How to Get a Pediatrician License
According to MedicalJobs.org, in 2005, pediatricians accounted for 7.5 percent of medical doctors. Being a pediatrician is an ideal job for individuals who harbor a love for children and a strong interest in medicine. However, the road to becoming a licensed pediatrician involves years of training and a generous helping of examinations.
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Instructions
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Obtain a bachelor’s degree as a premed student from a university or an accredited college. Reaching this goal will require roughly four years. During these years, you study fundamental subjects, including biology, mathematics, physics, English and chemistry.
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Take the Medical College Admission Test. The MCAT is a computer-based standardized test designed to evaluate whether you qualify for admission to medical schools. The examination comprises four sections: physical science, verbal reasoning, writing and biological science. Be aware that the test is only offered in January, April, May, June, July, August and September.
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Apply to a medical school after you have received your MCAT test results. According to LifeScript, in 1997, the U.S. had 146 medical schools, so expect to face heavy competition from peers. The application process includes submitting your MCAT test results, undergraduate GPA and letters of recommendation. If you have completed any related volunteer work, submit that information as well.
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Complete the first two years of the medical school’s program. During these years, you will attend lectures and labs that focus on subjects such as biology, psychology and pharmacology. You will learn about medical ethics and laws during these classes.
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Complete the final two years of medical school, which involve working with actual patients in a clinical setting. These years will also expose you to various medical specialties. After completion of medical school, you will earn the title of medical doctor or doctor of osteopathic medicine.
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Take the United States Medical Licensing Examination. The USMLE is a lengthy written exam that will test your knowledge of medical concepts and principles. The official website for the examination provides sign-up information for graduates of Liaison Committee on Medical Education and Alpha Omega Alpha accredited medical schools. You can expect to receive your scores within three to four weeks after testing. If you pass with a score above 75, you can receive your state medical license.
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Join a pediatric residency program. The program will last one to seven years; however, these are typically paid positions. From there, you can begin practicing medicine under an established pedestrian or start your own practice. A background in business will help you achieve the latter.
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Tips & Warnings
When seeking volunteer work to add to your resume for medical school, seek employment at facilities such as local nursing homes and clinics.
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