A career as a urologist is a medical career that specialises in treating conditions and diseases within the urinary tract system. Professionals in the field of urology examine, diagnose and treat patients for a variety of urological-related issues. They treat disease conditions such as urinary tract infections, kidney stones, bladder and prostate cancer, erectile dysfunction and infertility. They also perform various diagnostic tests and procedures, such as urine and blood tests, imaging and biopsies.

A career as a urologist is a crucial one in the healthcare sector. Urologists work closely with other medical specialists, such as oncologists, gynaecologists, and nephrologists, to provide comprehensive care for their patients. They play a large role in improving the lives of patients. As a result, they have a rewarding and fulfilling career. If you are interested in this career path, you need to learn about the steps to pursue this career as well as the various areas of specialisation to choose the best specialisation for you.

This piece will walk you through the steps needed to pursue a career as a urologist.

Steps to Pursue a Career as a Urologist

1. Obtain a Secondary School Certificate

   The first step to pursuing this career is to obtain a high school certificate. Additionally, you should have a strong foundation in science subjects. These subjects will give you the foundational knowledge for attending medical school. You should have good grades in subjects such as Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics and English.

2. Obtain a Bachelor’s Degree

   There are several requirements for applying to a medical school. These requirements can vary based on the country you wish to study in. Some countries require you to have a bachelor’s degree in science while in some countries, you can apply to a medical school with your secondary school certificate. If you are required to have a bachelor’s degree, you should have a bachelor’s degree in disciplines such as biology, chemistry or any health-related field.

3. Attend Medical School

   Attending medical school is a crucial step in pursuing a career as a urologist. This step will introduce you to the medical field as well as give you the foundational knowledge that is needed in pursuing this career. A medical school can take between four to six years.

4. Undergo Residency Training

   You need to complete a residency program after medical school. This program is important because it will give you experience and training in urology. Additionally, you will work under the supervision of experienced urologists.

5. Pursue Fellowship Training

   You should register and complete a fellowship program after completing your residency. The fellowship program is specifically in the field of urology. However, this fellowship can be optional and it allows you to pursue additional training.

6. Obtain a License

   You need a license to be able to start practising as a urologist. However, you must fulfill some requirements before you can obtain this license. You must have completed your residency as well as passing your license examination.

7. Get a Board Certification

   Board certification is not required to practice urology, but it is highly recommended for urologists who want to demonstrate their commitment to the field and maintain the highest level of competency. Board certification is also important for patients who want to ensure that their urologists have met certain standards of education, training, and experience.

Areas of Specialisation in Urology

1. Pediatric Urology

   Paediatric urologists work to enhance the health and quality of life of children with urologic and genital disorders. They handle diseases such as urinary tract infections, bladder or kidney abnormalities, etc.

2. Urology Oncology

   Urologic oncology is concerned with the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of cancers in the urinary system. They work closely with other healthcare professionals, such as imaging specialists, pathologists and oncology nurses, to provide comprehensive care to their patients.

3. General Urology

   Professionals in this field treat a wide range of urological conditions in both men and women. They treat and diagnose various kinds of disorders such as kidney stones, urinary tract infections, etc.

4. Endourology

   This field focuses on treating urological conditions with minimally invasive procedures. They use endoscopic techniques, which are often less invasive than open operations, to treat disorders such as kidney stones, ureteral strictures, and other urinary tract issues.

5. Neurourology

   Neurourologists specialise in the diagnosis and treatment of neurological diseases such as stroke, multiple sclerosis, and spinal cord injuries that cause bladder and urine dysfunction.

6. Andrology

   Andrologists are urologists with a focus on the reproductive system of men. As well as other sexual health concerns, they diagnose and treat disorders related to male fertility, erectile dysfunction, and male hormone imbalances.

7. Transplant Urology

   Urologists who specialise in transplant urology handle kidney transplants as well as the surgical treatment of associated urological problems, such as post-transplant complications and maintenance

Universities in Africa that Offer Urology

1. Mansoura University, Egypt
2. Cairo University, Egypt
3. Alexandria University, Egypt
4. University of Stellenbosch, South Africa
5. Assiut University, Egypt
6. University of Pretoria, South Africa
7. Zagazig University, Egypt
8. University of Ibadan, Nigeria
9. Tanta University, Egypt
10. Al-Azhar University, Egypt
11. University of Cape Town, South Africa
12. University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa
13. Suez Canal University, Egypt
14. University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
15. Benha University, Egypt
16. Menoufia University, Egypt
17. University of Lagos, Nigeria
18. Sohag University, Egypt
19. Minia University, Egypt
20. University of the Western Cape, South Africa
21. University of Nigeria, Nigeria
22. Ain Shams University, Egypt
23. University of the Free State, South Africa
24. University of Sfax, Tunisia
25. Beni-Suef University, Egypt
26. Ahmadu Bello University, Nigeria
27. Kafrelsheikh University, Egypt
28. University of Ghana, Ghana
29. South Valley University – Qena, Egypt
30. University of Monastir, Tunisia
31. University of Nairobi, Kenya
32. Addis Ababa University, Ethiopia
33. Cheikh Anta Diop University, Senegal
34. Obafemi Awolowo University, Nigeria
35. University of Khartoum, Sudan
36. Rhodes University, South Africa
37. University of Calabar, Nigeria
38. University of Johannesburg, South Africa
39. Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Nigeria
40. University of Tunis El Manar, Tunisia

In conclusion, this career is one of the crucial specialities in the healthcare sector. Therefore, just like every other medical career, it requires commitment and hard work to scale through this career path. You need to ensure that you are fully ready and willing to dedicate your time to learning well, thereby getting the best out of this career.

Good luck!

Click to discover an extensive list of local and international schools offering courses and programs in various career path