Becoming a doctor takes hard work and preparation. Many medical schools are notoriously hard to get into, which is why it’s important to set yourself up to succeed while you’re still in high school. Learn more about how you can begin preparing for medical school below.

How Can I Prepare for a Career as a Doctor?

1. Research Medical Careers

The medical field is diverse, so start thinking about what kind of doctor you might want to be. When you’re in your third year of medical school, you’ll choose your specialty as a doctor.

If you want to provide general healthcare, you may want to become a general practitioner or pediatrician. Or you might choose a specialty based on a certain area of health, like an orthopedist, cardiologist, or podiatrist. You don’t have to commit to your choice this early, but having a few specialties in mind can guide you through your next steps.

2. Choose Colleges You Might Want to Attend

Look at some colleges you might want to attend so you can prepare for the application and admission process. The process will likely be similar across schools. They’ll look at Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT) scores and performance in high school courses. However, some schools might value life experiences and extracurricular activities, while others prioritize in-person interviews and character.

3. Pick the Right High School Classes

High school is the perfect time to build a strong foundation in math and science. Take advanced placement (AP) classes in biology, chemistry, physics, statistics, and calculus. AP classes will teach you information relevant to the medical field and prepare you for the rigors of college coursework. 

4. Volunteer or Work at a Medical Facility

Volunteering or working part time at a medical facility will give you hands-on experience and insight on what it takes to be a doctor. Depending on where you live, you may be able to take training courses as an emergency medical technician (EMT) or a certified nursing assistant (CNA) as well. In Hawaii, for example, you have to be 18 years old to get certified in either field. You can also volunteer in a clinic, hospital, nursing home, or private practice.

As a college preparatory school, Hawaii Baptist Academy in Honolulu helps students who want to pursue medicine on the right career path, as well as helping others determine career options based on their personal interests. Since 1949, the school has provided students of all ages with a fulfilling education and opportunities to grow their faith. Call (808) 595-7585 or visit their website to learn more about their high school curriculum.