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Otolaryngologist (Ear, Nose, Throat)
Sinusitis, ear infections, motion sickness, and tonsillitis are conditions that affect millions of people annually.  Couple these conditions with certain injuries to the lower head and throat areas, and the need for doctors who specialize in these areas become apparent.  If you love Science, Health, and Math, are considering becoming a doctor, and would like to hold a specialty that is very unique yet highly versatile, then you should become an Otolaryngologist.

Otolaryngologists (ENTs or Ear, Nose, and Throat Surgeons) are Physicians who examine, diagnose, and treat disorders, diseases, and injuries of the ear, nose, throat, sinuses, oral cavity, and related structures of the head and neck.  Smaller problems are normally treated on a daily basis, but surgeries, especially reconstructive surgery, are typically performed on an appointment or on-call basis.  ENTs work at hospitals, clinics, private medical offices, in private organizations in research and development, and at universities teaching medical students.  As with any Surgeon, ENTs must exercise great dexterity, hand-eye coordination, problem solving skills, and critical thinking.

The duties of an Otolaryngologist include but are not limited to:  determining the nature and extent of disorders; performing tests to determine extent of loss of hearing due to aural or other injury, speech loss as result of diseases, and injuries to larynx; performing surgery, such as reconstructive surgery to treat birth defects; removing benign and malignant tumors of the face and neck; installing cochlear implants; treating sleep disorders; prescribing and administering medications; and educating patients, addressing their concerns, and answering their questions about maintaining their health.

High school students interested in becoming an Otolaryngologist benefit from taking Algebra, Geometry, Trigonometry, Calculus, Biology/Anatomy, Nutrition, Nursing, Health, Physical Science, Chemistry, and Physics.  Students entering Pre-Medical Bachelor's of Science programs with no previous Otolaryngology training should expect a period of 4 years to complete said program.  Upon the completion of 4 years of undergraduate studies, prospective Otolaryngologists must complete a Doctorate of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) program from an accredited Otolaryngology School.  Applicants must successfully complete the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) when applying to D.O. medical programs.  All states require Otolaryngologists to be licensed (having passed all sections of the American Board of Otolaryngology examination) in order to legally practice.  Many states require Otolaryngologists to take continuing education and renew their license periodically.

Ear maladies regularly treated by Otolaryngologists include:  ear infections, pain, nerve disorders, ringing in the ears, and issues with equilibrium stemming from inner ear issues.  The most common nasal issues they treat are related to the sinuses or diminished sense of smell, while throat maladies regularly treated are difficulties with speech and/or swallowing.  Patients who have tumors in the head or neck or have suffered a deformity or traumatic event to these areas may also be seen by an Otolaryngologist.

Subfields include:  children’s Otolaryngology; reconstructive surgery of the ears, nose, and throat; and sleep disorders related to the ears, nose, and throat.  Equipment includes:  audiometers, nasoscopes, prisms, microscopes, x-ray machines, and fluoroscopes.

Because over 35 million Americans suffer annually from sinus-related conditions and a tenth of our population is affected by hearing loss, the demand for ENT specialists will remain high, especially as the elderly population increases.  Employment is expected to grow by 24 percent over the next decade, and job prospects should be particularly good for those willing to practice in rural and low-income areas.
Job Description
Median Salary & Range
​Median Salary:  $317,520

Salary Range:  ~$229,720 - $409,360+
College Majors & Attainment Routes
The normal routes to becoming an Otolaryngologist have been to attain a Bachelor's of Science degree in Pre-Medical, Physics, Biology or Biological Sciences, Physiology or Physiology Sciences, Chemistry (Pre-Professional), Biomedical Sciences, Health Sciences, Engineering Physics, Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Biochemistry​, or Pre-Professional Education.

To obtain a license from the American Board of Otolaryngology, a candidate must complete an undergraduate degree, medical school, a 2-year internship in general surgery, and a 3-year residency program in Otolaryngology (head and neck surgery), which can take up to 15 years to complete.  Passing the American Board of Otolaryngology examination completes the requirements for licensure.
Colleges That Provide Above Majors
Colleges and universities that have Medical/Otolaryngology Schools and related majors are:  Meharry Medical College (Nashville, Tennessee); Howard University (Washington, DC); Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science (Los Angeles, California); Delaware State University (Dover, Delaware); Morgan State University (Baltimore, Maryland); Norfolk State University (Norfolk, Virginia); Elizabeth City State University (Elizabeth City, North Carolina); Fayetteville State University (Fayetteville, North Carolina); North Carolina Central University (Durham, North Carolina); North Carolina A&T State University (Greensboro, North Carolina); Virginia State University (Petersburg, Virginia); Morehouse College (Atlanta, Georgia); Johnson C. Smith University (Charlotte, North Carolina); Winston Salem State University (Winston Salem, North Carolina); Albany State University (Albany, Georgia); South Carolina State University (Orangeburg, South Carolina); Savannah State University (Savannah, Georgia); Spelman College (Atlanta, Georgia); Claflin University (Orangeburg, South Carolina); Allen University (Columbia, South Carolina); Fort Valley State University (Fort Valley, Georgia); Paine College (Augusta, Georgia); Livingstone College (Salisbury, North Carolina); Benedict College (Columbia, South Carolina); Huston-Tillotson University (Austin, Texas); Voorhees College (Denmark, South Carolina); Hampton University (Hampton, Virginia); Jackson State University (Jackson, Mississippi); and Oakwood University (Huntsville, Alabama).
Available Scholarships