How to become a doctor in Ghana

How to become a doctor in Ghana

Most young people envision or desire to become medical doctors when they grow up. Interestingly, this is a dream for most people as very few become actual doctors. The competition for the prestigious profession is quite high as it calls for only top-performing students in the country. The question of how to become a doctor in Ghana is often asked by students who wish to pursue the course.

become a doctor in Ghana
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Source: UGC

Becoming a medical doctor in Ghana comes with high expectations. This is because there are few options available compared to the relatively high competition. However, the situation is slowly changing as more medical schools have been started to curb the problem. One is expected to spend about six to six and a half years while pursuing medicine in Ghana.

What are the medical college entry requirements?

If you choose to pursue medicine, acquiring excellent grades is the only option for you. Here are requirements to fulfill which include academic requirements. The core subjects that you will be required to perform well include Biology, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, and English.

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  • As a WASSCE student, you need to score an A in all eight subjects.
  • You will also be subjected to an entrance exam after attending a two-week access course and an interview.

For private medical schools, you are required to have a minimum of a pass (aggregate C6) in three core and three elective programs.

Once you complete the course duration for about six years, you will be awarded a Bachelor of Medicine or Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS). If you are wondering about how you can become a gynaecologist after attaining your Bachelor’s, this is possible as you will undergo more years while specializing in the field.

It is vital that physicians train in a comprehensive OB/GYN department and have well-trained faculty teachers and researchers.

How to complete a residency?

become a doctor in Ghana
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Source: UGC

Once you are done with medical school, you will require to enroll and complete residency training. This comes after you have passed the Ghana College of Physicians & Surgeons Primary Examination or West Africa College of Physicians (Surgeons). Before making your application, you need to meet the following requirements:

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  • Successfully completed your MBBS degree in the medical university.
  • Be fully registered and completed a period of houseman-ship training and one-year rotation as required by the Ministry of Health, Ghana.

There are several significant specialities in the residency program, which include Internal Medicine, Surgery, Gynecology, Pediatrics, and Obstetrics. This means that you will be rotated through these different specialities. One is also subjected to a selection interview at each faculty.

How to obtain a license to practice medicine?

One must obtain a license before practising medicine. As a candidate, you need to meet the following requirements:

  • Earn a degree from an accredited medical school either in Ghana or abroad.
  • Complete a residency program and register with the Medical and Dental Council, Ghana.
  • For foreign doctors, you are required to undertake an exam to be granted the license to practice medicine in Ghana.

Can a nurse become a doctor?

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become a doctor in Ghana
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Source: UGC

Yes, a registered nurse can become a doctor, but only after pursuing additional schooling, training and exams. You must have an undergraduate bachelor’s degree. If the degree is a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), then most of the coursework will be ample and sufficient for medical school.

You will also be required to take a medical college admission test or MCAT. The test must be taken within three years of applying to medical school.

How much do doctors earn in Ghana?

It is not entirely clear on the exact figure which Ghanaian doctors take home for their services. However, it was once reported that senior medical officers could be taking home a gross monthly salary of GH¢ 1900.00 which after-tax deductions, comes to GH¢ 1600.00.

How much does it cost to study medicine in Ghana?

Medical education is not cheap. The annual tuition fee for the course is relatively lower than those for international student. The University of Ghana appears to offer a lower rate, though it is also the most competitive institution to enter in the country.

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  • University of Ghana medical school fees – about GHS 7,000
  • University of Cape Coast medical school fees – about GHS 14,000 per annum.
  • Accra College of Medicine school fees – $12,500 annually for Ghanaian students.
  • Family health charges school fees – $10,000 annually for Ghanaian students.

Remember to consult the official school administration for the most updated schedule of fees.

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How many medical schools are in Ghana?

If you are wondering how many medical schools are in the country, here are some of the top medical schools in Ghana.

  1. The University of Ghana Medical School - Accra
  2. Family Health Medical School
  3. The Medical School at the University of Cape Coast
  4. Accra College of Medicine – Accra
  5. University of Allied Health Sciences – Volta region
  6. The Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology School of Medical Sciences
  7. School of Medicine, University of Development Studies –Tamale
  8. C4C Homeopathic Medical College
  9. Community Health Nurse’s Training College
  10. The Accra School of Hygiene

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If you are aspiring of becoming a medical practitioner one day, the above guide on how to become a doctor in Ghana will come in handy for you.

Meanwhile, YEN.com.gh also reported on a doctor on Twitter who posted a photo of himself and his colleague who used to be his science teacher.

Interestingly, followers on Twitter are having a hard time deciding who is the student and who is the teacher as the men seem so similar in age. Some followers said the photo shows that "Black doesn't crack".

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READ ALSO: How to become a lawyer in Ghana

Source: YEN.com.gh

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