How to become a Pediatrician?
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Top Answer
Pediatricians need to complete a bachelor's degree, a medical degree, and three years in a residency program before becoming licensed doctors.
During their bachelor's degree, you can take a pre-med program. However, you can also take a biology, chemistry, or physics program and usually get enough pre-requisites to apply to medical school. If you are dead set on pediatrics from the start, you may want to take a child psychology class.
To apply for medical school, you need to pass the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT). You usually take this test in your third or fourth year of undergraduate studies. Consider making a list of medical schools you are interested in, their requirements, and their deadlines to stay organized, as this application process can be quite rigorous.
Once you have completed medical school, you will need to complete a three-year residency under an experienced Pediatrician's supervision to become eligible to take the licensing exam. This exam's requirements vary by state, but all states have some variation of a two-part examination process.
Suppose you wish to specialize in a sub-field of pediatrics such as pediatric oncology or cardiology. In that case, you will need to pursue a fellowship program that can last two to three years.
Important Things to Know Before Becoming a Pediatrician
During their bachelor's degree, you can take a pre-med program. However, you can also take a biology, chemistry, or physics program and usually get enough pre-requisites to apply to medical school. If you are dead set on pediatrics from the start, you may want to take a child psychology class.
To apply for medical school, you need to pass the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT). You usually take this test in your third or fourth year of undergraduate studies. Consider making a list of medical schools you are interested in, their requirements, and their deadlines to stay organized, as this application process can be quite rigorous.
Once you have completed medical school, you will need to complete a three-year residency under an experienced Pediatrician's supervision to become eligible to take the licensing exam. This exam's requirements vary by state, but all states have some variation of a two-part examination process.
Suppose you wish to specialize in a sub-field of pediatrics such as pediatric oncology or cardiology. In that case, you will need to pursue a fellowship program that can last two to three years.
Important Things to Know Before Becoming a Pediatrician
- You will be working with patients with limited communication skills
- You will also be taking on the role of psychologist and social worker
- Pediatricians are some of the most underpaid physicians
- You get to watch children grow up
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