How To Become A Pediatrician

Step 1: Focus on Core Subjects in High School

High school students should focus on all core subjects. While Biology and Chemistry are important courses for future Pediatricians, you will also need strong English and Math skills.

Step 2: Earn a Bachelor’s Degree

Aspiring Pediatricians need to earn a Bachelor’s degree before enrolling in a medical program. Most medical schools accept students with any type of undergraduate degree. However, Pediatricians tend to major in Science-related fields, such as Biology and Chemistry.

Medical schools often have a list of prerequisite coursework for undergraduates. Along with Biology and General Chemistry, students should complete courses in Biochemistry, Physics, English, Organic Chemistry, and any other required subjects.

Step 3: Pass the MCAT

Medical schools use scores from the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) when reviewing applications.

The MCAT contains 230 multiple-choice questions divided into four sections. The test assesses a student’s knowledge of biological and biochemical foundations of living systems, chemical and physical foundations, critical analysis, and foundations of behavior.

Step 4: Earn a Medical Degree

As with other Physicians, Pediatricians need to earn a Medical degree from an accredited medical program. Medical programs are offered through universities, colleges, and independent medical schools and typically last four years.

There are two primary types of Medical degrees that Pediatricians obtain. You may earn a Medical Doctor (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathy (DO) degree.

Each medical program has its own unique academic approach. However, the traditional program involves two years of classroom learning followed by two years of clinical experience.

Classroom learning and laboratory sessions cover the basics of science, including Anatomy, Biochemistry, Microbiology, Pathology, and Pharmacology. Students also learn the standard procedures for examining patients.

At the end of the second year of medical school, students typically take the first step in the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE). The test examines your knowledge of the concepts of the foundational sciences.

The clinical experience is provided through clinical rotations at nearby hospitals and clinics. Some medical schools may also operate their own clinics.

At the end of the fourth year, students take the second step in the USMLE. USMLE Step 2 assesses whether you can apply your medical knowledge to the care of patients under supervision.

Step 5: Complete a Residency Program

Residency programs are often divided into segments, with students progressively receiving more responsibility and less supervision.

Residents typically take the final step of the USMLE at the end of the first year of their residency. The final exam assesses your ability to apply medical practices to the care of patients without supervision.

Students may also choose from various subspecialties, such as Adolescent Medicine and Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine. Most residency programs last three years. However, some programs allow students to continue with their residency for up to four more years to focus on a specialty area of practice.

The first year of residency training focuses on general pediatrics. Residents also learn more about diagnosing and managing common neuropsychiatric issues.

During the second year, residents are given supervisory responsibilities. They also work with mentors to receive tailored training. The final year of residency training involves less supervision, as residents are prepared to work as independent Physicians.

Step 6: Obtain a State License

Pediatricians need an unrestricted state license to practice medicine. Students obtain restricted licenses during medical school, allowing them to work with patients under the supervision of licensed Physicians.

The licensing process varies from state to state. The minimal requirements typically include supplying the state licensing board with verification of your education and training. You may also need to pass a separate exam and a thorough background check.

After obtaining a state license, you may begin looking for work as a licensed Pediatrician. Close to one third of pediatricians work in private practices, such as Physicians’ offices. These offices often employ 3 to 10 licensed Physicians, sometimes with different areas of specialty.

Pediatricians may also work for hospitals, clinics, and medical schools. About 15% of Pediatricians are employed by medical schools, helping to train future Pediatricians.

Step 7: Obtain Board Certification

Board certification is an optional, recommended step for Pediatricians. Obtaining board certification can increase your career prospects, as it may be required by some employers.

Pediatricians are certified through the American Board of Pediatrics (ABP). To be eligible for board certification, you need to have a degree from a medical school, an unrestricted state license, and three years of training through a residency program.

Obtaining board certification also requires the completion of a comprehensive one-day exam. The exam covers all aspects of health care for adolescents, children, and infants. It includes 300 to 350 questions and typically takes all day.

The ABP only allows individuals to apply for certification within seven years of completing their medical training. If more than seven years pass after completing your residency, you will need to complete additional training before taking the board exam.

To maintain board certification, you need to meet specific continuing education (CE) requirements. The ABP and the American Board of Medical Specialties offers a four-part program to meet the CE obligations. Board-certified Pediatricians are also reexamined every 10 years.

Step 8: Complete a Fellowship Program

Completing a fellowship program is an optional step that some Pediatricians take to develop their skills and knowledge in a subspecialty. Fellowship training is only available to Pediatricians who are board-certified through the ABP.

There are over a dozen different subspecialties for Pediatricians, including Adolescent Medicine, Pediatric Cardiology, Pediatric Rheumatology, and Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrics. Pediatricians may also select specific types of clinical work, such as ambulatory, community, or hospitalist medicine.