The time it takes to get a medical degree (M.D.) is 8 years of college after high school. But that is just to graduate. After that, you have to do residency or your internship, which can take another 3 to 8 years.In total, it will take about 12 years after you graduate high school before you can practice medicine. As you can see the path to become a doctor is long and begins with foresight and dedication.Although we’ve answered how long does it take to get a medical degree, let’s guide you with the steps you will need to become a practicing MD. 1. Get serious with the sciences in high school. Prepare as early as high school.s you can see the path to become a doctor is long and begins with foresight and dedication. Although we’ve answered how long does it take to get a medical degree, let’s guide you with the steps you will need to become a practicing MD. 1. Get serious with the sciences in high school. Prepare as early as high school.