How to Become a Gynecologist

Gynecologist Key Stats
Education	4+ Years
Job Outlook	2%

Gynecologists specialize in treating women patients.

These doctors are educated and familiar with the female body and use that experience to treat patients on a variety of medical needs from regular checkups to pregnancy and delivery.

They examine their patient’s bodies and make sure they are healthy and disease free.

Gynecologists can also diagnose and treat disorders or diseases that can occur in female organs such as the genitals, rectum or the urinary tract.

Those who are interested in this field and want to become a Gynecologist require an extensive educational background as well as having an interest in promoting women’s health.

Gynecologists can also work as Obstetricians, which is a specialty dealing with pregnancy.

Education Requirements to Become a Gynecologist

Gynecologists are doctors who specialize in treating women patients.

Candidates must take a specific route in order to become a Gynecologist but it typically resembles that of a general physician.

In short, a potential Gynecologist must secure a bachelor’s degree, attend medical school and complete a residency and seek licensure in order to begin treating female patients.

People who know they want to become a Gynecologist out of high school can immediately begin their career by majoring in a pre-medical degree at an accredited school.

Otherwise, candidates must choose a major that meets medical school requirements such as biology or a physical science degree.

After making sure all medical schools requirements are met, students should take the Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT).

The MCAT is a standardized test accepted by accredited medical schools.

A high MCAT score will result in a competitive application for medical school.

For more information regarding the medical school entry exam, visit: MCAT

A future Gynecologist will need to study a minimum of four years in medical school.

During this time, students will learn in a variety of environments such as a classroom, laboratory and clinical settings.

A student will need to choose their specialization during this time and focus on it towards the end of their medical school career.

After medical school, a candidate will need to practice all the information they learned in a residency.

They will apply concepts and techniques they learned during their medical school years and provide hands on work in conjunction with a licensed professional.

Residencies are typically done at hospitals and a candidate will be able to apply for positions that fit their specialty of choice, such as Gynecology.

Candidates need to be licensed according to state laws; all 50 states require practicing physicians to be licensed.

Candidates should research appropriate laws and examination requirements for the state they wish to work in.

Each state has a medical board that can provide candidates with detailed information.

Gynecologist Job Description

Gynecologists focus on the female anatomy providing prevention, diagnosis and treatment to their patients.

They check for a woman’s overall health asking her for a medical history, background and changes they have noticed.

One common medical procedure that a Gynecologist can perform is pelvic exam.

A Gynecologist will also perform a pap smear whose results are used to check for abnormal growths in the cervix.

A Gynecologist will check for lumps in the breasts and do an abdominal check on the ovaries.

Physicians will also make sure there are no problems with the urinary tract, pelvic area and will check for hormonal imbalances.

Gynecologist can also provide health care to pregnant women up to a certain gestation period; if not a licensed Obstetrician, they can diagnose a pregnancy and provide some prenatal care up to a certain time.

A Gynecologist also certified as an Obstetrician is called an OB/GYN and can treat their patient throughout their pregnancy and may be present during birth.

Some Gynecologists may even treat their female patients postpartum.

Gynecologist Salary and Career Path

Doctors are some of the highest paid workers in the nation.

Their long years of study and expertise of the human body have helped them achieve this salary range.

The national average for this specialty is approximately $210,000 annually.

The exact amount depends on the type of facility a Gynecologist works in: clinic, hospital or private practice.

But a candidate can expect to earn from $101,000 to $205,000 depending on location.

The job outlook for this type of doctor looks promising through the year 2018 due employment growth and an expected increase of retired physicians.

The below information is based on the 2023 BLS national averages.

• Annually
• Monthly
• Hourly

* Salary information based on the May 2023 Occupational Employment Statistics (OES) Survey for Obstetricians and Gynecologists, OCC Code 29-1218, BLS.
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a gynecologist?

A gynecologist is a medical doctor specialized in the health of the female reproductive system.

Gynecologists can treat a variety of conditions related to fertility and menstruation issues, sexually transmitted disorders, but can also monitor women during pregnancy and assist them during childbirth.

Certified gynecologists are trained to carry out several diagnostic procedures and they are also licensed to perform surgeries related to the female reproductive system.

Gynecologists need many years of medical training and a special set of personal qualities, such as compassion, dexterity, and communication skills.

How much does a gynecologist make?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for obstetricians and gynecologists was $238,320 in May 2018.

Salaries for gynecologists vary based on the physician’s education and level of experience but also based on the region and the employer.

How much does it cost to become a gynecologist?

The answer to this question depends on many factors, including the school and the programs you choose.

Gynecologists, like all physicians, need many years of training before becoming licensed to practice.

First, most prospective physicians finish four years of undergraduate studies with coursework in biology, physics, chemistry, maths, and English.

Costs for pre-med programs usually range between $15,000-$60,000 a year.

Taking the Medical College Admission Test is another requirement for future physicians because the MCAT score is submitted along with their application for medical school.

Medical school is 4-years-long and can cost anywhere between $30,000 and more than $60,000 a year, depending on the school and the program itself.

For example, in-state programs at public schools are typically less expensive than those offered by private medical schools.

What is the demand for gynecologists?

According to BLS, the overall employment of obstetricians and gynecologists is projected to grow 2 percent from 2018 to 2028.

The growth will be tempered in part by the fact that new technologies help gynecologists perform tests and procedures faster and healthcare facilities will be able to provide the same quality of care while employing fewer doctors.

However, job opportunities for gynecologists depend on the region and the physician’s level of experience; those who are willing to relocate to underserved areas will have better employment prospects.

How long does it take to become a gynecologist?

Gynecologists need at least 12 years of training beyond high school, including undergraduate courses, medical school and four years of residency.

If you want to specialize in a sub-field of gynecology you may also need to complete a fellowship.

To be allowed to practice, gynecologists need a state license.

Earning a certificate from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists can help gynecologists prove their skills to patients and future employers.