Shortest doctor profession

Hey everyone! I'm interested in becoming a doctor, but I don't want to spend so many years in school. What's the shortest doctorate or medical profession I could get into? Any advice would be appreciated!

Hey there! If you're looking for the shortest route to a medical profession, you may want to consider becoming a Physician Assistant (PA). PAs are medical professionals who work under the supervision of a doctor, and their education typically takes around two years of full-time study after completing a Bachelor's degree. This is considerably shorter compared to the time it takes to become a doctor, which usually involves four years of medical school followed by a 3-7 year residency.

To become a PA, you'll first need to complete a Bachelor's degree and then apply to a Master's Physician Assistant program. During this program, you'll complete coursework in medical sciences and hands-on clinical training. After completing the program, you'll need to pass the Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam (PANCE) to become certified.

While the PA route is shorter, keep in mind that the scope of practice and autonomy in decision-making may be more limited compared to doctors. You'll typically work closely with physicians on diagnosing and treating patients and be able to handle a wide range of medical issues within the bounds of your education and expertise.

Another option to consider is becoming a Nurse Practitioner (NP). NPs are advanced practice nurses who typically hold a Master's degree or higher and have more autonomy than Registered Nurses (RNs). They can diagnose and treat patients, prescribe medications, and in some states, even practice independently without the supervision of a doctor. Becoming an NP also tends to take less time than becoming a doctor, usually involving a few years of additional education and clinical experiences after earning a Bachelor's degree, depending on the specialization you choose.

Remember, it's generally more important to pick a profession you are genuinely passionate about than one that will earn you money quicker. So, while it's good you are looking at your options, keep your mind open to professions that might take a few extra years to enter.