High School

You can prepare for a career in endocrinology by taking courses in laboratory sciences such as biology and chemistry. Courses in algebra, trigonometry, geometry, and computer science will also be crucial for future laboratory work. English and speech classes will foster good communication skills, and courses in art and music will help broaden your understanding of the therapeutic nature of creative work.

Postsecondary Training

Endocrinologists must complete a bachelor's degree, usually in biology, chemistry, or a premed program. They then must earn a medical (M.D. or D.O.) degree, which requires four years of medical school. For the first two years students attend lectures and classes and spend time in laboratories. They learn to take patient histories, perform routine physical examinations, and recognize symptoms. In the third and fourth years, they are involved in more practical studies. They work in clinics and hospitals supervised by residents and physicians and learn acute, chronic, preventive, and rehabilitative care. They go through what are known as rotations, or brief periods of study in a particular area, such as internal medicine, obstetrics and gynecology, pediatrics, psychiatry, and surgery. Then they must complete a minimum of four years in residency.

After completing a residency in internal medicine, obstetrics and gynecology, or pediatrics, a specialist in endocrinology must pursue a specialized internship or fellowship in the field, usually lasting an additional three to four years.

Other Education or Training

Continuing education opportunities are provided by many national and state organizations, including the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists, American Association of Endocrine Surgeons, and the Endocrine Society. Contact these organizations for more information.

Certification and Licensing

The American Board of Internal Medicine offers certification in endocrinology to those who complete training and licensing requirements and pass an examination. The American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists offers the endocrine certification in neck ultrasound to those who pass an examination (which covers the following topics: principles of ultrasound imaging, neck anatomy, thyroid pathology, parathyroid pathology, lymph node pathology, and ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration). Contact these organizations for more information.

All 50 states require physicians be licensed to practice. After graduating from medical school, you need to pass the licensing examination administered through the board of medical examiners in the state where you plan to practice.

There is no way to obtain direct experience in high school, but it's a good idea to take as many health and science classes as possible and participate in science clubs. During your medical training, you will gain experience by completing a four-year residency in internal medicine, obstetrics and gynecology, or pediatrics, and at least three years of training in an endocrinology fellowship.

Communication skills are essential, as most of an endocrinologist's time is spent with patients, talking to them and listening to their histories and problems. Endocrinologists should be highly inquisitive and patient by nature, as this medical discipline relies heavily on laboratory testing and experimentation. Other important traits include strong analytical ability, compassion, excellent time-management skills, and a willingness to continue to learn throughout their career.