Step one in becoming a pediatrician is enrolling and graduating from undergraduate school. Most pre-med students major in biology or chemistry while taking numerous prerequisite classes to prepare them for medical school’s MCAT exam.
After graduating undergraduate school, students must attend four years of medical school to obtain either an MD or DO degree and three years of residency, where they specialize in medicine.
Medical School
Prospective pediatricians must earn their bachelor’s degrees before enrolling in medical school programs, where they’ll learn subjects such as anatomy, biology, statistics and pharmacology. To gain further experience in healthcare environments such as hospitals or emergency departments, many students opt to become EMTs or CNAs to gain firsthand exposure. Gaining these roles may help determine if you truly wish to follow in this path or just make you stand out during medical school admission interviews.
After graduating from medical school, an aspiring pediatrician must complete a four-year residency. This process entails considerable hands-on clinical training with patients. When their residency has concluded, students must then pass both USMLE Step 2 CK and COMLEX Level 2 CE exams in order to become licensed physicians; those interested in pediatrics can then apply for three-year fellowship programs that specialize specifically in this area of care. While this journey can be long and expensive, with passion and determination they can reach their dream of becoming pediatricians!
Residency
After four years of undergraduate education (which will earn you a BS, BA or other bachelor’s degree), four years will be dedicated to Medical School where an MD or DO degree will be earned. Subsequently, three years will be set aside as residency training where you’ll practice as a doctor under direct supervision.
Over these three years, you will learn more than ever thought possible and be put through rigorous mental and physical challenges. It is an intense experience which may leave your heart tugged by both courageous sick children and their unwavering family support; and by the inevitable reality that some will pass away.
Before applying for residency programs, it’s essential that you possess the required skills. If possible, enroll in advanced placement or International Baccalaureate classes in hard sciences such as biology and chemistry so your application stands out amongst competitors.
Fellowship
Becoming a pediatrician is an eleven to fifteen-year process that includes earning a bachelor’s degree, four years of medical school education and three years of residency training. Furthermore, numerous standardized exams such as the SAT or MCAT must also be passed successfully in order to pursue pediatric medicine as a profession.
Pediatrics is an exciting yet demanding field that can bring great reward. By having the necessary enthusiasm, dedication, and strong support systems in place, becoming a pediatrician is possible for anyone.
No matter your preferred career path in medicine, there is sure to be something perfect for everyone – whether that means giving back to the community or working in research settings. Becoming a pediatrician is an outstanding way to shape your career while providing outstanding care for children of all ages – an opportunity that cannot be replicated elsewhere and something you will cherish throughout your lifetime! It truly offers unforgettable satisfaction in watching a child flourish, creating lasting memories in its wake.
License
Job stress-tests include making important decisions for young children. But parenting also brings great personal satisfaction and the chance to positively shape children’s lives every day. Seeking support, practicing self-care techniques and maintaining an equitable work-life balance can all help mitigate that strain.
Establishing yourself as a pediatrician takes 11-15 years of education and training. Prospective pediatricians must earn their bachelor’s degree, attend medical school and then complete residency before being granted permission to practice pediatrics.
Pediatricians require advanced undergraduate classes to prepare them for the MCAT exam, in addition to participating in volunteer, research, and shadowing experiences at hospitals as part of a foundation of experience that will strengthen their applications to medical schools. If students cannot earn a bachelor’s degree they can enroll in post-baccalaureate pre-med programs that offer necessary coursework – then four years of medical school to earn MD/DO degrees.