Admission to medical school is extremely competitive. Character, personality, leadership qualities and participation in extracurricular activities are other factors considered. Medical school usually takes four years, with the first two spent on the basic sciences and clinical work. The last two years are entirely clinical as students learn to diagnose and treat illness under the supervision of experienced physicians. There is also a rotation through the various specialties during theses last two years.
Residency follows medical school last three years.
Licensing includes two examinations during medical school as well as state licensure examinations. Those who want to specialize can take as long as seven additional years in residency as well as completion of specialty liscening examinations.