How Do You Become An ICU Doctor?
Intensive Care Unit (ICU) doctors, also commonly referred to as intensivists, work as part of a team of critical care medical specialists including nurses, pharmacists, social workers, dietitians and therapists. They monitor and treat critically ill or medically unstable patients in a hospital setting, and their responsibilities include prescribing and administering medications, performing life-saving procedures and respecting a patient or family’s choice of treatment and deathbed care. Becoming a board certified intensivist requires eight to 12 years of graduate work. Step 1 Study and achieve high grades in high school, focusing specifically on science courses. Some high schools offer classes that are designed specifically for students who intend to pursue a career in medicine. A strong grade-point average is a critical part of the process, as it affects both the college and medical school to which a student is accepted. Step 2 Achieve a bachelor’s degree, which includes chemistry, bi