We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Education

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

How Do I Become an Otorhinolaryngologist?

Tricia Christensen
By
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 3,264
Share

To become an otorhinolaryngologist, or ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialist, a person must complete a bachelor’s degree, a medical degree, and residency training that lasts at least five years. Doctors then take board examinations to be certified in their field. At this point, physicians may also opt to specialize in a subfield of otorhinolaryngology, such as pediatrics, head and neck surgery, or reconstructive and plastic surgery. This additional training takes one to two years to complete.

Before even attending college, students may help themselves by getting strong grades in math and the sciences. This improves the chances of being accepted to a school with a very good reputation, which also increases the likelihood of gaining entry to medical school. Some high schools even offer advanced placement courses, giving pupils a chance to earn college credits and complete some basic science classes before they even reach a university.

College students hoping to become an otorhinolaryngologist will continue their studies, focusing especially on the sciences. The major is unimportant, but students need to be certain to take all of the science classes required by medical schools. This also prepares individuals to take the Medical College Admission Test® (MCAT®). The students most likely to get accepted to medical schools have strong grades and high MCAT® scores.

Upon acceptance to a medical school, students begin a four-year program. The first three years are devoted to study, but the fourth year is a chance to begin the practice of medicine in various hospital departments. This is a good time to test basic fitness to become an otorhinolaryngologist. Like all surgical specialties, this medical field requires excellent hand-eye coordination and, above all, steady hands. If a student does not possess these strengths, he may want to consider a non-surgical specialization.

Those who feel they possess the skills to become an otorhinolaryngologist will participate in residency matching programs. At the same time, students finish medical school and become board-certified physicians. Many doctors interested in this specialty may have to plan on relocation after they’ve matched with a program. Most med students won’t match locally, though a lucky few match with a residency that is nearby.

In order to become an otorhinolaryngologist, doctors must usually spend five years training in a residency program. At this point the physician can take examinations and be certified as a specialist. Some doctors choose to subspecialize and take one or two more years of fellowship training to work in the fields mentioned above. Alternately, the otorhinolaryngologist could train in rhinology, otology, or laryngology. In other words, the physician may become an expert in treating disorders that affect a single area, such as the nose, ears, or throat.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Tricia Christensen
By Tricia Christensen
With a Literature degree from Sonoma State University and years of experience as a WiseGeek contributor, Tricia Christensen is based in Northern California and brings a wealth of knowledge and passion to her writing. Her wide-ranging interests include reading, writing, medicine, art, film, history, politics, ethics, and religion, all of which she incorporates into her informative articles. Tricia is currently working on her first novel.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
Tricia Christensen
Tricia Christensen
With a Literature degree from Sonoma State University and years of experience as a WiseGeek contributor, Tricia...
Learn more
Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/how-do-i-become-an-otorhinolaryngologist.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.