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.

Certification or Licensing

The American Board of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery certifies physicians in otolaryngology and the subspecialties of neurotology and sleep medicine. In order to be a candidate for certification in otolaryngology, a physician must have successfully completed medical school and five years of residency training in otolaryngology-head and neck surgery. The certification requires passing a two-part examination. 

After receiving the M.D. or D.O. degree, the new physician is required to take an examination to be licensed to practice. Every state requires such an examination. It is conducted through the board of medical examiners in each state. Some states have reciprocity agreements with other states so that a physician licensed in one state may be automatically licensed in another without being required to pass another examination.

There is no way to obtain direct experience in high school, but it's a good idea to take as many health and science classes as possible and participate in science clubs. During your medical training, you will gain experience by completing a four-year residency in otolaryngology–head and neck surgery and additional training through fellowships in specialties such as voice disorders, rhinology, facial plastic surgery, voice ENT, otology, and head and neck cancer.

To be a successful ENT specialist, you should be a an excellent clinician, pay close attention to detail, and have good hand-eye coordination and manual dexterity. Other important attributes include being a good listener and having strong communication skills. You should also enjoy working with people and have respect and compassion for your patients. Being imaginative and adaptable is also a desirable trait for this profession.