How long does it take to become a surgeon?

The typical path to becoming a surgeon takes anywhere from 11 to 16 years, depending on whether a person specializes. It takes six to eight years to complete the undergraduate and medical school requirements. Internship and residency requirements add another three to eight years.

While medical school is normally four years, some schools allow a student to combine undergrad and medical degrees in a six- to seven-year program. An aspiring surgeon also needs to get licensed in the state in which he wants to practice. The written and verbal exams for licensure take additional time, due to practice and testing.