What type of education is needed to become a rheumatologist?

To be a rheumatologist, a medical degree from an accredited medical school such as a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) degree, Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) degree, or if earned outside of the United States, a Bachelor of Medicine/Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS/MBChB) degree is required. After earning one of these medical degrees, a residency in rheumatology must be completed and board certification examinations must be successfully passed to be a board-certified rheumatologist.