What Does It Take to Become a Urologist? | Tennessee Valley Urology Center

If you follow us on social media, you know we’re always proud to talk about our compassionate, experienced doctors. All four of them dedicated their lives to learning how to provide the best care for every urologic condition that afflicts children and adults—and to constantly improving the care they offer by practice.

But what exactly does it mean when we say they’re board-certified urologists and what does it take to earn that distinction?

In hopes it will help more people understand what our doctors do and why they can trust them with many sensitive conditions, we want to explain the training and testing that goes into earning the title.

How Long Does It Take to Become a Urologist?

If you felt tired of school after you graduated from high school, just imagine knowing you were only halfway done at the moment you walked across that stage and turned your tassel. That’s right, urologists spend 10–12 years getting their degrees and certifications.

All doctors spend four years in medical school, then five or six more in a medical residency. After that, specialists such as urologists generally spend as much as a few more years focused on their areas of practice before they can take the exams that will net them certification.

Additional years of education is required for those who want to engage in a subspecialty, such as renal transplantation and pediatric urology.

Why Does Certification Matter?

For one thing, it’s required for independent practice, but there are some good reasons for requiring certification provided by the American Board of Urology. Those include showing the physician completed appropriate training to practice medicine and that he or she has knowledge specific to diagnosing and treating urological conditions.

All board-certified urologists are prepared to evaluate and treat patients with any urological disorder. Certification is valid for 10 years provided the doctor completes required continuing education on a bi-annual basis.

Now that you know what our Tennessee Valley Urology Center doctors went through to become certified urologists, you have a better understanding of why you can trust them to help you with any urological condition. If you think they can help you, schedule an appointment today.