Additional Information
According to the American Urological Association (AUA), it takes four years
of undergraduate work, then four years of medical school and then a minimum
of five years in an internship and residency to become a urologist.
Urologists need training in general surgery and extensive medical training
in urology itself. Some go into subspecialties such as pediatric urology,
which addresses problems in children, or urologic oncology, which deals with
cancers of the genital and urinary systems.
The Occupational Outlook Handbook recommends pre-med students take undergraduate
courses in physics, biology, math, English and inorganic and organic chemistry
while volunteering at a hospital or clinic to gain practical experience.
Acceptance to medical school is highly competitive. Applicants must submit
academic transcripts, scores from the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT),
and letters of recommendation. Most schools also require an interview.
After successfully completing medical school, students enter into a residency
graduate medical program that takes the form of paid on-the-job training,
usually in a hospital.
Urologists in the U.S. must be certified by the American Board of Urology.
Board certification requires successfully passing a written exam taken within
three years after completing the residency in urology. Then a second certifying
exam must be taken within five years after passing the first exam.
Your certification is good for 10 years, at which time you must be recertified.