How to Become an Oncologist: Training Path, Salary, and Career Outlook

Cancer is one of the leading health challenges worldwide, and oncologists play a central role in prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. If you’re passionate about medicine and want to dedicate your career to helping patients fight cancer, oncology may be the right path for you.

This guide outlines the steps to becoming an oncologist, explains the different oncology specialties, and provides insight into salary expectations, training timelines, and whether this demanding but rewarding field is the right fit for you.

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What Does an Oncologist Do?

Oncologists are physicians who specialize in cancer care. They work with patients throughout the cancer journey—diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up care. Depending on the type of oncology, treatments may include medication, radiation therapy, or surgery. Oncologists often collaborate in multidisciplinary teams, supporting patients both medically and emotionally.

The main branches of oncology include:

• Medical Oncology – uses treatments like chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and targeted drugs.
• Radiation Oncology – delivers controlled doses of radiation to treat cancer.
• Surgical Oncology – focuses on surgical removal of tumors and biopsies.

There are also subspecialties, such as pediatric oncology, gynecologic oncology, hematology-oncology, neuro-oncology, and thoracic oncology.

Step-by-Step Path to Becoming an Oncologist

Step 1: Earn a Bachelor’s Degree

A bachelor’s degree (typically four years) is required before medical school. While your major can vary, most students choose science-related fields that include medical school prerequisites such as biology, chemistry, physics, math, and English. These courses also prepare you for the MCAT exam.

Step 2: Take the MCAT

The Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) is a standardized exam required by most U.S. and Canadian medical schools. A strong score, combined with solid grades and extracurriculars, will make your application more competitive.

Step 3: Apply to Medical School

Applications are typically submitted through the AMCAS system in the U.S. or equivalent platforms abroad. You’ll need transcripts, MCAT scores, recommendation letters, a personal statement, and secondary essays. Medical school interviews often follow.

Step 4: Complete Medical School (MD or DO)

Medical school lasts four years. The first two focus on classroom-based learning (anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, ethics), while the last two involve clinical rotations across specialties. Licensing exams (USMLE Steps 1 and 2) are usually taken during this time.

Step 5: Enter a Residency Program

Oncology is not a direct residency but a subspecialty, meaning you first complete a residency in a related field:

• Internal Medicine → Medical Oncology
• General Surgery → Surgical Oncology
• Gynecology → Gynecologic Oncology
• Pediatrics → Pediatric Oncology

Residencies usually last three to five years and include USMLE Step 3.

Step 6: Complete an Oncology Fellowship

After residency, physicians pursue a fellowship in oncology (typically two to three years). Fellowships provide focused training in cancer care and research. Examples include hematology-oncology fellowships or surgical oncology fellowships.

Step 7: Obtain Board Certification and Medical Licensure

Most oncologists take board certification exams (such as through the American Board of Internal Medicine or Surgery). Full medical licensure is required to practice, with requirements varying by state or country.

Total Timeline: On average, becoming an oncologist takes 14–16 years after high school.

Oncologist Salary and Career Outlook

Oncology is one of the higher-paying medical specialties. Salaries vary by subspecialty, location, and experience:

• Average oncologist salary: $280,000–$350,000 annually
• Higher-paying subspecialties: radiation oncology and surgical oncology
• Geographic differences: states like California and New York often offer higher compensation but also higher living costs

Beyond salary, oncology offers the reward of improving and saving lives. It is also a growing field due to rising cancer prevalence and advances in treatment.

Is Oncology the Right Specialty for You?

Before committing to this path, consider:

• Length of Training 

Oncology requires a long educational journey (14+ years).

• Emotional Demands 

Working with cancer patients can be emotionally intense, requiring resilience and empathy.

• Passion for Science and Research 

Oncologists must stay up to date with evolving treatments, clinical trials, and technology.

• Team-Based Approach 

Most oncologists work closely with surgeons, radiologists, pathologists, and nurses.

If you’re motivated by patient advocacy and want to be at the forefront of cutting-edge medicine, oncology may be an excellent fit.

FAQs About Becoming an Oncologist

#1. How long does it take to become an oncologist?

Usually 14–16 years (bachelor’s degree, medical school, residency, fellowship).

#2. Do all oncologists need a fellowship?

Yes. Oncology is a subspecialty, so fellowship training is required.

#3. What’s the difference between hematology and oncology?

Hematology focuses on blood disorders, while oncology focuses on cancer. Many physicians train in combined hematology-oncology fellowships.

#4. Which oncology specialty pays the most?

Radiation oncology is among the highest-paid medical specialties.

#5. Is oncology competitive?

Yes. Fellowships in oncology are competitive, requiring strong academic and clinical performance.

Final Thoughts

Oncology is a demanding but deeply rewarding specialty. It requires long years of training, strong academic performance, and emotional resilience. Yet, the impact oncologists have on patients and families makes this career path uniquely meaningful.

If you’re exploring your interest in oncology or other medical specialties, gaining early clinical exposure is a smart first step. Programs like Go Elective’s medical internships abroad in Kenya and Tanzania give students hands-on experience in oncology, surgery, and internal medicine within high-volume hospitals. These experiences strengthen medical school applications and provide valuable perspective on global cancer care.

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Author: Go-Elective Abroad

Date Published: Sep 12, 2025