A medical degree is an educational degree admitted to people who have successfully completed coursework from an accredited medical institution, such as a college or university. Attaining a degree in medical science opens up the possibility of continuing on to specialty training with the aim of securing a medical license in their respective jurisdiction. This means that if you complete a four year degree program you will be able to specialize in a particular medical discipline. Once you have your degree, you are well on your way to starting a career as a practicing doctor. The job prospects available for graduates are vast and include working in government hospitals, private practices, research facilities and hospitals.
If you wish to go on and study further in the medical field, you may be pleased to hear that there is currently an excellent job market available. Many graduates have found employment in teaching healthcare professions and healthcare management, though the most promising areas of healthcare tend to be in the research sector and public healthcare. Healthcare organizations require large amounts of staff and administrators, and graduate students in healthcare management may well find employment as managers or executives. Graduates also have the opportunity to pursue careers as teachers, counselors and even journalists.
In the UK, there are two main systems of qualified MBBS entry exams, one for those wishing to study medicine (MBBS) and another for those wishing to become dental professionals (Dental MBBS). The dental exam requires candidates to demonstrate knowledge of all areas of oral health care, which should include the knowledge of risk management, the function of the mouth and dental caries. Those wishing to study medicine can opt for an MBBS, which requires passing grades in subjects such as anatomy, diagnostic procedures and human biology. Earning one’s MBBS in the UK requires three years of full time university study, after which you must obtain a qualifying examination from one of the many accredited MBBS colleges or universities.
Students studying medical science who would like to specialize in any area of medicine, including public health, will need to obtain a BDS. These courses involve both theory and practical instruction, and many students find the career progression to be challenging. After completing your BDS, students may find that they are unable to advance their medical education due to lack of suitable post-graduate studies. The level of education required to become a BDS varies between countries, depending on the regulations governing the profession in that country. In the United Kingdom, doctors must meet certain educational criteria before they can apply for a BDS; a student must pass both a Foundation Certificate and a National Health Service (NHS) Examination.
Careers within the NHS are varied, and include everything from a nurse to a medical technician or laboratory analyst. A nurse is a member of a healthcare team that provides assistance to healthcare practitioners in treating patients. Medical administrative assistants perform routine tasks that allow healthcare providers to carry out their work. Other tasks may include using medical equipment or supplies, or arranging patient rooms. Some administrative assistants also act as consultants, allowing healthcare providers to concentrate on their work.
If you would prefer to study further and have more job opportunities after you graduate, you may wish to consider becoming a healthcare biller. Healthcare billers collect and tabulate bills from patients, private healthcare organizations, and healthcare providers. Once these bills are collected, they are sent to the healthcare provider or other billing office for payment. Depending on the specialization you pursue, you may also have the opportunity to work with physicians or medical assistants in billing assignments.
Students looking for specialized positions in the healthcare industry should consider studying core subjects in their first two years of MBBS, or any other degree program leading towards a career in medicine. These core subjects are Introduction to Medical Science, Medical Terminology, and Medical Ethics. These classes prepare students for their careers as nurses, physician assistants, dental hygienists, pharmacy technicians, and much more. If you wish to take additional courses after your bachelor’s degree, you can consider enrolling in an online program that will allow you to complete your MBBS or master’s degree without interrupting your employment. You will still be able to maintain your current position if you choose to go back to school.
The length of your MBBS degree program will depend on your academic setting, the number of units you require per semester, and the number of units you take per semester. Most programs last four years, while some can run two years, just as long as you complete all requirements within the time frame allotted. There are many health care related courses offered for those students who are interested in pursuing a career in this field, and you should contact the counseling office at your school to find out more information.