Medical education in the USA

In the USA Universities and medical colleges train doctors. The doctors’ training takes from 8 to 13 years to become a doctor. The medical students have three or four years of pre-clinical training at the University. During this course students learn the basic subjects. They must have deep knowledge in Anatomy, Biology, Chemistry and others. Medical students may work as nurses after pre-clinical training. Students who have made top grades are chosen candidates for a medical school or medical faculty of the University. This course lasts 4 years. At the time of the clinical training students learn the basic sciences, such as Biological Chemistry, Pharmacology, Physiology, Pathologic Physiology and others. Besides they have Psychology, which teaches the students to deal with patients. The students come in touch with patients in their third and fourth years. During this course the students learn Anesthesiology, Dermatology, Internal Medicine, Surgery, Preventive Medicine, Pediatrics, Gynaecology, Obstetrics and others. After graduation they may improve their qualification at postgraduate or special courses. As a rule after graduation from the University young doctors must work for 3-5 years under the supervision of experienced specialists in a certain field of medicine. After that they may work independently and have private practice.

In the USA there is a system of control and valuation of students’ knowledge levels. The system of test is determined by means of test units. It is used for counting study hours, definition of academic progress and number of studied courses. For receiving the degree of Bachelor it is necessary to get 120-140 units during 4 years of study.

The most Universities are not state. They are private institutions. Each University has its own independent government and syllabuses. Medical education in the USA is very expensive and only the best students receive grants. The students pay additional fees for the using of laboratories, clinics and others.

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