► Bachelor's degree (BA or BS) from a college or university. There are also combined programs where students can obtain the BA and MD degrees.

► Doctor of Medicine degree (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree (DO)

Many physicians may also hold other advanced degrees, such as:

► Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

► Master's of Public Health (MPH)

► Master's of Business Administration (MBA)

► Doctor of Jurisprudence, or Law (JD)