Academic Degrees

• Endocrinologists typically begin their education by receiving a bachelor's degree in a scientific field like biology or chemistry. After graduation, they attend a medical school program, which awards a Doctor of Medicine or M.D. degree.
  
  

Medical School

• The student spends the first half of medical school typically in a classroom setting, studying subjects like anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, psychology, microbiology, medical law and ethics, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The second half of medical school involves hands-on training in a number of clinical settings.
  
  

Residency

• After receiving their M.D. degree, endocrinologists participate in a residency that teaches the basics of many different areas related to endrocrinology, such as internal medicine, pediatrics or obstetrics and gynecology. After they finish the residency, they complete a second, final training program specifically in endocrinology, sometimes termed a fellowship.
  
  

Time Frame

• Completion of a bachelor's degree program typically takes four years, and medical school lasts four more years. The first residency for endocrinology is generally three to four years in length; the second residency is two to three more years, reports the Hormone Foundation.
  
  

Cost of Medical School

• For the 2008 to 2009 school year, one year's tuition at a public medical school averaged $23,581 for state residents and $43,587 for out-of-state students, according to the American Medical Association. The cost for one year at private medical schools was $41,225 to $42,519.