Interested in a Career as an ENT? Here’s How to Get Started

Are you currently interested having a career in the field of medicine? If so, you have plenty of options. You can always become a physician. This gives you the opportunity to diagnose and treat a variety of illnesses, injuries, and health complaints. You may also want to specialize so what about becoming an ENT in Houston?

As an ear, nose, and throat specialist, you’ll treat everything from allergies and sinus conditions to ear infections, hearing loss, and even speech problems. This is only a sample of the types of medical complaints you’ll see as an ENT specialist in the Bayou City. If this sounds like an interesting career path, here’s what you need to know about starting a career as an ENT.

Required Education

ENTs are medical doctors so you’re going to need more than a high school diploma and a few years of college. You need a medical degree and this is only the start. If you’re wondering how long it takes on average to start work as a practicing ENT, it typically takes around 15 years. Yes, this is a significant commitment to your education. So, what does your education and training look like for the next 15 years of your life?

You start in a four-year undergraduate program. This isn’t part of your medical training but you probably also don’t want to spend these four years studying art and literature. You should plan on majoring in either science or biology. You can even get a little ahead by declaring a double major in both subjects. This isn’t necessary but it can give you a bit of an advantage when it’s time to apply for medical school.

After completing the four-year undergrad program, you move on to getting your medical degree. This is going to take another four years of school. Congratulations on completing medical school, you’re now the proud holder of a medical degree. However, it’s not time to start practicing just yet. You still have a few more steps to go.

Now, you have five years of residency training. This is when you can see patients but are closely monitored by an experienced physician. In other words, you’re still not ready to open your own ENT practice. Your residency training is broken down into the following:

• 3 years of otolaryngology residency.
• 1 year of general surgery training.
• 1 additional year of training.

You may want to go into an ENT subspecialty. If so, this takes another two years of training.

Licensing and Certification

Even though you hold a couple of degrees, you still need to pass the United States Medical Licensing Exam (USMLE).

Take a deep breath, the exam can be intensive. However, you have plenty of time to study and the exam only covers materials learned in class. Your textbooks and class notes should be enough for you to score a passing grade.

You may also want to get certified by the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS). This usually isn’t a requirement to start a career as an ENT but it’s often expected. This can be especially true if you’re seeking employment in a hospital or established practice.

Don’t forget about state licensing requirements. These requirements vary by state so it’s a good idea to check with your instructor or a licensed physician to learn more.

Continuing Education

Just when you think you’re finally finished with school, it’s time to take another class. Every seven to ten years, you need to renew your ENT license. The law is different from state to state so check when you need to renew yours.

To keep your ENT license current you’ll need to perform a specific number of CME (clinical medical education) hours. You can usually get your CME hours in by attending certified classes or even following another licensed physician around.

What Happens if Your ENT Certification Expires?

If you let your certification lapse, you can’t practice medicine. However, it’s usually not too difficult to get back in good standing with your state’s medical board.

Usually, you only need to complete the required CME hours. You may also be required to take an exam but this usually depends on how long your medical license is expired.

Is A Career As an ENT Right for You?

Sure, becoming an ENT takes a lot of school and training, and this definitely isn’t something you can accomplish in a few years.

However, once you’re finally certified in field then you’re well on your way to enjoying an interesting and potentially lucrative career in a field that really makes a difference in people’s lives.