Ear, Nose, and Throat Specialists

High School

Recommended high school classes include anatomy and physiology, biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics, English, speech classes, computer science, health, psychology, and one or more foreign languages.

Postsecondary Training

After receiving a medical degree and becoming licensed to practice medicine, medical students who have decided to go into otolaryngology are required to complete at least five years of residency (one year of study in general surgery as their internship and a four-year residency program in otolaryngology–head and neck surgery). At the end of the five-year postgraduate training, an ENT specialist who wants to subspecialize completes additional training through fellowships in specialties such as facial plastic surgery, voice ENT, voice disorders, rhinology, otology, and head and neck cancer.

Other Education or Training

The American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery offers seminars, webinars, conference sessions, home-study courses, and other educational opportunities to medical students and practicing physicians. Recent topics included clinical competency issues, plastic and reconstructive problems, and coding and reimbursement. The American Medical Association and the American Osteopathic Association also offer a variety of webinars, seminars, and workshops. Contact these organizations for more information.