how to become a hand surgeon

"Become a Hand Surgeon: A Step-by-Step Guide"

By Joseph YoungApril 30, 2026

How to Become a Hand Surgeon

Becoming a hand surgeon is a rewarding career path for those passionate about restoring function and improving the quality of life for patients with hand, wrist, and upper extremity conditions. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the educational, training, and certification requirements to help you understand how to become a hand surgeon.

Understanding the Role of a Hand Surgeon

A hand surgeon is an orthopedic surgeon or plastic surgeon who specializes in the treatment of conditions and injuries that affect the hand, wrist, and forearm. They diagnose and treat a wide range of conditions, from carpal tunnel syndrome and trigger finger to complex hand trauma and congenital differences. Hand surgeons work in various settings, including hospitals, private practices, and academic medical centers.

Educational Requirements

Becoming a hand surgeon requires a significant investment of time and education. Here's an overview of the educational path you'll need to follow:

a hand with bandages on it and the words hardest hand exercise written in blue

a poster with instructions on how to become a surgeon

Undergraduate Degree (4 years): Complete a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university. While there's no specific major required, many aspiring surgeons major in sciences such as biology, chemistry, or physics.
Medical College Admission Test (MCAT): Prepare for and pass the MCAT, which is required for admission to medical school.
Medical School (4 years): Attend an accredited medical school and complete the required coursework and clinical rotations. You'll need to maintain a strong academic record and excel in your clinical rotations to be competitive for residency programs.
United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) Step 1 and Step 2: Pass these comprehensive exams, which are required for licensure and to progress through your medical education.
Residency in Orthopedic Surgery or Plastic Surgery (5 years): After medical school, apply for and complete a residency program in either orthopedic surgery or plastic surgery. During your residency, you'll gain extensive clinical experience and develop your surgical skills.
Fellowship in Hand Surgery (1 year): After completing your residency, apply for and complete a fellowship program in hand surgery. Fellowships provide specialized training in the diagnosis and treatment of hand, wrist, and upper extremity conditions.

Certification and Licensure

To practice as a hand surgeon, you'll need to obtain several certifications and licenses:

American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery (ABOS) or American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) Certification: After completing your residency, you'll need to pass the ABOS or ABPS certifying exam to become board-certified in your specialty.
Subspecialty Certification in Surgery of the Hand: After completing your fellowship, you can apply for subspecialty certification in surgery of the hand through the ABOS or ABPS. This certification demonstrates your advanced expertise in the treatment of hand, wrist, and upper extremity conditions.
State Licensure: Obtain a medical license in the state where you intend to practice. You'll need to pass the USMLE Step 3 exam and meet other state-specific requirements.

Skills and Qualities of Successful Hand Surgeons

In addition to the educational and training requirements, successful hand surgeons possess certain skills and qualities, including:

three surgeons in blue scrubs and surgical gloves are looking up at the camera with their hands together

someone is holding scissors in their hand while another person holds them out for the camera

two people sitting at a table with their hands folded in front of them, and the caption pov a surgeon glowing up for surgery

Excellent Manual Dexterity: Hand surgeons must have exceptional hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills to perform complex surgical procedures.
Strong Problem-Solving Skills: Hand surgeons must be able to diagnose complex conditions and develop effective treatment plans.
Excellent Communication Skills: Hand surgeons must be able to explain complex medical information to patients and their families, as well as collaborate with other healthcare professionals.
Empathy and Compassion: Hand surgeons must be able to understand and respond to the emotional needs of their patients, many of whom are experiencing significant pain or disability.

Career Outlook and Salary

The career outlook for hand surgeons is positive, with the demand for specialized surgical care expected to grow in the coming years. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of physicians and surgeons is projected to grow 4% from 2019 to 2029, faster than the average for all occupations.

The salary for hand surgeons can vary depending on factors such as location, experience, and practice setting. According to Medscape's 2021 Physician Compensation Report, the average annual compensation for hand surgeons was $526,000.

Conclusion

Becoming a hand surgeon is a challenging but rewarding career path that requires a significant investment of time and education. By following the educational and training requirements outlined in this guide, you'll be well on your way to becoming a skilled and compassionate hand surgeon, dedicated to improving the lives of your patients.