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After college do you become a nurse before becoming a Pediatrician?

#pediatrician #pediatric-nursing

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Subject: Career question for you

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Doc’s Answer

Sammy though both pediatricians and pediatric nurses are health care providers, the training required for a pediatricians career takes around 11 years over the education necessary for the nursing field is 2-4 years. To understand why the education requirements differ so greatly between pediatric nurses and pediatrician, it helps to look at what each does. Essentially, doctors diagnose and nurses treat, though there are exceptions. It’s no exaggeration to say that medical school takes far more time then nursing school. In fact, it can take upward of 11 years (sometimes more) to become a pediatrician when you add in your a residency program. In other words, you really need to be sure medical school is right for you before starting down the long road to becoming a physician.

PEDIATRIC NURSE – In order to work in pediatric nursing, students must become registered nurses (RN). Aspiring pediatric nurses ussaly complete a 2-year Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a 4-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). Aspiring pediatric nurses must become registered nurses by successfully passing the NCLEX-RN exam. This exam proves an understanding of fundamental skills and principles required for providing quality care in the workplace.

PEDIATRICIAN – It takes around 11 years to become a board-certified pediatrician in the United States. These healthcare professionals are required to hold a medical degree and to have completed a pediatrics residency to be able to practice this occupation. Of courses, the first step to do so is to get a bachelor's degree with a pre-med focus. Your bachelor's degree should include courses like chemistry, biology, physics, calculus, anatomy, physiology, psychology, and statistics. These courses are fundamental to apply to medical school after you complete your undergraduate education. In medical school, you will earn a doctor of medicine (M.D.) or doctor of osteopathy (D.O.) degree. After completing medical school, students must enter a residency program. For aspiring pediatricians, this residency program must be in pediatrics and may last about 3 to 4 years. Commonly, these residencies take place in a hospital and provide students with invaluable hands-on learning experiences.

Hope this is helpful Sammy
Thank you comment icon Thank you John Frick that was REALLY helpful! Sammy
Thank you comment icon Your welcome Sammy, remember the real opportunity for success lies within you and not in the career. Doc Frick
Thank you comment icon Thank You Rachel. “How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world.” – Anne Frank Doc Frick
Thank you comment icon The real opportunity for success lies within the person and not in the career Sammy Doc Frick
Thank you comment icon Thank You Osler. The best way to find ourselves is to lose ourself in the service of others. Doc Frick
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Frances’s Answer

After college you go to medical school, the after medical school (4 years) you do a residency in pediatrics (3 years) and become a pediatrician.
Thank you comment icon Thank you! This was really helpful! Sammy
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Kathleen’s Answer

Hey, Sammy! Good question! No, it's not necessary to become a nurse before any kind of physician. You certainly could but the courses are quite different and if your goal is pediatrician or any physician, that requires medical school and a residency after college. So, that is a lengthy time in itself, typically ten years or more. You may not want to add extra years if you know you're headed to the pediatrician field.
Best to you,
Kathie
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