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Learn how to become a pediatric doctor. Research education and career requirements, licensing and certification information, and experience required for starting a career in pediatrics.
Pediatricians specialize in treating ailments and illnesses of children. They treat illnesses such as strep throat, pink eye, colds, and chicken pox. In addition, pediatricians help healthy children stay well; this can include administering immunizations, evaluating patients' growth and weight, and providing guidance for social, mental, and emotional health. Pediatricians might work for clinics, hospitals, or in private practice.
Pediatric doctors work primarily in medical office settings but might need to travel to homes or hospitals when special patients' needs arise. Generally speaking, pediatric doctors work on a full-time basis, although some longer hours might be needed. These doctors are typically well paid, and the rewards of caring for children are great. However, working as a pediatrician can be stressful.
All pediatricians must complete a medical degree program, obtain a medical license and complete a residency program. The following table presents the requirements for becoming a pediatrician:
|Degree Level||Doctor of Medicine (MD) required, as well as completion of a residency program*|
|Degree Field||Varies by level; no specific degree is required at the bachelor's level, but certain scientific coursework is commonly required for admission to medical school; medicine at the doctoral level*; pediatrics in the residency program***|
|Licensure and Certification||Must pass national exam and be licensed by the state; certification is optional, but common*|
|Experience||3 years for a pediatric residency, 3 additional years for an optional subspecialty***|
|Key Skills||Strong verbal and written communication skills, empathy, problem-solving skills*|
|Computer Skills||Medical software is commonly used to manage patients' charts**|
Sources: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, **New England Journal of Medicine, ***Association of American Medical Colleges
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, medical schools do not typically require a particular undergraduate degree for admission. However, medical schools do look for students who have successfully completed pre-medical coursework, which includes math, chemistry, biology and physics. Students are also expected to have coursework in English and social sciences. A degree in biology is a common pathway for aspiring physicians, and some schools offer structured pre-medical programs that are designed to prepare students for medical school.
The first two years of a typical medical program are spent in a classroom, taking courses in medical procedure, body systems and disease, among other subjects. During the second half of the program, students complete clinical rotations, working with patients while supervised by a licensed physician. Clinical rotations include areas like pediatrics, psychiatry, obstetrics and internal medicine.
In a residency, aspiring pediatricians have the opportunity to receive focused instruction related to children's medicine. Residents work hands-on with patients during clinical rotations. They assess their own work, as well as case studies, in meetings and group settings designed specifically for residents. According to the American Association of Medical Colleges, a pediatric residency lasts three years. During that time, residents learn about general pediatrics and newborn care.
It is required by law that pediatricians obtain a license from their state licensing board. Although requirements vary by state, all pediatricians must submit confirmation of education and training. They also must have successfully taken all three parts of the USMLE.
The American Board of Pediatrics offers optional certification to licensed pediatricians. To become eligible for certification, applicants must have completed the relevant medical training within the past seven years. Individuals who have let more than seven years lapse may be required to undergo additional training. Applicants must also take the certifying exam, which consists of 300-350 questions. Pediatricians can also be certified in a subspecialty by taking an additional subspecialty certifying exam.
To stay certified, pediatricians are required to continue their education. The American Board of Pediatrics and the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) have developed a four-part program to help physicians stay up-to-date on advancements in pediatrics. Pediatricians are required to earn continuing education credits. They are regularly evaluated on their professionalism, medical knowledge, practice techniques and communication skills by taking an exam every ten years.