Undergraduate Degree

• Prior to beginning any medical training, prospective candidates must complete a bachelor's degree. Common fields of study include pre-med, science and biology.
  
  

Medical Degree

• Once an undergraduate degree has been completed, a candidate must be accepted into an accredited medical education institution. These programs typically take up to five years to complete. Graduates are awarded an MD (Medical Doctor) degree.
  
  

Internship

• After successfully completing medical school, students must participate in clinical internships. This gives these individuals the opportunity to gain practical knowledge following their theoretical studies.
  
  

Residency

• Once a medical degree has been completed, graduates must participate in an accredited residency program within an accredited oncology center, such as a hospital. The residency allows the prospective oncologist to obtain on the job education within their specialty.
  
  

Board Certification

• The successful completion of a certification examination is the final requirement to becoming licensed as an oncologist.