To become a cornea specialist, you will need to obtain several degrees which may include a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree, master's degree and a medical degree. Due to the amount of education required to enter this profession, which can reach up to 14 years, you may want to thoroughly research the profession before formally making a career decision. In addition to an extremely advanced education, you may need to participate in years of additional training because this position is in a highly specific medical field. Although most universities do not officially offer a B.S. in a pre-medicine major, you may want to consider obtaining a degree in a biology-based subject area.
Once you have been accepted to an accredited four-year university, you will need to begin working on any prerequisites needed to enroll in advanced science coursework. Since you must complete medical school to become a cornea specialist, you will need to excel in your science courses in order to prepare for the rigorous medical admissions exam that is required at most medical schools. This coursework should include principles of biology, microbiology, organic chemistry, and general physics. There are Internet courses and literature designed to specifically prepare students for medical examinations, and you may want to begin reviewing practice tests during your undergraduate studies.
After you have received your B.S. degree, you will need to research medical schools and programs, and apply for acceptance. An impeccable academic history and high test scores should help you get into an accredited medical university. You should enroll in an ophthalmology program in order to become a cornea specialist, which may take at least four years to complete. Your medical coursework will prepare you for an ophthalmology residency after graduation, and this is required to become a cornea specialist. Most residency programs take at least two years and future employers may want to see high recommendations from your residency director.
The last step needed to become a cornea specialist is a cornea and external disease fellowship, but this requirement may differ slightly depending on the location that you plan to work in. These programs are designed to give you specialized training in the field and is based primarily on clinical work. Although a residency is a similar program, it does not spend a considerable amount of time on the specific skills needed to become a cornea specialist. Most fellowship programs provide you with a decent salary and benefits.
