Plastic surgery requires high levels of training, education and dedication article source. This medical specialty demands high levels of precision. This is a list of all the educational requirements for a career in plastic surgery.

1. Undergraduate Education
First, you need a bachelor’s degree, typically in a science-related field, such as biology, chemistry, or premed. This four-year course prepares students to enter medical school. Plastic surgeons who want to enter medical school need to achieve high academic standards in science subjects. Students are also encouraged to engage in extracurricular activities, volunteer work or research projects as a way to improve their application.

2. Medical School
You can enter medical school after completing a bachelor’s degree. The course lasts four years. Medical college admission is very competitive. The Medical College Admission Test is a requirement. In the first two years of medical school, you will be primarily focused on classroom training in topics such as anatomy, pathology or physiology. Rotations in various medical specialties are included in the final two years of medical school. This allows students to gain practical experience while caring for patients.

3. Residency:
The next step after graduating with a Doctor of Medicine (or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine) is residency. Plastic surgeons who wish to pursue a career in the field must first complete a 5-to-6-year internship. Residents gain valuable experience during this time in emergency medicine, surgical techniques and patient care. Plastic surgery residency is usually three years after general surgery. This specialization focuses on cosmetic, craniofacial, and microsurgery.

4. Board Certification
Plastic surgeons must be board certified after completing their residency to show that they have the experience and dedication to provide high-quality patient care. In the United States, it requires passing rigorous tests administered to you by American Board of Plastic Surgery. Board certification is a sign of excellence, and it can be a requirement for hospital privileges or insurance reimbursement.

5. Education Continuation:
With the constant advancement in technology and techniques, this field is constantly changing. Plastic surgery professionals need to continue their education in order to keep up with the latest advancements. Attending conferences, workshops and completing additional certifications are all possible.

The road to become an expert plastic surgeon is paved with many years of training and study. It is estimated that a plastic surgeon will spend a minimum of 13-15 years in school and training after high school. The chance to change lives through surgical artistry, for those who have the passion and dedication to pursue it, is worth the journey.