A career in medicine is an investment of time, money, effort and dedication. Doctors generally undergo four years of undergraduate studies in pre-medicine or a related field, followed by four years of medical school and three to eight years of on-the-job training in the form of internships and residencies. If you want to become an emergency medicine physician, choosing the right emergency medicine college is an imperative investment in your future. Examining the staff, courses, costs and benefits of each emergency medicine university can help you figure out which is the best choice for you.
You should investigate an array of colleges offering courses in emergency medicine. Collect information on each one, including the basic curriculum and the specialties of each school. Knowing what you want to study means you can create a list of priorities and narrow down your selection accordingly. For example, if you wish to work with children and an emergency medicine college doesn't offer courses in pediatric emergency care, remove it from your list and keep looking.
Students should take costs into consideration when choosing an institution. Studying emergency medicine doesn't come cheaply, but there can be a vast price difference from school to school. Look at each institution's financial aid package and what, if any, assistance you qualify for. Even if the emergency medicine college you like is a right fit for you, you may not be able to attend or may have to delay attending because of the cost. Seek out colleges within your price range to avoid heartbreak over the tuition bill.
The college’s location also should suit your needs. If commuting isn't a preference, seek out an emergency medicine college in a location you feel comfortable relocating to. If you aren't willing to relocate for medical school, seek local colleges and universities offering a course of study in emergency medicine.
You should also check whether or not the institution offers an opportunity for an emergency medicine fellowship or an emergency medicine residency. Find out if your chosen emergency medicine college has an agreement with any local hospitals and if so, which ones. A university with a nearby teaching hospital can cut commuting costs and allow you to move easily from education to work experience with minimal fuss.
You should be able to narrow down your list of potential emergency medicine schools after examining the costs, features, benefits and residency programs offered by multiple institutions. It’s a wise idea to speak to a representative from each school and tour the facilities. If possible, follow around a student in the program for a day or more. Make a decision after gathering as much information about the colleges as possible.