2 answers
Lexy
Student
Antwerp, Ohio
2
Questions
Asked
319 views
How many years does it take to be a Pediatrician?
I am a sophomore in high school trying to study a Pediatrician for a career project. I know there is many different years varying but it always says something different. I don't know if you need a certain speciality when going into it for the first time as a freshman in college.
Login to comment
2 answers
Karin P.
Lecturer, Academic Advisor, Career Coach
1093
Answers
Göttingen, Lower Saxony, Germany
Updated
Karin’s Answer
Hi Lexy,
A pediatrician is a medical doctor who specializes in treating children. So, they need to go to medical school.
After graduating high-school, an aspiring medical doctor first needs to earn a bachelors degree (4 years). Most students major in biology, chemistry or biochemistry to get a solid foundation, but you can choose other majors if you prefer. Next, they apply to medical school. Before they can do that they need to take a test, the MCAT. If they get into medical school (it's competitive!) they study medicine for 4 years to get a medical doctorate (MD or DO). This is followed by a 3-year residency in pediatrics.
Total: 4 years undergrad, 4 medical school, 3 years residency -> makes 11 years of education after high-school.
Pediatricians who want to further specialize, e.g. to become pediatric oncologists, can do that by doing a fellowship.
I hope this helps! All the best to you!
KP
https://www.usnews.com/education/best-colleges/articles/how-to-become-a-pediatrician
https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/prenatal/decisions-to-make/Pages/A-Pediatricians-Training.aspx
A pediatrician is a medical doctor who specializes in treating children. So, they need to go to medical school.
After graduating high-school, an aspiring medical doctor first needs to earn a bachelors degree (4 years). Most students major in biology, chemistry or biochemistry to get a solid foundation, but you can choose other majors if you prefer. Next, they apply to medical school. Before they can do that they need to take a test, the MCAT. If they get into medical school (it's competitive!) they study medicine for 4 years to get a medical doctorate (MD or DO). This is followed by a 3-year residency in pediatrics.
Total: 4 years undergrad, 4 medical school, 3 years residency -> makes 11 years of education after high-school.
Pediatricians who want to further specialize, e.g. to become pediatric oncologists, can do that by doing a fellowship.
I hope this helps! All the best to you!
KP
Karin recommends the following next steps:
Mohammed AlFarra
pediatrician
2
Answers
Cairo, Cairo Governorate, Egypt
Updated
Mohammed’s Answer
4 years of training post graduation of medical bachelor degree