What Is a Urologist? Role, Duties, Conditions Treated and How to Become One
Learn more about this essential medical specialty and the educational journey for future practitioners.
If you’ve ever wondered, “what does a urologist do?” – or considered a career in urology – you’re in the right place!
Urology is a fascinating and highly specialized part of medicine. In fact, did you know that urology is one of the most competitive surgical specialties, with future urologists making up less than two percent of U.S. medical school graduates each year? That statistic speaks volumes about the passion and dedication required to pursue this path, and the unique opportunities it offers.
A urologist is a highly specialized physician who diagnoses and treats conditions affecting the urinary tract in both men and women, as well as the male reproductive system. Urology is a medical specialty that requires extensive training and dedication, making it one of the most rewarding yet challenging fields in medicine.
For prospective medical students considering this path, understanding what urologists do is crucial for making informed education and career decisions.
What Does a Urologist Do?
Urologists are trained surgeons who handle both medical and surgical aspects of urinary and reproductive health. They split their time between seeing patients in the clinic, performing diagnostic procedures and carrying out complex surgeries. These specialists treat patients of all ages, from newborns with birth defects to elderly patients managing prostate conditions.
In their daily work, urologists perform diagnostic procedures like cystoscopy (using a small camera to look inside the bladder), tests that measure how well the bladder works and ultrasounds. Their surgical work ranges from minor procedures like vasectomies to major operations like kidney transplants and cancer removal. Today’s urologists increasingly use minimally invasive techniques, including robotic surgery and small-incision procedures that help patients heal faster.
Many urologists also spend time on research, teaching medical students and residents, and working to improve urological treatments.
What Conditions Do Urologists Treat?
Because the field treats the entire urinary tract, a urologist handles a variety of related issues, such as:
- Benign urinary problems such as urinary tract infections, overactive bladder, incontinence, pelvic floor disorders and urinary retention
- Stone disease including acute renal colic and recurrent kidney stones
- Male reproductive conditions like benign prostatic hyperplasia, erectile dysfunction, infertility and testicular disorders
- Urologic cancers including kidney, bladder, prostate, testicular and ureteral malignancies
- Congenital or structural issues like ureteral strictures and vesicoureteral reflux
Subspecialties of urology include urologic oncology, female pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery, pediatric urology, endourology/stone disease, male infertility/andrology, neurourology and transplant, giving you many pathways to shape your eventual focus.
How to Become a Urologist
The path to becoming a urologist demands exceptional dedication and strong academic performance. The journey starts with completing prerequisite courses like biology, chemistry, physics, math and English during your undergraduate studies, followed by scoring well on the MCAT (required for U.S. students) and getting accepted to medical school. Understanding medical school admissions requirements is key for planning this educational path effectively.
At Saba University School of Medicine (SUSOM), the MD program features two years of classroom and lab-based learning on our Saba campus, followed by two years of clinical rotations at affiliated teaching hospitals, clinics and medical centers in the U.S., and select elective rotation sites in Canada. During this time, students develop the basic science knowledge and clinical skills they need to earn a residency placement. They must also take and pass the USMLE Steps 1 and 2 CK (U.S. licensing exams).
After graduation, future urologists must complete an extremely competitive urology residency, usually lasting five to six years. Many then pursue fellowship training in specialized areas for one to three years. Finally, pursuing board certification through the American Board of Urology is a common choice, involving written and oral exams plus proof of ongoing skills development.
How Long Does It Take to Become a Urologist?
The usual urologist education requirements generally lead to 14-17 years of study: four years in undergrad, four years of medical school, and five to six years of urology residency training. Many urologists also complete fellowship training, lasting one to three years. This extensive timeline reflects the complexity and responsibility inherent in urological practice.
How Much Do Urologists Make?
Urology consistently ranks among the highest-paid medical specialties. According to 2025 salary data, urologists earn an average salary of approximately $400,050 USD per year in the U.S., though compensation varies significantly based on several factors.
Geographic location and practice type significantly impact urologist pay. Private practice urologists often earn more than academic counterparts, while urban areas and regions with physician shortages typically offer higher compensation packages. The extensive education and training investment ultimately provides strong financial returns throughout a urological career.
Job Outlook and Career Opportunities for Urologists
The career outlook for urologists remains exceptionally strong, driven by aging populations and increasing awareness of urological health issues. Urologists are some of the most in-demand physicians, with job growth projections significantly exceeding average healthcare industry growth rates.
Career opportunities span diverse practice settings, including private practice, hospital employment and academic medical centers. Subspecialty opportunities within urology include urological oncology, pediatric urology, female urology and male infertility. The geographic flexibility of urological practice allows work in both urban and rural settings.
Nephrologist vs Urologist: What’s the Difference?
Understanding the nephrologist vs. urologist difference is important for both patients and medical students. Nephrologists focus exclusively on kidney function and kidney diseases. They treat patients with medications and lifestyle changes, but they don’t perform surgery.
Urologists have a broader focus that covers the entire urinary tract and male reproductive system. Most importantly, urologists are trained surgeons who can perform everything from minor procedures to major operations. The difference between a urologist and a nephrologist becomes clear in how they treat patients: while nephrologists stick to medical treatments, urologists can offer both medical and surgical solutions.
Take the Next Step in Your Medical Journey
If you’re energized by a specialty that blends clinical experience, hands-on procedures and high-tech surgery, urology may be a great fit!
At Saba University School of Medicine (SUSOM), you’ll find a collaborative culture, strong mentorship and opportunities to build the academic profile that competitive residency programs expect. Our MD program students achieve academic and USMLE success, and graduates go on to practice in the U.S., Canada and internationally.
Learn more about the SUSOM experience in this alum success story:
Then contact us to learn more or begin building your application to join our learning community!
FAQs About Urology
Urology is widely considered very competitive due to limited residency positions and strong interest among applicants. Successful candidates usually pair solid academic outcomes with research, strong letters of recommendation and focused clinical exposure. Early mentorship and strategic planning can make a meaningful difference.
Urologists care for patients of every gender, including women, for genitourinary conditions like incontinence, recurrent infections, pelvic organ prolapse and stone disease. Female pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery is a formal subspecialty within urology. Referrals often come from primary care or gynecology doctors when urinary symptoms persist.
Urology is a surgical specialty, and all trainees learn operative management alongside medical therapy. Procedures range from office-based cystoscopy and vasectomy to laparoscopic or robotic cancer operations. Some urologists later tailor their scope toward clinic-heavy or OR-heavy practice, depending on their interests.
Common reasons include blood in the urine, recurrent UTIs, kidney stones, urinary retention, elevated or changing PSA, and suspected structural abnormalities. A urologist has the tools (including imaging, cystoscopy, urodynamics and surgery) to diagnose and treat these problems. Timely referral supports earlier diagnosis and better outcomes.