What steps must I follow to become a doctor in the USA after 10+2 in India?
16 Oct 2026 · Answered by Geetha Muthu · 1 min read
Quick Answer
verified
The USA has no separate MBBS. You typically complete a four-year pre-medical bachelor's degree, take the MCAT, apply to MD programs, finish the four-year MD, then clear the USMLE exams. Your credentials are verified by ECFMG before a residency application. Check official pages for current rules.
The route in the USA differs from India after 10+2. There is no MBBS degree there, so you pursue an MD directly after an undergraduate degree.
Steps to Become a Doctor in the USA
| Step | What happens |
|---|---|
| 1. Pre-medical degree | Four-year undergraduate degree such as a BSc with Biology, Chemistry, Physics or related courses |
| 2. MCAT | Standardised exam required for admission to medical schools |
| 3. Apply to MD programs | Begin after you receive your MCAT scores |
| 4. MD program | Four years of classroom learning and intensive clinical training |
| 5. USMLE | Step 1, Step 2 and Step 3 exams to become a licensed practitioner |
Scores and Verification
- An MCAT score of around 512 is described as the average needed for medicine courses, but this varies by university.
- Before applying for a US medical residency, your medical credentials must be verified by the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG).
- Check the official medical school and exam pages for the latest rules.
My Advice
Plan the pre-medical degree carefully, because a qualified undergraduate degree is mandatory before medical school. Build your MCAT preparation early and confirm each school's requirements on its official page.
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