Additional Information
Oncologists, like all other physicians, must go through years of study
and training.
Those interested in pursuing such a career are encouraged to enroll in
a college preparatory course, and take courses in English, languages (especially
Latin), the humanities, social studies, mathematics, biology, chemistry and
physics.
There are no shortcuts to entering the medical profession. It usually takes
about 11 years to become a physician -- four years of undergraduate school,
four years of medical school and three years in residency.
However, some medical schools offer a combined college and medical school
program that lasts six years instead of eight. For some specialties, residency
may take up to eight years. To become an oncologist, you'll need a medical
degree, a licensing examination, a one- or two-year internship and a period
of residency that may extend as long as five years.
Applicants for medical school must submit transcripts, scores from the
Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) and recommendations. Most schools require
an interview with an admissions officer to consider character, personality,
leadership qualities and participation in extracurricular activities.