What Kind of Education And/Or Training Is Needed to Become a Pediatrician?
Pediatricians must complete more than 10 years of additional training after high school in order to obtain a license to practice medicine and provide care to children of all ages.
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High School
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Basic courses in high school in science and math, such as algebra, geometry, chemistry and biology, offer a firm foundation for students wishing to pursue a career as a pediatrician.
Undergraduate Study
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Pre-med students must complete four years of undergraduate study with emphasis on science and math in order to earn a bachelor's degree and apply to medical school.
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Medical School
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An additional four years of study in medical school will prepare students for the clinical phases of becoming a pediatrician. Courses covering clinical skills, anatomy, medical terminology and medical procedures must be mastered in order to fulfill the requirements to obtain a doctorate degree.
Internship
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Before graduating medical school, students must complete one year of internship training under the supervision of a pediatrician in a hospital or clinical setting.
Residency
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After graduation from medical school, an additional two years of training as a resident are required. As a resident, the pediatrician will be treating patients as a doctor but under the supervision of a more experienced doctor who can offer assistance or advice as necessary.
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References
- Photo Credit doctor and patient 4 image by Paul Moore from Fotolia.com