Ear, Nose, and Throat Specialists

Employers

The American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery represents approximately 13,000 ENT specialists. New graduates often join an existing ENT practice, work in hospitals or other health care settings, or start their own practices. Others work in a large academic/university setting, helping train medical students and residents.

Starting Out

There are no shortcuts to entering the medical profession. Requirements are an M.D. or D.O. degree, a licensing examination, a one- or two-year internship, and a period of residency that lasts at least five years (and seven years if they are pursuing board certification in a specialty). Upon completing this program, which may take up to 15 years, physicians are then ready to enter practice. They may choose to enter a partnership practice, enter a group practice, open a solo private practice, or take a salaried job with a managed-care facility or hospital. Salaried positions are also available with federal and state agencies.

The Association of American Medical Colleges offers advice on applying for a residency at https://students-residents.aamc.org/apply-smart-residency.