How Do I Become a Reproductive Endocrinologist?

In most places, becoming a reproductive endocrinologist requires a commitment to about 11 to 13 years of education and training in the field. To start, you'll have to graduate from high school or earn a general educational development (GED) diploma before gaining admission to college. After spending about four years in college, you will typically spend another four years in medical school. Once your medical school education is complete, however, you will most likely have to spend three years on an obstetrics and gynecology residency, which is a type of hands-on training. You may also need another two years of specialty training to become board certified as an endocrinologist.

Before you can begin studying medicine in depth, you will most likely have to spend years on preparatory education. In most places, you will need a high school diploma or an equivalent credential to gain admission to college. Once in college, you will typically have to earn a four-year degree, which is referred to as a bachelor's degree in many places. In most cases, however, you aren't locked into choosing a pre-medical major when your goal is to become a reproductive endocrinologist. Just about any major is usually acceptable to medical school admissions boards as long as you take a significant number of science courses.

The remainder of your education will typically focus on studying to become a doctor and preparing for your specialty. You will usually spend about four years in medical school, during which time you will learn in the classroom as well as in a clinical setting. After medical school, you will then have to complete an obstetrician and gynecology residency, which may last for about three years, to become a reproductive endocrinologist. Finally, to become a board certified reproductive endocrinologist, you will likely have to complete an additional two or so years of training that focuses on the reproductive endocrinology specialty.

You will typically have to pass some very important exams when you want to become a reproductive endocrinologist. First, in most cases, you will have to pass a medical exam to gain the right to practice medicine. After completing your obstetrics and gynecology residency, you will typically have to take another exam to become board certified in this specialty. Finally, you will need to pass one more exam after you've completed the specialty training required to become a reproductive endocrinologist. If you pass the exam, you will receive board certification as a reproductive endocrinologist.