Students applying for medical school must hold a bachelor’s degree and have completed coursework in biology, chemistry, physics, math and English. Most schools require students to submit scores from the Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT). Medical programs can typically be completed in four years. The first two years are spent mostly in classroom study. Clinical practice is introduced progressively throughout the program, and much of the final two years are spent in clinical rotations. Upon completion of the medical program, students may apply for urology residency programs. Like all medical doctors, urologists must be licensed by the state before practicing and may obtain board certification in their specialty.
Before a student can pursue urology specifically, they first must complete a medical program. During the first two years of medical school, students study a wide range of topics that apply to all specialties of medicine including gynecology, obstetrics, pediatrics, neurology and urology. The last two years are spent applying that knowledge to practice through clinical experience. General topics include:
Anatomy and physiology
Functional systems
Neurosciences
Infectious disease
Pathophysiology
After completing a medical degree, doctors enter residency programs to complete their training. Those interested in urology should apply for programs tailored to the field. Once a residency is complete, urologists must pass a state licensing exam to practice. Licensing requirements vary by state. Physicians interested in urology should also consider board certification from the American Board of Urology. Continuing education is necessary to maintain certification and licensure.
Medical students pursuing a specialty program in urology will complete coursework relating to the field and clinical experience to learn hands-on. Students in the program will complete courses like anatomy and physiology, functional systems, and neurosciences to prepare them for a career in urology.