, with national licensing exams along the way
  4. Step 4Residency3 to 7 years of paid training, depending on the specialty
  5. Step 5State licenseThen board certification in the specialty

Typical education to start: Doctoral or professional degree · More on the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook

Clubs and volunteering for this career →

Colleges for this path

Related majors: Biology, General · Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology · Physiology, Pathology and Related Sciences · Chemistry

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1,358 colleges match

College Scorecard, 2024 data. Earnings are the median for graduates of the related majors, 4 years after graduating. All figures are estimates.

Best value = earnings ÷ (net price × years of study). Net prices under $1,000 count as $1,000.

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