If you ever notice any issues with functioning of the related organs such as nose, throat, ear, sinus, head or neck, you go to a specialist known as otolaryngologist, more commonly known as ENT – Ear, nose and throat specialist. Since otolaryngology is quite an in-demand specialty, you might be considering to pursue a career as one. If you are wondering how to become an ENT or what your role as an otolaryngologist would entail, the faculty at WUSOM has put together a guide in this blog to help you along your journey.
What Does an ENT do?
An ENT, or ear, nose, and throat doctor, specializes in diagnosing and treating conditions related to these areas of the body. These medical professionals handle a wide range of issues, from common ailments like sinus infections, earaches, tinnitus, nerve pain, and tonsillitis to more complex problems such as hearing loss, balance disorders, thyroid disorders, parathyroid diseases, facial and cranial nerve problems, and voice issues, as well as conditions like sleep apnea and allergies. ENT doctors may also perform surgeries, such as tonsillectomies, sinus surgeries, and even intricate procedures like cochlear implants. In addition to their medical expertise, ENTs often work closely with audiologists and speech therapists to provide comprehensive care, ensuring patients receive the best possible outcomes for their health concerns. Their role is vital in helping people maintain essential functions like hearing, breathing, and speaking, significantly improving their quality of life.
Steps to Become an ENT Specialist?
Earn A Bachelor’s Degree
The path to becoming an ENT physician starts with graduating from an accredited Caribbean medical school, such as the Windsor University school of medicine – a top international alternative to U.S. & Canadian students for their medical education. Located on the picturesque island of St. Kitts, WUSOM offers a cutting-edge curriculum modeled after the best US and Canadian medical schools. The curriculum at Windsor is meticulously crafted to provide a solid foundation in medical sciences, clinical skills, and ethical practice. Student at WUSOM benefit from integrated Learning, credentialed faculty, and research opportunities.
Accredited by CAAM-HP, a medical degree from Windsor includes two years of medical science classes, followed by two years of hands-on clinical training, which can be completed at Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME)-approved hospitals. During clinical training, WUSOM students complete core rotations in internal medicine, surgery, pediatrics, family medicine, obstetrics/ gynecology, and psychiatry. Our hands-on learning approach ensures that students gain essential clinical skills and real-world knowledge from the onset.
Obtain Residency
During the final year of medical school, students enter the most challenging phase of their medical journey: residency. While the process of applying to various residency programs can be overwhelming, WUSOM’s helpful student councilors can help students determine which residency specialty—such as otolaryngology—matches their skillset and interests, help them in preparing their residency applications, and guide them through the tricky National Resident Matching Program (NRMP) placement program. Keep in mind that a clinical ENT residency can last 5 years, including three years of general otolaryngology training, one year of surgical training, and one year of additional training. Completing a residency in otolaryngology allows you work directly with patients in health care settings and provides training for your career as an ENT doctor.
Earn A Board Certification
Once your ENT residency is completed, you can earn a board certification in otolaryngology from the American Board of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery (ABOHNS), to gain skills in this area and showcase your proficiency in your field. In order to apply for board certification, you have to graduate from an accredited medical school, obtain a medical license, complete five years of residency training in otolaryngology-head and neck surgery, and also pass a credentialing exam in otolaryngology to be licensed to practice.
Pursue a Specialty
If you wish to expand your horizons and advance your career, you can consider pursuing a desired specialty to become an expert in a specific area of otolaryngology. For this, you will have to complete a year or two of fellowship to gain additional training in this area. Some common specialties for ENT doctors include:
- Audiology
- Facial plastic and reconstructive surgery
- General otolaryngology and sleep surgery
- Head and neck surgery
- Laryngology
- Neurotology
- Otology
- Pediatric otolaryngology
- Rhinology and endoscopic skull base surgery
- Skull base surgery
Average Salary of an ENT
According to Glassdoor, the average salary of an ENT Specialist in the US is $139,657 per year. However, your salary can vary based on your geographic location, experience and where you work. Furthermore, pursuing an in-demand specialty in this field can boost your earning potential.
Where do ENTs Generally work?
An ENT specialist typically works in a variety of settings. They are commonly found in hospitals, both private and public, where they diagnose and treat patients with conditions affecting the ear, nose, throat, and related structures of the head and neck. ENT doctors also work in private practice clinics, where they see patients for consultations, perform outpatient procedures, and provide ongoing care for chronic conditions. In addition to these settings, some ENTs work in academic institutions, contributing to medical research and training the next generation of specialists. They may also collaborate with other healthcare professionals, including audiologists, speech therapists, and oncologists, to provide comprehensive care.
Ready for the next step
Now that you know the path to becoming an ENT specialist, as well as what a career as an ENT entail, get ready to take the first step by enrolling in WUSOM’s upcoming September semester. Apply for admission to WUSOM to start your journey.
