Career roadmap
How to Become an Internist
The education, training, certifications and steps it takes to start working as an internist, plus how long it takes and where the career can lead.
To become an internist: (1) earn a bachelor’s degree, (2) complete medical school, (3) complete internal medicine residency, (4) pass boards, (5) practice or subspecialize. Most people need about 11 years after high school. BLS lists “doctoral or professional degree” as the typical entry-level education.
5 steps to become an internist
Earn a bachelor’s degree
Pre-med.
Complete medical school
Four years.
Complete internal medicine residency
Three years.
Pass boards
ABIM.
Practice or subspecialize
Fellowship optional.
Education and training requirements
Medical school plus a three-year internal medicine residency are required, along with a state license and board certification.
| Typical entry-level education (BLS) | Doctoral or professional degree |
|---|---|
| Related work experience | None |
| On-the-job training | Internship/residency |
| Typical training time | 11 years after high school |
Certifications and licenses
- ABIM board certification: American Board of Internal Medicine.
- State medical license: Required.
- Hospital medicine focus: Recognition of focused practice.
- Subspecialty fellowship: Cardiology, GI and more.
Skills to build now
Start with diagnostic reasoning, chronic disease management, and hospital medicine, and practice critical thinking and communication. Learning the internist vocabulary early makes training and interviews easier.
Where the career can lead
- Resident: Train.
- Internist or Hospitalist: Practice.
- Subspecialist: After fellowship.
- Chief of Medicine: Lead departments.
Get a head start
Our self-paced Internist training gives you a realistic, practical overview of the job (duties, terminology, step-by-step tasks, safety and interview prep) so you can decide with confidence and show employers you’re serious.
Common questions about getting started
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.
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.
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.