Medical
Steps to Becoming an Orthopedic Surgeon
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Steps to Becoming an Orthopedic Surgeon

1
Enroll in a four-year Bachelor's Degree program
2
Complete the required pre-medical course work
3
Study and take the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT)
4
Apply to medical schools
5
Approval: Medical School Admission
6
Attend medical school for 4 years
7
Pass the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) - Step 1
8
Complete a surgical internship
9
Pass United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) - Step 2
10
Approval: Surgical Internship
11
Apply to orthopedic residency programs
12
Complete a 5-year orthopedic residency program
13
Pass United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) - Step 3
14
Approval: Orthopedic Residency Completion
15
Apply to orthopedic surgery fellowships
16
Complete a 1-2 year orthopedic surgery fellowship
17
Become certified with the American Board of Orthopedic Surgery
18
Apply for state licensure
19
Approval: State Licensure
20
Start practicing as an Orthopedic Surgeon