4 answers
Jazelle
Student
San Angelo, Texas
1
Question
Asked
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What classes should i be taking my senior year in high school to make sure I’m prepared to go into pediatrics?
Im 16 I don’t know which collage to go to, I’m in child development and psychology but I feel like i need to know more.
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4 answers
Bhavna Sheth
107
Answers
Collinsville, Virginia
Updated
Bhavna’s Answer
Hello Jazella,
Your senior year in high school is a great time to prepare yourself for a career in pediatrics, and there are a few subjects you may want to focus on. Taking classes in math, chemistry, biology, and other sciences will help prepare you for any college-level courses you may decide to take. You should also consider taking a course in psychology—specifically, child psychology—as this will help you better understand the development of children and their needs. Additionally, taking classes in communication, interpersonal relationships, and problem-solving will go a long way in preparing for pediatrics. If you have the chance, trying to gain exposure to the health field through internships and volunteer opportunities can also provide invaluable insights into the role of a pediatrician.
I hope this helps. Good luck.
Your senior year in high school is a great time to prepare yourself for a career in pediatrics, and there are a few subjects you may want to focus on. Taking classes in math, chemistry, biology, and other sciences will help prepare you for any college-level courses you may decide to take. You should also consider taking a course in psychology—specifically, child psychology—as this will help you better understand the development of children and their needs. Additionally, taking classes in communication, interpersonal relationships, and problem-solving will go a long way in preparing for pediatrics. If you have the chance, trying to gain exposure to the health field through internships and volunteer opportunities can also provide invaluable insights into the role of a pediatrician.
I hope this helps. Good luck.
Kendra W.
Data Analytics/ Operations
19
Answers
Charlotte, North Carolina
Updated
Kendra’s Answer
Hi Jazelle-
I would recommend over the next year or two, if you plan on going into Pediatric nursing or Pediatric medicine- focus on taking as *many* science classes as you can.
Nursing school and pre-med tracks require 2-3 levels of anatomy and physiology, chemistry, and biology.
When you go to college, if you don't already have a lot of exposure to these classes- it can be a learning curve in college courses and be extra challenging.
By getting exposure to the classes now, you will help yourself in the future. As well, you may even be able to get community College or AP credit for the classes!
Focus on the science classes, and you'll set yourself up for success!
I would recommend over the next year or two, if you plan on going into Pediatric nursing or Pediatric medicine- focus on taking as *many* science classes as you can.
Nursing school and pre-med tracks require 2-3 levels of anatomy and physiology, chemistry, and biology.
When you go to college, if you don't already have a lot of exposure to these classes- it can be a learning curve in college courses and be extra challenging.
By getting exposure to the classes now, you will help yourself in the future. As well, you may even be able to get community College or AP credit for the classes!
Focus on the science classes, and you'll set yourself up for success!
Darian Stacy
Scientist, Healthcare Professional
13
Answers
Reno, Nevada
Updated
Darian’s Answer
Jazelle,
I am assuming that by pediatrics you mean that you are interested in being a pediatrics doctor, not a nurse or the other many jobs that are under the term child care.
I honestly would not stress about it too much right now. Simply put, too many people worry too young about getting into medical school. I know many people that put too much of their time into science, volunteering, and shadowing too early on and got extreme burnout. In fact, I would say 99% of the people I knew who had their hearts set on being a doctor did not make it that far. Not to mention that those who did sometimes were held up in the application process because they had nothing BUT healthcare on their resume. Medical schools love to see diverse applicants with a variety of skills and hobbies outside of medicine, science, and healthcare in general.
If anything, I would take classes that are concurrent credit or AP courses so you may have a good starting point when you get into college. I would really focus on getting good grades in those classes too, because it could be extremely difficult to catch up if you get even one B in these classes and are aiming to get into medical school.
Lastly, when you start college I would shadow/intern at different medical institutions. Make sure to write these down also because when you do get to medical school applications they will ask for all of the specifics of your previous healthcare experience. Doing this will also tell you if you truly like the field or not before you are too far into it.
Good luck and enjoy high school!
I am assuming that by pediatrics you mean that you are interested in being a pediatrics doctor, not a nurse or the other many jobs that are under the term child care.
I honestly would not stress about it too much right now. Simply put, too many people worry too young about getting into medical school. I know many people that put too much of their time into science, volunteering, and shadowing too early on and got extreme burnout. In fact, I would say 99% of the people I knew who had their hearts set on being a doctor did not make it that far. Not to mention that those who did sometimes were held up in the application process because they had nothing BUT healthcare on their resume. Medical schools love to see diverse applicants with a variety of skills and hobbies outside of medicine, science, and healthcare in general.
If anything, I would take classes that are concurrent credit or AP courses so you may have a good starting point when you get into college. I would really focus on getting good grades in those classes too, because it could be extremely difficult to catch up if you get even one B in these classes and are aiming to get into medical school.
Lastly, when you start college I would shadow/intern at different medical institutions. Make sure to write these down also because when you do get to medical school applications they will ask for all of the specifics of your previous healthcare experience. Doing this will also tell you if you truly like the field or not before you are too far into it.
Good luck and enjoy high school!
Amanda Isaac
Nursing Home Administrator, MHA, CPHQ, ACHE
2
Answers
Lake Charles
Updated
Amanda’s Answer
Hey Jazelle,
San Angelo, my son graduated from ASU!
Honestly, I went through these exact questions with my 2/4 oldest kids,(one now an officer in the USAF and the second a sophomore in college). Both came to realize, as with myself through the years (currently working on Doctoral Degree) that high school is meant to build a foundation of education for developing minds. College is where you will begin to realize "who you want to be" and align your dreams with reality.
Your goals in life might or might not change, none the less that is nothing you need to worry about or examine at this time. What your goal in life right now, in high school, is to enjoy your youth. While in high school, the task at hand (regarding your curriculum) is to take the required courses, choose electives that interest you, and excel to the best of your ability in all of them.
At this point in your education, you DO NOT need to know more, that is where college and work experience will provide the structure needed.
As a mother of 4 kids and 1 adult child, I understand that advice can fall on deaf ears, you have to learn and experience for yourself, which will entail you stressing over all of this. Please take it from my 26 years in the Healthcare Industry--from this point forward, I want you to do 4 things!
1. Trust the process
2. Get up
3 . Show Up
4. Repeat daily!
Doing this will keep you focused. Once in college, your counselor will provide the structure and courses needed to apply toward your degree. If your degree changes, the counselors will adapt and help you transition.
Understand the first two years will feel like a higher level of high school, meaning your courses will not all be specific to your ultimate goal. However, the fundamental courses are a necessary evil for you to be proficient in the profession.
I hope my advice helps. Not traditional I know, but I am all about transparency!
Good luck!
Amanda
San Angelo, my son graduated from ASU!
Honestly, I went through these exact questions with my 2/4 oldest kids,(one now an officer in the USAF and the second a sophomore in college). Both came to realize, as with myself through the years (currently working on Doctoral Degree) that high school is meant to build a foundation of education for developing minds. College is where you will begin to realize "who you want to be" and align your dreams with reality.
Your goals in life might or might not change, none the less that is nothing you need to worry about or examine at this time. What your goal in life right now, in high school, is to enjoy your youth. While in high school, the task at hand (regarding your curriculum) is to take the required courses, choose electives that interest you, and excel to the best of your ability in all of them.
At this point in your education, you DO NOT need to know more, that is where college and work experience will provide the structure needed.
As a mother of 4 kids and 1 adult child, I understand that advice can fall on deaf ears, you have to learn and experience for yourself, which will entail you stressing over all of this. Please take it from my 26 years in the Healthcare Industry--from this point forward, I want you to do 4 things!
1. Trust the process
2. Get up
3 . Show Up
4. Repeat daily!
Doing this will keep you focused. Once in college, your counselor will provide the structure and courses needed to apply toward your degree. If your degree changes, the counselors will adapt and help you transition.
Understand the first two years will feel like a higher level of high school, meaning your courses will not all be specific to your ultimate goal. However, the fundamental courses are a necessary evil for you to be proficient in the profession.
I hope my advice helps. Not traditional I know, but I am all about transparency!
Good luck!
Amanda