Both types of schools require a completed college education for admission. The importance of each factor is weighted differently, depending on the medical school you apply for. The training at medical schools generally takes 4 years. In the first two years, basic knowledge about the human body, its normal and abnormal functioning, and key facts from related biomedical sciences have to be studied. Applications for a program of your choice have to be filed by fall of the year before you want to start.
Most programs use a central, computerized service, called the match for processing the applications.
Internships generally start on July 1. Once you pass Step 3, you can apply for a license in one or more states, and you may practice medicine without supervision. The duration of residency programs varies between 3 and 5 years, depending on the specialty. After your residency, and after passing the respective board exam, you may call yourself a specialist for your field. Subspecialisations are available and require a fellowship of usually 2 years.