High School

Aspiring hospitalists should take as many math, biology, and science classes as possible while in high school. Classes in first aid and CPR will also be useful. Other recommended classes include computer science, psychology, and foreign language. 

Postsecondary Education

Hospitalists need to complete at least four years of undergraduate school, four years of medical school, and three to seven years in internships and a residency program. Aspiring physicians can major in a wide ranhe of undergraduate fields—from pre-med or public health to biology or chemistry. 

Some medical schools offer combined undergraduate and medical school programs that last six or seven years.

During the first two years of medical school, students are both in the classroom and in laboratories. They take classes in anatomy, biochemistry, pharmacology, psychology, medical ethics, and laws governing medicine. They also learn how to examine and interact with patients and diagnose illnesses.

During the next two years, medical students work with patients under the supervision of physicians in hospitals and clinics. They gain experience in a variety of areas through rotations in areas such as internal medicine, family medicine, obstetrics and gynecology, pediatrics psychiatry, and surgery. 

Other Education or Training

After earning their medical degree, new graduates complete a hospital residency program that may last from three to eight years. It should be noted that some residency programs have begun developing instructional tracks to address issues which are specific to hospital medicine. A survey by the Society of Hospital Medicine indicated that almost 90 percent of hospitalists specialize in internal medicine. 

Certification and Licensing

All states require physicians and therefore hospitalists to be licensed. Requirements vary by state. To qualify for a license, candidates must graduate from an accredited medical school and complete residency training in their specialty. To find out more about specific state licensing requirements, individuals can contact their state’s medical board.

While board certification is voluntary and not always required for physicians, most hospitals require it for hospitalists. M.D.s and D.O.s seeking board certification in a specialty may spend up to seven years in residency training. To become board certified, candidates must complete a residency program and pass a specialty hospitalist-related certification exam from the American Board of Medical Specialties, the American Osteopathic Association or the American Board of Physician Specialties. Board certified physicians must renew their credentials every 10 years. In order to maintain their certification, some hospitalists participate in a fellowship or focused practice in hospital medicine.

Other Requirements

Some employers may require hospitalists to pass a background check.

After completing their medical degree, new graduates obtain experience by completing a hospital residency program, which can last from three to eight years.

Doctors must be compassionate, have strong interpersonal skills and a good bedside manner, and have top-notch communications skills in order to explain diagnoses to patients and their families as well as to other medical personnel. Listening skills are equally important. Other key traits include strong analytical and problem-solving ability, a detail-oriented personality, and the ability to mulitask and work under pressure. Since hospitalists work long hours and are often on their feet, physical stamina is also needed.