High School

A medical degree is required to be a urologist, so be sure to take a college preparatory program. In addition to courses in English, algebra, and geometry, take biology, chemistry, health, and physics. Courses in communication, history, a foreign language, and psychology can also help you prepare for college, medical school, and an internship and hospital residency.

Postsecondary Training

Students must first earn an M.D. or D.O. degree and become licensed to practice medicine. They then complete a five- or six-year residency in urology, of which the first two years are typically spent in general surgery, followed by three to four years of clinical urology in an approved residency program, with the remaining year spent in general surgery, urology, or other clinical disciplines that are related to urology. The American Urological Association’s Web site, https://www.auanet.org, provides information on residency programs. 

Many urologic residency training programs are six years in length, with the final year spent in either research or additional clinical training, depending on the orientation of the program and the resident's focus.

The vast majority of urologists enter into clinical practice after completing their residency program. However, fellowships exist in various subspecialties, including pediatrics, infertility, sexual dysfunction, oncology, and transplantation.

Other Education or Training

Keeping up with cutting-edge medical research is key to success as a urologist. Professional associations often provide continuing education opportunities. For example, the American Urological Association offers webinars and in-person classes on topics such as advanced robotic urology and hands-on urologic ultrasound. The American Osteopathic Association and the American Medical Association also provide professional development classes.

Certification or Licensing

Certification by the American Board of Urology is for a 10-year period, with recertification required after that time. Certification requires the successful completion of a qualifying written examination, which must be taken within six years of completing the residency in urology. Certification requirements are subject to change and details can be seen on the American Board of Urology's Web site, https://www.abu.org. 

At an early point in their residency period, all students are required to pass a medical licensing examination administered by the board of medical examiners in each state. The length of the residency depends on the specialty chosen.

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 medical training, students gain experience by completing a five- to six-year residency in urology and possibly a fellowship in a subspecialty such as pediatrics or oncology. 

Urologists need to enjoy working with people and to have a strong interest in promoting good health through preventive measures such as diet and exercise.

The urologist diagnoses and treats conditions of a very personal nature. Many patients are uncomfortable talking about problems relating to their kidneys, bladder, or genitourinary system. The urologist must show compassion and sensitivity to dispel the patient's fears and put them at ease.

Excellent communication skills are essential to patient-physician interactions. Urologist should be able to clearly articulate both the patient's problem and the recommended forms of treatment, including all of the options and their attendant risks and advantages. Urologists frequently consult with other physicians, so they also need to develop good working relationships with other medical specialists.

Like all surgeons, urologists should be in good physical condition; they must remain steady and focused while standing for hours. Urologists who work in hospital trauma units should be prepared for the frenetic pace and tension of split-second decision making.