How to Become a Pediatric Doctor

If you love children and you want to study medicine, becoming a pediatric doctor may be the right career choice for you. Unfortunately, it can take up to 11 years to become a pediatrician. What’s more, you’ll accumulate a lot of debt. But if you’re up for the challenge and want a rewarding career, plan your career move early.

Things You'll Need

• Bachelor's degree
• Medical degree
• Internship
• Residency

Instructions

1. Obtain a bachelor’s degree. The first step on the road towards becoming a pediatric doctor is to complete a four-year degree. Pre-med students typically major in science, humanities and liberal arts. Study hard and maintain high grades in order to get into a good medical school.

2. Take the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT). Once you’ve finalized your decision to become a pediatric doctor, start preparing for the MCAT. Your score test determine whether or not you get into medical school. You can always the test again to improve your scores. Students with high scores have a better chance of getting into the top schools.

3. Apply to medical school. After you receive a bachelor’s degree, you’ll have to complete another three to four years of medical school. Do your research and pick schools that have good pediatric programs.

4. In the third or fourth year of medical school, you’ll need to complete a pediatric internship. You’ll work under the supervision of a pediatrician and receive hands-on experience. Most internships last for about a year.

5. Now that your internship is complete, it’s time to take the board exam. To become a pediatric doctor and receive a medical license, you have to successfully complete this exam.

6. Complete a two-year residency through which you will receive additional training.