According to the author Marc McCutcheon in his book, ‘Everyday Life in the 1800s’, most medical students were learning the doctoring ‘trade’ through the apprentice system. That would mean that young men fifteen years of age or older would move in and live with established physicians and trade labor for education. The arrangement lasted anywhere from two to six years with some students then continuing on to a formal medical school for at least two to four more years of education and to obtain a degree. The majority of physicians at the beginning of the century, however, opened their practices without having obtained a degree. Five medical schools were in operation by 1810.
Another author, Michael Varhola, in his book, ‘Everyday Life during the Civil War’, makes the following interesting statements:
• That medical schools were common during the Civil War, but unfortunately, many of them provided little training.