What is Required to Become a Plastic Surgeon?

<h2 id="section---WhatIsAPlasticSurgeon">What Is a Plastic Surgeon?</h2> <p>Plastic surgeons are doctors who perform cosmetic and reconstructive surgery on patients. Their work can range from elective surgery, such as rhinoplasty or breast augmentation, to preventative surgery, such as 'mini' facelifts that prevent issues such as loose neck skin later in life, to reconstructive surgery, such as fixing deformities or creating skin grafts for burn victims. </p> <p /> <table border="1"><tr><td><b>Job Type</b></td><td> Plastic Surgeon</td></tr> <tr><td><b>Education</b></td><td> Bachelor's degree, medical school</td></tr> <tr><td><b>Training</b></td><td> Residency, optional fellowship</td></tr> <tr><td><b>Testing</b></td><td> Medical College Admission Test, United States Medical Licensing Examination, optional specialty or subspecialty certification exam</td></tr> <tr><td><b>License and Certification</b></td><td> Medical license to practice from state board, optional specialty or subspecialty certification</td></tr> </table><h2 id="section---HowManyYearsOfSchoolToBecomeAPlasticSurgeon">How Many Years of School to Become a Plastic Surgeon?</h2> <p><a href="https://learn.org/articles/Plastic_Surgeon_Become_a_Plastic_Surgeon_in_5_Steps.html">Becoming a plastic surgeon</a> requires years of rigorous education and training. It starts with a bachelor's degree, which takes 4 years, followed by a medical school, which takes another 4 years, and finally, a residency, which usually lasts about 6 years. Fellowships may also be completed; they typically last 1 year. </p> <h2 id="section---WhatDegreeDoYouNeedToBeAPlasticSurgeon">What Degree Do You Need to Be a Plastic Surgeon?</h2> <p>While there is no specific plastic surgeon major, the education and training for plastic surgeons gets more specialized as they advance in their programs. Below is more detailed information about plastic surgeon education requirements, from an undergraduate degree to fellowship training. </p> <h3 id="section---UndergraduatePlasticSurgeonEducationRequirements">Undergraduate Plastic Surgeon Education Requirements</h3> <p>No specific undergraduate major is required for plastic surgeons, but they do have to complete certain courses in order to be accepted into medical school. Some universities have pre-med programs that allow students to choose classes in conjunction with their major that will prepare them for medical school. Courses in the hard sciences, such as <a href="https://learn.org/articles/Online_Biochemistry_Courses_and_Schools_Answers_to_Your_Questions.html">biochemistry</a>, biology, and physics are common requirements, as well as behavioral science classes including psychology and sociology, and other courses outside the sciences, such as writing. </p> <p>Once an individual has graduated or is about to graduate, they can apply to take the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT). The test covers concepts learned in courses that are required for medical school. While the test can be taken at any time, it is recommended that students take it early enough to get their scores in time for medical school applications and to give themselves enough time to retake the test if necessary. </p> <h3 id="section---GraduatePlasticSurgeonEducationRequirementsMedicalSchool">Graduate Plastic Surgeon Education Requirements: Medical School</h3> <p>Admissions requirements vary by school, but most medical schools require letters of recommendation in addition to the prerequisite courses and MCAT scores. Some schools might also like to see and evidence of character strength, leadership, or other qualities. </p> <p>The first 2 years of medical school instruct students through classroom and lab work, with courses in anatomy, histology, clinical medicine, and human health and disease. The last 2 years are comprised of clinical rotations in teaching hospitals where students gain hands-on experience in patient evaluation and treatment in a variety of areas. Students are usually encouraged to take elective courses or experiences that enrich their education or explore their specialty of interest. </p> <p>Before students can graduate from medical school, they will have to pass the first 2 steps of the United States Medical Licensing Exam (USMLE). The first step is usually taken at the end of their second year of medical school, and the second step is usually taken in their 4th year before they apply to a residency program. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions and simulations that test one's knowledge and capabilities in medical settings. </p> <h3 id="section---PlasticSurgeonResidencyEducation">Plastic Surgeon Residency Education</h3> <p>Residency programs are when the training is specific to a student's chosen specialty; an aspiring plastic surgeon would choose a plastic surgery residency. In addition to providing USMLE scores, a CV, and medical school transcripts, residency programs usually request an interview in order to assess applicants' character and leadership ability. These programs are usually highly selective and accept only a few applicants a year. </p> <p>Plastic surgeon residencies typically last 6 years. The first few years instruct students in broad areas of surgery, such as neurosurgery and transplant surgery. This is also when students usually take the final step 3 of the USMLE. The last few years instruct them in all areas of plastic surgery, such as general plastic surgery, aesthetic and craniofacial surgery, and hand and reconstructive surgery. Residents who have already done 3 years in general surgery may choose a 3-year independent residency rather than the 6-year integrated one. </p> <p>Finally, a student can earn a medical license from their state board once they have completed residency training and passed all parts of the USMLE. They can also pursue certification from the American Board of Plastic Surgery, but it is not required. </p> <h3 id="section---OptionalEducationPlasticSurgeonFellowship">Optional Education: Plastic Surgeon Fellowship</h3> <p>Plastic surgeons who wish to gain certification in a subspecialty of plastic surgery will most likely need to complete additional training through a fellowship. Fellowships typically last one year; the available subspecialties are craniofacial surgery and hand surgery. Applicants must complete medical school and a residency that is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME). Other requirements vary by program, but applicants must either be eligible for a medical license or already have one. </p> <p>Once a fellowship is complete, a plastic surgeon must pass an exam to gain subspecialty certification from the American Board of Plastic Surgery. </p> <h2 id="section---LicensureAndCertification">Licensure and Certification</h2> <p>State licensure is required for all plastic surgeons. As mentioned above, aspiring plastic surgeons take the first 2 steps of the USMLE during and after med school and the final step during their residency. They must pass all 3 steps and complete the residency to earn a license. </p> <p>Certification is not required, but can help plastic surgeons' careers. The American Board of Plastic Surgery certification exams must be taken within 8 years of completing residency; there are both written and oral components. Subspecialty certification is also available from the board.</p>