FAQ
Internist FAQ
Answers to the most common questions about working as an internist.
Straight answers to the questions people ask most about becoming an internist: pay, training time, degrees, certifications and whether it’s a good career.
9 questions about internists
What’s an internist?
A physician specializing in adult medicine.
What’s a hospitalist?
An internist who cares for hospitalized patients.
Is internal medicine a path to specialties?
Yes, it leads to cardiology, GI, oncology and more.
How much does an internist make?
The median annual wage for internists was $256,560 ($123.35 per hour) in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% earned less than $73,570 and the highest 10% earned more than $475,430.
How long does it take to become an internist?
Most people need about 11 years after high school of training. Medical school plus a three-year internal medicine residency are required, along with a state license and board certification.
Do you need a degree to be an internist?
Yes. BLS lists a doctoral or professional degree as the typical entry-level education, and you also need a state license to practice.
Is internist a good career?
It can be, depending on your goals. Employment is projected to change +4.0% from 2025–35 (about as fast as average), with about 1,900 openings each year. Upsides include solve complex medical problems; a common challenge is that heavy patient loads.
What skills does an internist need?
Key technical skills include diagnostic reasoning, chronic disease management, hospital medicine, and pharmacology. Employers also value critical thinking, communication, and empathy.
What certifications are available for internists?
Common credentials include ABIM board certification, State medical license, Hospital medicine focus, and Subspecialty fellowship. Physicians need a state medical license after licensing exams and residency.
Still deciding?
Try the Internist fit quiz, compare with Family Medicine Physician, or explore Internist training.
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025, SOC 29-1216 (General internal medicine physicians).
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Employment Projections, Table 1.2 (2025–35).
- O*NET OnLine summary for General internal medicine physicians (U.S. Department of Labor).
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Reviewed by the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team. Pay figures are national estimates; local pay varies. See our editorial policy.